‘Wonder dance’ inspires author to write bilingual English – Croatian children’s book

by croatiaweek
June 9, 2022
in News

The Wonder Dance: Čudnovati ples

Overcoming a number of challenges through the power of dance was the inspiration behind Martina Omejec’s popular children’s book.

The book, titled “The Wonder dance” or in Croatian “Čudnovati ples” is a moving bilingual Croatian and English story about of a little Boy and his Grandpa.

Drawing on her own experiences, Martina, who is from Zagreb and mother of an 8-year-old, says that the book teaches children how to deal with feelings of sadness and dissatisfaction through a form of relaxation enjoyed by both children and adults – dance.

The Wonder Dance: Čudnovati ples

“The Wonder Dance: Čudnovati ples helps children relax and re-awaken feelings of happiness as well as develop a positive attitude towards new challenges,” Martina says, before telling her story.

“I went through the handful of challenges myself few years ago when no-one could diagnose my illness. I visited many western medicine doctors in Croatia, Slovenia and Switzerland, but no one knew what was wrong with me. I also visited many alternative doctors and most of them didn’t help until I’ve met a Chinese lady who helped me to feel better and even have my firstborn in my 40s. Afterwards I received my diagnosis which was Fibromyalgia and sacroilitis,” she says.

One of the healing activities she was taught by the Chinese lady was the ‘wonder dance’.

“It helped me to get out of the depression I was feeling because of the illness no one knew the name of. I do the relaxation dance to this day, because it helps me relax and open up to new possibilities. I felt the need to share the knowledge of the technique with other, specially with children. Because I think if you adopt a positive way of helping yourself as a young person it will be a big help once you get older,” says Martina.

The book, for ‘children’ from 5 to 95 years old, is published on Amazon and the Croatian version can be purchased in bookstores in Croatia.

The Wonder Dance: Čudnovati ples in bookstores

“The book has sold very well in Croatia because the theme is very interesting in todays’ world full of quick and big changes that children and grownups can’t get used to so fast,” adds Martina.

The Wonder Dance: Čudnovati ples has also received impressive reviews.

“This children’s picture book is very interesting and engaging. First of all, I like that the story is written in both Croatian and English. In this way, children can expand their vocabulary in two languages. Also, I must emphasize that the illustrations are captivating and colorful and can easily hold the child’s attention throughout the story. As for the plot itself, I like the idea conveyed. We all sometimes find ourselves in difficult situations, and we have various problems. However, it is imperative to stay positive in such cases. It is necessary to vibrate positively, and one of the ways to achieve that is to dance. Also, the story stresses the significance of ecology, which is also a big plus because I think it is important to teach children from an early age to care for the environment,” one reviewer wrote.