Make the world a little bit better

    Susanne Driedijk is Culture Coach at de Stilte (@destilte). The dance company primarily focuses on children. And for their (grand)parents, so they can experience it *together*. An important priority for Susanne and her colleagues is bringing dance to places where art and culture are not self-evident. In collaboration with, among others, BRIK Festival, de Stilte therefore reaches into neighborhoods. To community centers, schools, and care institutions. Doing there what the company firmly believes in: making connections through dance and making the world a little better.

    Dans is a universal language. Everyone understands it and everyone can speak it. That is precisely why it connects so strongly.

    Into the neighborhood

    de Stilte deliberately seeks out neighborhoods where residents are less likely to attend a performance themselves. “People from Hoge Vucht and De Heuvel, for example, we don't often see at our free performances. That’s why we program specifically there, in community centers or neighborhood halls. This way, parents and children can watch together, in an accessible and nearby setting.”

    New performance spaces are also emerging in healthcare facilities. Together with partners like Surplus (Woonzorgcentrum Elisabeth), Susanne is exploring how performances can bring residents, their families, and the neighborhood closer together. “The good thing is that you let them experience something together. That's when real change happens.”

    Tune and fine-tune

    "Whenever possible, we tailor our performances and workshops to meet what is needed," says Susanne. "What is happening in that neighborhood or school, and where should the focus lie? But also: what should we avoid? That's why we build sustainable relationships. We have been working with many schools and daycare organizations for years. When you know each other well and collaborate over a longer period, you get a better feel for what is required. This way, you can provide customized solutions and continually refine your offerings."

    Child dancing at the silence

    Everyone can participate

    Because dance and music do not require spoken language, every child can experience them, regardless of language level. “It is precisely through movement and expression that children learn new words, but also how they can express themselves in different ways. This often results in special moments. Like a shy child who initially moves very little and suddenly realizes: hey, I can do this. And then fully participates and afterwards shares what they felt. You can see them simply grow in their self-confidence, which also surprises the pedagogical professional or teacher. Afterwards, you discuss it, like: how do we maintain that openness?”

    In conversation

    The performances of de Stilte are layered. There isn't one fixed message or intention, which means everyone experiences it differently. “You can see whatever you want in the performance. The discussion that arises afterwards, about what you saw and felt and how others experienced it, is so valuable. You also learn from it. About yourself and about others.”

    The so-called 1-2 switch is a regular feature in the company's program and has been back in schools in Breda since this school year: first dancing, then talking, and then doing. Children watch a ten-minute duet and then discuss what they have seen and experienced. Following that is the workshop, where they get to try for themselves. They experience firsthand what it’s like to dance and what the conditions can be for collaboration in dance.

    Stage performance of The Silence in a primary school

    A moment of connection

    "Dans touches and connects. You see that happen before your eyes, in the eyes and posture of your audience," says Susanne. "Like recently at the performance 'Taama' at BRIK Festival in Huis van de Heuvel. There was singing, dancing, and music making, and a girl was completely absorbed in what was happening. No Dutch words, yet she tried to sing along. Her father was sitting next to her. Initially leaning back, but later enjoying and—surprised by his daughter—completely engaged in the moment. Those two experienced something together that they will not forget quickly. Fantastic to see."

    Performance of Silence

    Stronger together

    de Stilte aims to connect as many Bredamen as possible with performing arts, especially children. “To achieve this, we need to keep connecting. With your audience, of course, but also with the partners in the city and among ourselves as institutions and companies. Not each on our own island, but together we are stronger. This way, you learn from each other and involve target groups that you might never have reached on your own.”

    Curious where the Silence is dancing these weeks? Check the agenda at destilte.nl and find out when there’s a performance near you.

    destilte.nl | @destilte

    More culture?

    Since the beginning of this year, Breda has had six culture coaches who, from cultural institutions, are expected to give a significant boost to cultural participation in neighbourhoods and villages. The focus is on young people AND on Bredanaars who, for whatever reason, are somewhat further removed from the cultural offerings. The mission in a nutshell: to hit the streets and bring art and culture to the people. To where they live, work and meet each other.