The United States, Iraq, Syria and China: the dancers who train at the Henny Jurriëns Studio in De Baarsjes come from all over. But after almost thirty years, founder Gary Feingold quits: “It’s time for a new generation.”
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About fifty dancers are in the studio of the Chassékerk, where the Henny Jurriëns Studio is located. Most of them arrived in Amsterdam this week for the special summer program that the dance studio organizes every year. Professional dancers follow an intensive program with lessons in different styles. Good for their development and for their network.
Much-needed workout
The Henny Jurriëns Studio has developed over the years as one of the most important training places for professional dancers in Europe. Six mornings a week they can take lessons in ballet and modern dance from renowned teachers. Former dancer and cultural entrepreneur Gary Feingold founded the studio in 1995, after arriving in the Netherlands via Israel, Canada, the United States and Italy.
Feingold: “The studio is mainly aimed at freelance dancers. Those who are part of a company can take lessons there for free, but that is only a small group. Most dancers work independently.”
It is especially important for them to have a place where they can train. “It’s like with musicians: when you come out of the conservatory, you’re not done learning. You have to keep rehearsing every day to stay in shape and improve. And dancers can’t do that at home: you need a good floor , mirrors, and teachers who give you corrections. We offer that option to dancers here.”
Ineke Drabbe, head of programming at the Henny Jurriëns Studio, adds: “Dance lessons are a major expense for freelancers. Because we receive a subsidy, we can offer the lessons for a good price.”
“It is important that the young generation takes the lead now”
GARY FEINGOLD – FOUNDER HENNY JURRIENS STUDIO
“This studio offers classes in many different styles, making it really one of the most important places in Europe,” says a dancer from New York. She flew to Amsterdam especially for the summer program. Michael from China adds: “They attract teachers from all over the world here. I think it’s a very interesting place to meet teachers, styles and other dancers.”
Networking
And meeting that is also an important part of the freelance dance world. Feingold and Drabbe regularly see dancers being noticed in class by teachers, who often also work as choreographers themselves. They also try to link dancers to people in the field.
Drabbe: “That’s the icing on the cake when a dancer is picked up from class. A boy who dances here was suddenly dancing a solo on the Carré stage a while ago. Then I’m a very proud programmer.”
End of an era
After almost thirty, Feingold, who once introduced the muffin and bagel in the Netherlands and ran Gary’s Deli on the Kinkerstraat for many years, thinks it is time to say goodbye: “Partly because I have reached retirement age, but it is also important that a younger generation, who really is up-to-date with what is happening in the dance field, takes charge.”
Most likely a successor has been found who wants to continue the Henny Jurriëns Studio as a springboard. And that is a necessity for freelancers to find work in the competitive dance world. Feingold remains active in the cultural sector, including as owner of Café Belcampo in De Hallen.
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2023-07-14 05:00:00
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