The title of Close Up #2 refers to spring. To the possible, the imaginary and to experiment. To emerging young talent. Having fun, getting inspired and learning. In this edition you therefore find stories written and collected especially for you about the talented dance makers Imre van Opstal and Marne van Opstal, about dance education for young children and about the dreams of NDT 2 apprentice Demi Bawon.

The company has been busy in the run-up to spring. The world premieres of Hofesh Shechter and Imre van Opstal and Marne van Opstal were presented by the NDT 1 dancers in live streams on February 15 and Marco Goecke created an intense choreography The Big Crying with all 19 NDT 2 dancers. The extra time we have available because off limitations on (inter)national touring is used to research and build up new ideas. In recent months, Israeli choreographer Tom Weinberger has created a new work together with the NDT 2 dancers, especially for locations outside the traditional theater setup. And all educational activities for primary education will continue, albeit online. Soon an online program around a school performance will be launched.

It is great to see how all employees and departments keep moving with passion and commitment and keep the dialogue and connection with each other and with the world around us going. The many challenges that this period presents makes your relationship with NDT indispensable. We are more grateful than ever for your involvement, thank you! With dialogue and connection being important, your feedback, questions and thoughts are always welcome, feel free to share them with us!

I wish you a lot of reading pleasure!

Emily Molnar
Artistic director