September 19, 2024

By: Sandra van Maanen

The future seemed predetermined for Joseph Tebandeke, born in Uganda. His body functioned differently due to polio. Yet now, he dances with extraordinary skill. “Art is understanding your body, embracing your imperfections, and finding happiness within yourself,” he says.

Starting tomorrow, Joseph will perform alongside Eva Eikhout (presenter and author of This is not a book by a girl without arms and legs) and eight dancers from Introdans’ ensemble in HEROES. They will take the stage at the Wilminktheater in Enschede on October 9. Heroes are the central theme. But who are they? It’s a question that has lingered with Roel Voorintholt, artistic director of Introdans. He chose his heroes: dancers and choreographers who have devoted their lives to the art of dance. The result is a four-part program featuring works by Regina van Berkel (Daily Hero), Inbal Pinto (Boulevard of Broken Dreams), and the duo Paul Lightfoot and Sol León (SH-BOOM!). Adriaan Luteijn also contributes with Iungo, the 2024 Encounter.

20 Years of Inclusion

For 20 years, Luteijn has been creating programs around inclusion for Introdans. The Encounter and HubClub are just two examples. Recently, his choreography Rara Avis featured a flamboyant group of drag queens led by Ma’MaQueen, performing alongside Introdans dancers. The audience loved it. Luteijn believes that experiments with inclusive casting are valuable because they challenge traditional ideas of physical or mental perfection. “And with these productions, we are reaching an ever-broader audience. Of course, it remains exciting. But Roel is brave, he believes Introdans is ready for the next step. So, we’re moving forward!”

Luteijn and Joseph Kikulwe Tebandeke met two years ago at the inclusive dance festival BODY MOVES in Johannesburg, where Introdans performed. They reunited last year in Durban, where Introdans presented a mini-version of HubClub during the JOMBA! festival. Luteijn is deeply impressed by Joseph, who has developed his own dance language and grown as both a choreographer and an inspiring dancer in a short time.

“When I heard he was touring Europe, I invited him for Iungo. He already knew Eva, and they clicked immediately because they both dance with a different physical reality. They are incredibly strong and independent.”

For Joseph, working with Eva is a gift. “I saw her perform in Johannesburg. Her performance and the way she creates space are so inspiring! Eva is positive, always joyful. She dares to show who she is and what she needs. She knows people are watching her, that there are always those looks. But she fully accepts that. I’ve already learned a lot from her.”

Role Model

Joseph Tebandeke broke free from his circumstances by diving into sports. He became a successful Paralympian, winning gold medals for Uganda. “As an athlete, I discovered I could be a role model. I started a community where young people with disabilities can explore their talents and find ways to express themselves, whether through sport, dance, or something else. Everyone can move, and ‘being different’ doesn’t stand in the way of that.”

“I’m grateful for this life, an outcome that wasn’t guaranteed due to my background. I live in two different worlds, and the world of inclusion and acceptance has become a new part of that. Deep down, I always knew there had to be opportunities for me, but I didn’t realize they would come through dance. Inspiring others now, showing that perseverance can push boundaries, feels incredible.”

‘Bodies and Minds’

While it’s a win for the audience to gain a new perspective on different physical realities, what does Introdans learn from Eva and Joseph? “Our ballet masters have grown alongside us over the past twenty years,” says Adriaan Luteijn. “They know the ins and outs of diversity. Our dancers are also open to it. They learn to collaborate with guest dancers who bring different bodies and minds, and they draw a lot of inspiration from them.”

And Joseph, what can he learn from a professional dancer? “It’s always a process of sharing. For them to work with me, they need to understand my body. And for me to work with them, I need to understand their way of life.”

“Deep down, I always knew there had to be opportunities for me.” —Joseph Tebandeke, dancer/choreographer