For DANSLOKAAL 12, our partner Dansateliers selected choreographer Bas van der Kruk. A maker for whom dance and philosophy often come together. Topics such as claiming space, feasibility, vanity, visibility, understanding and misunderstanding are a source of inspiration. In this talent development project, Bas works together with Conny Janssen Danst trainee dancers Timo Andenmatten, Alexander Carpentier and Sofia Filippi. We asked Bas a few questions.
What does it mean to you to be one of the choreographers of DANSLOKAAL?
Bas: Being a choreographer in DANSLOKAAL lets me dive headfirst into what I love most—turning wild ideas into something real. With all the tech, touring, and marketing sorted, I get to fully focus on the magic with the dancers. It’s a bit like being handed the keys to the candy store! Plus, I get a sneak peek behind the scenes of how a dance company really ticks. It’s a chance to explore, question, move, groove, and celebrate what we can achieve when we learn from each other.
What is it like to work with the dancers of Conny Janssen Danst?
Bas: Working with Sofia, Alexander, and Timo is a total joy! They bring such vibrant energy to the space, always up for exploring new possibilities, and each one adds their own unique flavour to the mix. I’m grateful we’ve found a way to make rehearsals fun, learn from each other, and bond along the way. We kick off every session by tapping into our ‘vibes’—basically a free-flow of movement, musicality, and energy through improv. It’s our secret sauce for syncing up and making the space feel like home.
We kick off every session by tapping into our ‘vibes’—basically a free-flow of movement, musicality, and energy through improv. It’s our secret sauce for syncing up and making the space feel like home. Bas van der Kruk
Can you briefly describe what people can expect when they come to see your work in DANSLOKAAL?
Bas: Get ready for something cinematic, larger than life—but then contained in a neat 20 minutes. It has roughly three acts, with a costume change and a half, some bold lighting choices, and plenty of sensory moments. It might provoke some deep thoughts… or none at all. Either way, I hope you enjoy the ride!
Think: Julia Fox meets indulging movements, a dash of pretending, posing, vulnerability, honesty, and just the right amount of cheekiness dipped in surrealism. A little vain? Maybe. But let’s be honest, aren’t we all?