Turning Points

On my way to Velenje, Slovenia, it struck me that I knew the city's name only because it is the hometown of the organisers, Vena and Drago Sulek, whom I have known for many years. I drove on a new and modern highway in Slovenia. But just as soon as I turned off this highway, driving on a normal road, I went through forests in a valley. Suddenly, behind a bend, I arrived at a very nice and, as I have learnt, an important city. Velenje is partner wiith Maribor as the European Capital of Culture 2012. Now wonder that the residents here are familiar with dance competitions since the seventies!

The Mayor of Velenje, Mr Bojan Kontic, explained that his city is built on coal. "The values of coal miners - such as co-operation, solidarity and partnership - are deeply anchored in our citizens," he said. "And as often before, exactly these values have also played an important role in the preparation of, and in the support to, the PD European DanceSport Championships."

Dance reflects the slogan and the symbolism of the European Capital of Culture 2012 well: TURNING POINTS. " Let's turn together," said Dr Suzana Zilic Fiser, the General Director of the Capital of Culture 2012. "Dance expresses our slogan in the best possible way by turning our thoughts and feelings towards the better understanding of our 'here and now'. And through this perception of the world, the top performers can show us the way to our better tomorrow."

Heidi Goetz

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