Morning Workshops

10.00 - 11.00

"Guided Improvisation"

by Sara da Costa (in English!)

In this workshop we will connect to our bodies and each other through movement improvisations, engaging in imaginative imagery and playful structures rooted in storytelling. All you need to do is want to have some fun and play with the group… There is no restriction regarding ability or technical level, and everyone is welcome provided they are kind and respectful to each other!

11.15 - 12.15

"Cuban Salsa-Lady Style"

by Anna Valentini (in English!)

In this workshop you will know and practice Cuban Salsa with a former Cuban and Puerto Rican Style Salsa National Champion. The focus will be on the well-known Cuban "Lady Style": you will learn how to play with rhythms, movements and of course with your femininity! Get or improve your "Lady Style" moves for your next Salsa night!

Afternoon Workshops

12.30 - 13.30

"Flamenco - Intro"

by Anja Manthey (in English!)

Flamenco is a passionate Spanish art form with its heartland in Andalusia, combining dance, song, music, and clapping (palmas). Its various styles powerfully express a wide range of emotions ranging from grief to joy. This workshop is about experiencing elegant movements and vibrant flamenco rhythms through engaging exercises.

13.45 - 14.45

"Tap into your Feminine Side"

by Suzan Sohrab (in Dutch!)

Join us for a special Women’s Day celebration where we explore the beauty, grace, and power of feminine movement. Whether you're an experienced dancer or stepping onto the floor for the very first time, this workshop is designed for all levels to feel comfortable, confident, and empowered. During this session, we’ll dive into an easy-to-follow, feminine dance routine that will have you embracing your elegance and celebrating your unique energy.

Afternoon Workshops

15.00 - 16.00

"Metaphoring"

by Joana Cunha Pinto (in English!)

In this workshop, Joana will share a personal performance practice intertwining movement exploration and automatic writing. "Metaphoring" encourages participants to delve into their own personal experience of the world, translating it into embodied and written material. It is a proposal for introspection that invites its bridging with one’s surroundings.

16.15 - 17.15

"African-Contemporary Dance"

by Simone Heijloo (in Dutch!)

"African-Contemporary Dance" is a Dance-Style that is a combination of African traditional dance and contemporary danceinfluences.

It's open to everybody who likes to discover new ways of moving and enjoys to dance together in a nice and warm atmosphere. Join this workshop and work on your power, condition, flexibility, coordination and rhythm in dance.

1. "Still Here"

by Simone Heijloo

"Still Here" is a Dance-Performance that talks about the influences of the past in daily life. Focused on the birth of her life. Every body has body memories. Do you push them away or can you deal with them? This solo reflects memories and the power of the inner and the body to continue living. To become who you are.
In her solo Simone shows the body as an instrument to express memories and vulnerability. In a raw and unique way and how the body helps to process emotions and feelings through dance. The body is stronger then we think. Dance and art are a way of life for Simone. All is still here.

4. "Flamenco - A Path"

by Anja Manthey

“Flamenco - A Path” is a dance performance that brings the audience closer to the passionate vibes of the art of Flamenco. This Flamenco performance showcases diverse dance styles enriched with manton (shawl) and abanico (fan) expressing a mesmerising range of emotions – weaving a story of transformations.

2. "she/they is just a layer"

by Sara da Costa

What does it mean to be a woman?

This question can be incredibly daunting as we are faced with concepts such as motherhood, menstruation, sexual harassment, slut shaming, the virgin Mary, “hysteria”... what does it mean to just... be... regardless of gender?

5. "LET ME"

by Joana Cunha Pinto

"LET ME" is a solo performance in which the performer uses their body as a catalyst for personal and collective introspection.

It is an exploration towards exposing how one single, patient and persistent action can bring about so many memories, stories, metaphors. "LET ME" is an invitation for careful and caring attention.

3. "Time to Shine"

by Suzan Sohrab

Time to Shine is a dance performance that celebrates the authenticity, confidence, and beauty of every individual. Through dynamic feminine movement, this performance embodies the power of self-expression and the confidence that comes with stepping into the spotlight. It’s a moment where every dancer shines in their own unique way, embracing their inner strength and feminine energy.

6. "L U N A"

by Anna valentini

L U N A is a deeply introspective work that delves into some of the most important and challenging themes that we face as human beings. Prejudice, estrangement, self-consciousness, and alienation are all central to the story, and are explored in great detail throughout the work.

Whether we have experienced these feelings ourselves, or know someone who has, L U N A is a powerful and moving exploration of what it means to be human in a complex and often difficult world.

Sara da Costa

Sara (she/they) is a performance artist and educator based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Originally from Portugal, Sara gets inspired by her personal experiences of the world, questioning the “rules” and social constructs that govern us. Sara lives in an utopic imaginary world where they are a fairy who make art for the sake of serving the soul and being happy.

Anna Valentini

Graduated in “Bachelor of Arts - Technical Composition” from The National Academy of Dance in Rome, Caribbean Show-Dance National Winner, Anna Valentini is a professional Contemporary Dancer based in Amsterdam and active in The Netherlands and internationally. Anna’s movement arises from different contemporary dance techniques and repertoires she had the chance to know and study, making her language a unique blend of theatrical, vocal, floorwork, partnering and improvisation skills.
After dancing many years in Italy and in The United Kingdom for internationally renowned choreographers, Anna performed several times in Amsterdam, debuting at De Meervaart Theater. L U N A is her first self-produced solo in Amsterdam, premiered at the 4bid Gallery.

Anja Manthey

Based in Brussels, Anja Manthey has passionately embraced flamenco since 2012, following a lifelong journey through various dance forms. She frequently trains in her beloved "flamenco home," Sevilla. Her performances incorporate castanets, manton (shawl), bata de cola (skirt with tail), and abanico (fan), reinforcing this vibrant dance tradition.

Suzan Sohrab

I am Suzan Sohrab, a passionate dancer who moves her emotions and expression. After four years of experiencing styles from Afro Dance to Hiphop and Vogue, I’ve found my place in Feminine Dance. Today I’m taking you into a workshop full of energy, confidence and self-expression.

Joana Cunha Pinto

Joana Cunha Pinto, (they/she), has developed their artistic work across the areas of contemporary dance and performance art. They invite vulnerability and intimacy in their work through the exploration of poetic experience in performance art, under the umbrellas of expanded poetry and language.
Joana is currently enrolled in the Master's Performance Practices (ArtEZ University).

Simone Heijloo

Simone Heijloo is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, producer, dance therapist and movement coach. Specialized in African Contemporary dance and is a unique performer and dance teacher in this technique in the Netherlands. Simone studied African traditional and African Contemporary dance in Senegal (Ecole des Sables, Germaine Acogny) and Burkina Faso (Ecole de Danse Irène Tassembédo, EDIT), Africa. Simone produced several African Contemporary dance and music performances in the Netherlands and Africa. She performed and trained with famous choreographers in African Contemporary dance (like Irène Tassembédo, Katina Genero, Tebby W.T. Ramasike, Gerard Diby, Merlin Nyakam) and works on different dance projects in the Netherlands, Europe and Africa.