June 12, 2025
by Sandra van Maanen

As the sun reaches its highest point, Introdans traditionally closes its dance season with End of Season, a festive performance that revisits the season’s highlights one last time while offering a glimpse of what lies ahead.

On June 19, Introdans will premiere End of Season at Amphion in Doetinchem, followed by performances in Zwolle, Hengelo, Nijmegen and Apeldoorn. It’s hard to say what artistic director Roel Voorintholt enjoys most. Does he prefer deeply thematic programs, the inclusive spirit of HubClub, or focus programs that highlight entire bodies of work and the development of top choreographers?

“I love it all equally and find it all important,” he says. “Earlier this year, for example, Lucinda Childs, with whom we’ve collaborated for many years, celebrated her 85th birthday with us. With a premiere no less, Notes of Longing, a completely new choreography she created especially for us. That is something I look back on with great joy.”

Eight pieces
End of Season is different in nature but just as appealing, precisely because it features a great mix of old and new work. It becomes an unpredictable and heartwarming evening with no fewer than eight pieces.

And it’s not only about ballets. End of Season is also often the moment when Introdans bids farewell to dancers who have been part of the company for many years and now shine one last time. Like Vérine Bouwman. She will dance once more with Salvatore Castelli, her husband and dance partner. With Pure by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Rossini Cards by Mauro Bigonzetti, two intense duets, she will conclude her beautiful dance career. Fortunately, she will remain with Introdans as a répétiteur and ballet master, continuing to share her knowledge with the next generation of dancers.

Lucinda Childs
Another highlight of the evening for Voorintholt is the ballet by Lucinda Childs, which premiered earlier this year and was part of the focus program dedicated to the American choreographer. Known for her minimalist style, Childs showed a different side in Notes of Longing. What Voorintholt finds so special about a focus program is that it shows how a choreographer evolves. Do they become more minimal, more modern, or return to classical roots? What gets added or removed over the years?

He is also excited about the preview of HubClub 26. For this edition, choreographer Jordi Dik is creating a new piece in collaboration with Tiuri, a creative platform that gives underrepresented talent new opportunities. Introdans has long stood for inclusivity, so it is fitting that this theme takes center stage during the evening.

Zwarte Cross
Lazarus by Irish choreographer Oona Doherty is also part of the evening, and perhaps logically so. Is it a teaser for Zwarte Cross, where Introdans will perform this work again soon? One way or another, Voorintholt promises it will be a party.

Each piece has its own story, such as Caught by David Parsons and La Morte del Cigno by Mauro de Candia, both male solos. The latter will be performed by Fabio Falsetti, who is also retiring from his dance career with this program.

No stress
Despite the departure of several well-known dancers, Voorintholt feels no stress about the future of the company. This is how it goes. We look back on impressive dance careers and look ahead with optimism. Introdans works closely with young talent and is a valuable learning environment for interns. One of them has already joined the company, and others will be seen in future productions. The flow never stops. We are constantly moving forward.

To close the evening, a fragment from Bye Bye Land by Daan Wijnands will be performed. As a choreographer, Wijnands masterfully blends his musical theatre background with professional dance. Introdans aims to create a joyful, swinging summer celebration. A moment to reflect, say goodbye, and look forward to the productions yet to come.