The Secret of Moonlight is an inclusive performance for the very youngest audiences, created under the guidance of choreographer Yana Reutova and her non-profit organisation Dancehood, in co-production with the TANEC PRAHA festival. The work is based on the internationally recognised Safe Place approach, in which the environment adapts to the child, not the other way around.

The performance is designed for three audience groups: children on the autism spectrum and with other forms of neurodivergence; toddlers held in their parents’ arms, with adults acting as a bridge for communication; and curious pre-school children who are ready to take a more active part in play.

The set design by Marjetka Kürner Kalous transforms the stage into a magical play world filled with decorations and sensory stimuli—everything within reach, yet nothing compulsory. The performance gently explores different senses: children discover textures, respond to sounds and engage with interactive objects. Live music is provided by musician and singer Milli Janatková, whose work draws on natural soundscapes and long-term experience with inclusive artistic practice. The atmosphere is fairy-tale-like, with a calm, unhurried pace.

Children are free to move, observe from a distance or immerse themselves fully in interaction. After the 45-minute performance, families are invited to remain on stage to explore the space together at their own pace.

Yana Reutova worked as a choreographer and educator in the Odesa region of Ukraine before fleeing the war to Prague in March 2022. She continues her artistic and pedagogical work there and founded the non-profit organisation Dancehood, supporting dance through education and community projects. Her works include the triptych Together Alone (selected for the EFFEA Open Call) and the well-regarded children’s performances On the Road and Childhood Time. She has been selected for the Czech Dance Platform and invited to festivals such as TANEC PRAHA, Bazaar festival and others in Italy, Spain, France, Poland and Brazil.