Four distinguished dancers will say goodbye to the Arnhem-based dance company Introdans after this theatre season. The festive End of Season 2026 performances will mark the conclusion of their remarkable dance careers. Nienke Wind, Nina Dijkman, Giuseppe Calabrese and Ruben Ameling de Leeuw reflect on personal highlights and offer a glimpse into their lives as professional dancers.
Dancing with a company like Introdans is elite-level physical performance. Every day begins with a group ballet class, followed by daily rehearsals and performances several evenings each week. It is demanding work, but that is precisely what makes a dancer’s life special, says Nienke Wind, 34, who is retiring after an impressive 14 years with the company.
“You work together so intensively, share life’s ups and downs, and develop incredibly strong bonds with the other dancers. I am certain that my colleagues are what I will miss most.”
Nienke will also miss dancing itself.
“Where I sometimes find talking difficult, I can express myself through dance with much less effort or fear. It will take some getting used to, both physically and mentally, not dancing every day anymore, but I am also looking forward to spending more time with my family.”
Ruben Ameling de Leeuw, also 34, joined Introdans in the same season as Nienke.
“It feels strange to think that I soon will not just be walking through the halls of Introdans or dancing in the studio.”
Alongside memorable tours in cities including New York, St Petersburg and Beijing, Ruben considers the daily work in the dance studio one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.
“I always enjoyed watching other dancers, choreographers and ballet masters at work, and doing my own artistic exploration in the studio.”
After retiring from dance, Ruben will begin studies in interior architecture and styling.
One dancer who will not be leaving the studio entirely is Giuseppe Calabrese, 37. He is transitioning from his professional dance career to a position as a ballet master at Introdans.
“I have always seen dance as a shared journey rather than an individual one. That is especially true at Introdans, where the strength of the group is what makes the difference on stage. I look forward to helping the next generation of dancers, in my new role, bring out the best in themselves and in each other.”
Nina Dijkman, 30, danced with Introdans for nine seasons. For her, saying goodbye feels bittersweet.
“It is sad, but at the same time I look back on a wonderful career.”
One of Nina’s personal highlights was performing in Eusebius Church in 2020.
“I found it very special to perform in such a beautiful, large church.”
Nina is not too worried about missing dance.
“Whether it is taking a dance class or playing dance games on the Nintendo with my nephew and niece, dance will always remain part of my life.”
The four Introdans dancers will appear on stage together for the final time during End of Season 2026, a full-evening programme featuring several ballets. The production premieres on June 18, 2026, at Amphion Theatre in Doetinchem and will then be performed exclusively in Eindhoven, Gouda, Hengelo and Apeldoorn through June 27, 2026. Tickets and more information are available via Introdans.
Looking back and looking forward
Share this article:
Stay up to date
Would you like to take a look behind the scenes of our company? Sign up for our newsletter (in Dutch) to stay informed of the latest news and all performances and activities!