Studiegids

Vision

Starting in 2019, the programme is built from an understanding that dance performers today develop their craft from multiple, interconnected sources and experiences of movement and performing. Thus, the term ‘con-temporary dance’ is understood in a broad, expanded sense, as diversity of people, practices, aesthetics and cultures; in short as a process and context ra-ther than a style. Contemporary dance is constantly being redefined by com-plex histories and relationships to the present, entertained by different dance artists and dance communities. Thus, the content of the program does away with the Western choreographic canon as its unique core. It expands to the (of-ten marginalised) expressions techniques and forms, considering them as im-portant, and indeed, legitimately canonical.
Aiming for a ” comprehensive” curriculum in such a heterogeneous and plural contexts becomes rather meaningless. The ECD curriculum is at the moment resting on pillars of Euro-American, African, and Street and Club contemporary dance references. Next to that, it is guided by a strong link between physical practice, artistic creation and research. Last, but not least, the program strives to giving space to what the students themselves bring: their backgrounds, inter-ests and development trajectories. 

By broadening our perspective and  redefining our understand-ing of what ‘contemporary dance’ is, we want to offer students a  place where they can explore their individuality, artistic personality and challenge their (world)views. We invite students to think and act as artists with their own voice. In this way, next to being able to work with established choreographers and companies they will hopefully have the confidence to carve their own unique path as artists. They will find perhaps their own way to help create new possi-bilities to envision the world and to keep dance evolving.
Our hope as well is to continue challenge ourselves as a learn-ing community, working on what dance training and education can be rather than perpetuating the same ideas of what it should be. Since an education is a first stepping stone into a professional dance world, we - ECD students, teach-ers, staff and guest artists alike - hope to be able to contribute to the ongoing process of diversifying the choreographic canon as well as new creations, and be involved in the ongoing effort to change the modes  of doing and making in the professional world, to a field that is based on open imagination, sharp thinking, and above all, equality and mutual respect.