From dance to meeting - A successful first edition of Dansontmoeting

A dance studio full of curious glances, tapping feet and arms exploring the air. This is how the very first Dansontmoeting (Dance Encounter), a special dance workshop organised by Holland Dance Festival and Ballet Studio Yolanda, began last Sunday.

Children aged 8 to 12, each with their own background and abilities, streamed together into the dance hall where everyone - children with or without disabilities - was welcome. Under the guidance of a professional inclusive dance teacher, the children danced enthusiastically, either in their wheelchairs or on their feet, in the style of modern dance. The participants danced like water, creating waves and currents and allowing each other to join in. What started with a tentative step soon became a vibrant encounter — sometimes verbal, but more often expressed through movement within everyone's capabilities.

Between dances, there was plenty of tinkering, with T-shirts transformed into living works of art full of colour and character. As well as the homemade creations, faces were also decorated with glitter and beautiful theatre make-up. Naturally, there was also time to enjoy a drink together and take a breather in between.

The afternoon ended with a low-key yet festive presentation of the children's work for parents. Here, the children showed off what they had learnt, and mums and dads also had the opportunity to introduce themselves with a short dance together. The energy, fun and sense of connection were palpable — a fitting end to a successful and inclusive Dansontmoeting (Dance Encounter).