Contemporary Dance: Facades

It’s pitch dark and hot in the small room that gives access to the stage. Shoulder to shoulder, back to front and front to back, we’re tightly packed together, waiting for our turn to go on stage. A few begin to whisper. It sounds loud in the silent room and is quickly followed by a ‘shhhht they can hear us’. Excitement and nervousness all along and the waiting is increasing both!

It’s mid May when I come across an announcement for a contemporary dance production with three generations: teenagers, elderly and ‘middle-aged’. I haven’t danced for a couple of years and at first the voice in my head responds with ‘you’re not good enough’. On hearing that familiar sentence I answer: hé we agreed to stick with positive self-talk, remember?’. And I send out an email to the choreographer.

A week later I join the first session. It’s a delight! The focus is on improvisation and connection and already in that first session Marjolijn knows to make everyone feel safe and free to dance their best. It’s a wonderful experience. For three months we work together, with a couple of rehearsal days in the theatre where we meet all 30 (!) dancers.

It’s inspiring to work with so many different people, each with her own unique abilities. It invites to search for connection and to dance from a space of respect for each other. With some connection comes natural and I’m happy to have made lasting connections with beautiful souls.

Photography by Noor van Gestel

Videography by Yannick Lankhorst and Rob van Pelt

Choreography by Marjolijn Breuring 

Dutch spoken, no subtitles