From February 17 to 21, 2025, a very special project week took place in Paramaribo, Suriname, filled with dance and spoken word. The project was organised by Introdans and the Ilonka Elmont Foundation, in collaboration with Fonds Kind & Handicap and Deelstof.

This initiative brought together Dutch and Surinamese artists and dance makers for an inspiring intercultural exchange.

During Dancing Words – Spoken Dance, 80 children from special education schools, with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, discovered the power of dance and spoken word as a means of self-expression. They learned to use their bodies and voices to tell their own stories.

In a highly competitive society, it’s vital that children experience that it’s okay to simply be themselves. Art is a powerful tool in this. Especially in special education, we see how well dance, language and music resonate with students’ own experiences and imagination.

We were amazed by what the children achieved in such a short time. And truly — it doesn’t matter what your body looks like, because everyone can dance!

Breakdancer and filmmaker Divano Rommers captured the project beautifully in this documentary. Watch the film below.

A first seed has been planted in Suriname. For our local partners (Ilonka Elmont Foundation and the special education schools), this definitely calls for more. Fonds Kind & Handicap and Introdans are already developing ideas for a follow-up project — possibly involving the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands!

A big thank you to all the amazing Dutch and Surinamese artists who shared their knowledge and energy: Adriaan Luteijn, Chantal de Vries, Georgios Lazakis, Koloku, Fally van Gennip and Elijiah Cairo. Special thanks to Bureau Speciaal Onderwijs Suriname and the students and staff of Mytylschool Suriname, Jule Fernandes School and SO Lamtoro.

And of course, deep gratitude to the partners who made this all possible: Elja Foundation, Introdans, Ilonka Elmont Foundation, Fonds Kind en Handicap, Deelstof.

#Dance #SpokenWord #SpecialEducationSuriname #Talent #Joy #SelfExpression #SuccessExperience #KnowledgeSharing #Inclusion #EveryoneCanDance