Kyliáns Chapeau & Bella Figura Masterclasses inspire all ages

This past weekend was entirely dedicated to the work of renowned choreographer Jiří Kylián, with two special masterclasses led by former dancers of the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT). Both young and adult dancers were given the unique opportunity to explore Kylián’s iconic repertoire under the guidance of former NDT dancers Sarah Reynolds and Stefan Zeromski. The sessions left a lasting impression on all who participated.

On Saturday, June 14, Sarah Reynolds worked with a group of enthusiastic young dancers (ages 14–17) on playful excerpts from Chapeau, set to the music of Prince. With her experience and humor, Sarah created a safe and inspiring environment, introducing the dancers to Kylián’s style in a way that resonated with their own world. The combination of technical challenge, musicality, and humor made a strong impact. Not only did she convey the movement material with clarity, but she also made it accessible and engaging. By sharing background information on Kylián’s creative process and artistic choices, the young dancers gained a deeper understanding of the choreography’s meaning. Reactions ranged from delight—“Wow, so I’m allowed to wiggle now!”—to laughter at the comparison to Pat & Mat, a childhood TV show from Kylián’s home country, the Czech Republic. The blend of humor and technical precision left the dancers inspired, curious, and full of admiration.

The following day, on Sunday, June 15, it was the adults’ turn to immerse themselves in Kylián’s work. Stefan Zeromski—former NDT 1 dancer and currently one of the répétiteurs for Kylián’s repertoire—led an intensive masterclass centered around Bella Figura, one of Kylián’s most acclaimed pieces. This session brought together a diverse group, from young professionals to older dance enthusiasts of varying experience levels. Working from Kylián’s aesthetic and with great respect for each dancer’s background, Stefan challenged participants both physically and artistically. The session provided deep insight into the subtleties of the choreography and instilled a renewed appreciation for the dancers who bring it to life on stage.

An inspiring weekend that made a deep impact and further strengthened the participants’ respect for Kylián’s body of work. A valuable experience—leaving everyone eager for more.