Evan Schwarz, Artistic Director, and Neeltje Holland, Business Director, run Henny Jurriëns Studio (HJS). This internationally acclaimed training & networking center in the Netherlands is one of the very few places where dancers find training, expertise, and all-round support in one place. The studio plays a vital role in the dance community by providing open training for freelance dance professionals. In the interview below, Evan introduces us to HJS and provides insights into the studio’s philosophy on social safety.
HJS and the HJS community
“HJS is Europe’s leading training center for dance professionals in Europe. We support the dance community in training and expertise. Our aim is to make it accessible for the professional dance community to work and train by providing year-round dance classes in both ballet and contemporary with a reduced fee. We further organize workshops, masterclasses, and the largest summer program where over 400 international artists join in.”
Dance as Liberation
On the essence of dance philosophy at HJS, “I see dance as freedom. It’s not just about body movement; it’s also a mental state. It provides a space to find freedom in both your body and mind – to be in that moment where you can let go of whatever. It has something calm and pristine to it. Dancing for someone else can be tough, but if you keep to yourself, relying on your memory, finding the simplicity and joy in it – that’s when you discover the passion within”, says Evan.
Creating a safe environment
Addressing the sensitive nature of dance, he reflects on creating a safe environment: “Given that dance is such a sensitive art form, both emotionally and through physical touch, it is incredibly important to feel comfortable and receive guidance. The dancers we work with can be asked to perform specific scenes in their various companies or projects, sometimes with a sexual undertone. If instances of this kind are explored within our studios, it is our responsibility to guide them, constantly checking in on how everyone is feeling and making sure everyone understands why we are doing it. This in turn gives them an understanding on how to maneuver through these situations in other areas of the dance scene outside of our walls. This delicateness must be taken into account.”
“It’s all about having open communication and the freedom to discuss things without judgment.”
Evan stresses the significance of open communication in fostering a safe space: “It’s all about having open communication and the freedom to discuss things without judgement. Whether it’s with other dancers, teachers, or our receptionist– the key is feeling comfortable discussing any work-related topics with anyone you’re working with. As an artistic director, I don’t want to be seen as the man in an ivory tower. That’s why you will find me on ‘the floor’ as much as possible, where I try to initiate open dialogue. That’s what truly creates a safer space.”
“Henny Jurriëns Studio functions as an umbrella, offering support and guidance to dancers at different stages of their careers.”
By joining the Alliance Dance Safe as a new partner, HJS is taking another step toward a socially safe dance sector, hoping to have a positive impact on the broader dance community: “We’re providing a safe haven. Especially for young dancers who have recently graduated from school. In many cases, they may not have access to safety measures in other companies. At HJS, there’s a unique dynamic where older and younger generations learn from each other, fostering a collaborative environment. In this way, the studio functions as an umbrella, offering support and guidance to dancers at various stages of their careers.”
Evan Schwarz and Neeltje Holland