New Moves Online

Sonder - Claire Tjoe-Fat and Philippe Magdelijns

'Sonder' is the profound realization that everyone, including strangers passed on the street, has a life that is just as complex as your own. In their dance video Sonder, Claire Tjoe-Fat and Philippe Magdelijns explore this careless encounter of passers-by, who can either make a connection or pass each other by indifferently. Danced in a minimalist setting in self-designed costumes, this choreography radiates intimacy and tranquility.  

Claire Tjoe-Fat and Philippe Magdelijns are both dancers from the Junior Company who, as of next season, have been promoted to Dutch National Ballet’s main company. For New Moves Online they have managed to combine their individual dance styles into a subtle, free choreography, which they also dance together: 'for us, by us'.  

Intra - Daniel Robert Silva

As a part of last year’s New Moves Online, Daniel Robert Silva, who is promoted to grand sujet as of next season, created the dance film Absence in the NDSM Loods in Amsterdam North. For his newest choreography Intra, he has chosen the stage in the auditorium of Dutch National Opera & Ballet as location and drawn inspiration from the strange times in which artists have found themselves during the past year:   

“Intra expresses the third element we all missed this year, but which is crucial for artists: the audience. The duet, set to beautiful music by Schumann, travels through a dark space in which the two dancers support and comfort each other.” 

Daniel Robert Silva dances his work Intra together with corps de ballet dancer Yvonne Slingerland. 

Leo Hepler, together with Bela Erlandson, Emma Mardegan and Mila Nicolussi Caviglia - Beach Odyssey

In addition to being the ideas that inspired its creation, exploring the challenges and joys of dance and having fun with friends are central themes in this dance film by Leo Hepler. By working with the principles of individual expression and collaboration, Leo, together with his three fellow dancers and close friends Emma Mardegan, Bela Erlandson and Mila Nicolussi Caviglia have created a playful and summery work that channels the freedom of a kitchen dance party into the studio. 

From the beginning of the season 21/22, Leo Hepler has been promoted to dancer in the corps de ballet of Dutch National Ballet and makes his debut as a choreographer with New Moves Online. His work hopes to explore the beauty of the boundaries of classical ballet through a process that is inclusive and open minded. He sets himself the goal of creating work that respects dancers as autonomous, highly intelligent individuals that are at once technically specialized and profoundly versatile.  

Mirage - Pascal Johnson and Sem Sjouke

In their new choreography Mirage, Pascal Johnson and Sem Sjouke explore one's satisfaction with the present moment. The dancers in the piece are yearning for their future selves, the versions of themselves that have no problems and have processed their emotions. We see the inner angst of these dancers, who are frustrated with the present but cannot reach the hopeful future. For the future is a mirage where we can only dwell, not a place where we can live. 

Pascal Johnson dances Mirage together with corps de ballet dancer Kira Hilli. Earlier, he created the dance films The Garden and Nana para el Alma for New Moves Online, together with grand sujet Sem Sjouke.  

Passing Shadows

Passing Shadows is a pas de deux that is created by Remi Wörtmeyer, principal at Dutch National Ballet. 

Remi: ‘’Passing Shadows is a piece I created for the HNB New Moves program. The choreography and title describe the shadows that pass through our relationships. The imprints of our past shape our present and those moments like shadows, follow us through life. We are the sum of our passing shadows.’’

The work is danced by the wonderful Jingjing Mao and Clemens Fröhlich. The costumes the dancers wear are made, painted and foiled by Remi himself. With music by Rachmaninov.

I Can't Breathe - Beatriz Kuperus

During the lockdown, dancer Beatriz Kuperus, élève of Dutch National Ballet, stayed in her home state Colorado. Beatriz was moved by the urgent personal need to express the grief and oppressive sadness that have spread all over the world. And so she did. She created a new choreography titled I Can’t Breathe right in the middle of the mountains of Colorado.

The Garden  - Pascal Johnson en Sem Sjouke

Dutch National Ballet X Kröller-Müller Museum

The dance film 'The Garden' is a collaboration between Kröller-Müller and two dancers of Dutch National Ballet, Pascal Johnson and Sem Sjouke. These dancers were inspired by Le Jardin D’email when visiting the Museum in July, and wanted to create something to showcase this piece after it’s 5 year restoration.

With "The Garden', to Hania Rani's composition Summer as result. This work aims to encapsulate the experience of visiting the sculpture Le Jardin D’email, through dance and film. Pascal and Sem were really struck by the sculpture and the juxtaposition it presents between the all white concrete garden surrounded by the nature of the Holge Veluwe. This mirrors the natural relationships between the dancers in the film and the way the choreography was adapted for the space. Much like the gardens were adapted for the Jean Du Buffet’s sculpture.

Choreografie en productie: Pascal Johnson | Regie en film: Sem Sjouke | Kostuumontwerp: Michelle Cantwell | Gedanst door Riho Sakamoto, Khayla Fitzpatrick, Remy Catalan, Martin ten Kortenaar en Daniel Montero Real

Choreography and production: Pascal Johnson | Direction and film: Sem Sjouke | Costume design: Michelle Cantwell | Danced by Riho Sakamoto, Khayla Fitzpatrick, Remy Catalan, Martin ten Kortenaar and Daniel Montero Real

Absence - Daniel Robert Silva and Robin van Zutphen

"As a black artist I felt the necessity to express the way I feel in this very hard and challenging times. We all deserve to be free, respected and seen! I want to thank my great friend Robin van Zutphen, who made this possible. Sarali thank you for capturing and adding your perspective in this project. Special thanks to NDSM Loods for opening up your beautiful space for us." Daniel Robert Silva

Nana para el alma - Pascal Johnson en Sem Sjouke

Where can I find peace? Where can I go?  How can I find a place, between struggle and acceptance. Where can I soothe my soul?

Where can I find peace? Where can I go?  How can I find a place, between struggle and acceptance. Where can I soothe my soul?

This video is titled Nana para el Alma and is made by Corps de Ballet dancer Pascal Johnson and Grand Sujet Sem Sjouke. Pascal: "The concept and the choreography for this dance arose during the lockdown. In this temporary reality we were forced to relax and to find our way in the new 'normal'. For me, Nana para el Alma was a way to reconnect to dance and to rediscover my love for the art of dance." Sem Sjouke has directed and filmed the choreography. "It was very special to work on this project together and to experience my choreography through Sem's lens. It gives a new perspective to this dance."

Pascal was inspired by the music, 'Nana' by the Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalía, and by the location, the Pythonbrug. The 93-metres-long, red, snake-like bridge between Sporenburg and Borneo-island. One of the most special bridges in Amsterdam. 

Danced by Pascal Johnson | Direction and film: Sem Sjouke | Costume design: Asa Carney

According to Ted Brandsen, director of Dutch National Ballet, investing in new choreographic talent is a must. Because of that, ever since he became director in 2003, New Moves takes place: an annual event in which the dancers from the company can develop their choreographic talents. Unfortunately, due to the corona pandemic, the last two editions of New Moves had to be cancelled. But our dancers kept on creating and, in this process, also experimented with the possibilities that were offered by the combination of choreography and film. The result are beautiful, diverse dance films.

This summer, every two weeks a short dance film will premiere for you to watch at home. Enjoy New Moves Online!