Kids’ Activities
Janetta Redžić
We are so excited to have Janetta run the Kids Class at Balkanalia thi s year!
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Janetta has been immersed in Balkan folk dance since the age of six, when she began dancing with the Bosnian folk ensemble Sevdah. Her passion for dance later expanded through her time with Seattle’s Radost Balkan Folk Ensemble, where she trained in a wide range of Balkan dance traditions alongside dancers from across the region.
After returning to the Bay Area, Janetta founded Čardak, a pan-Balkan folk dance ensemble that now includes dancers ages 4 to 42. She teaches children ages 4–16 each week, creating a fun, welcoming environment where young dancers build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and connect with Balkan culture through music and movement.
This year, Janetta also taught a large children’s dance program at EEFC’s West Coast Camp in Mendocino, where she inspired students to enthusiastically perform in the camp’s closing concert. Drawing on both her dance background and years of experience as a professional nanny, she has a natural ability to connect with children, helping them feel supported, capable, and excited to learn. She is passionate about creating joyful experiences that foster confidence, community, and a lifelong love of Balkan dance.
Other things for kids to do at Balkanalia
- Beginner Band
- Any singing class
- Lifeguard hours by the river
- A huge playing field — bring your outdoor games
- A basketball / sport court, when there isn’t a class taught there