About me
Dancer, teacher and choreographer based in Amsterdam
Bio
I was born on St. Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles. Dance has always been a part of my family and my culture, but it wasn't until I was 18 that I started taking it seriously by taking dance lessons. A classmate of mine in high school said it would be something for me. She was right. I was sold, it was love at first sight. After my first lesson I knew that I wanted to become a professional dancer. The fire inside me was lit. With the years my love and curiosity for dancing still increases and the fire is burning bright till this day.
After graduating from Fontys School of the Arts in Tilburg I have worked with renowned dance companies and choreographers such as Scapino Ballet, LeineRoebana, David Middendorp and Nanine Linning. I have performed in many cities in Europe, Asia and the United States. I have also appeared on several TV shows, including "Dancing Queen" and "So You Think You Can Dance". In 2006 I was nominated for the Jacques de Leeuw Young Top Talent Award and in 2014 for the VSCD dance award “Zwaan for most impressive dance performance”.
Teaching
I love to guide other dancers in their development and to help them grow. This is one the reasons why – next to dancing – I also teach. My teaching career started when Gerald van Windt gave me the opportunity teach jazz and jazz funk at Moves Amsterdam. Nowadays I teach modern jazz and contemporary dance. I’ve been teaching these two styles of dance for over 15 years. Teaching has also played an important part in my professional career. It has contributed to making me a better dancer. Being an example for others adds pressure to keep your mind and body sharp. Teaching makes me aware of what I communicate with my body and how to communicate with words.
These are some of the places where I’ve taught over the years: Henny Jurriens Studio, Amsterdam University of the Arts, Fontys Academy of the Arts, Lucia Marthas Institute for the Performing Arts, the dance pre-education at CODARTS, Huis Conny Janssen Danst, Project Sally and Dance Alps Festival in Austria. I currently teach two open classes every week at the Amsterdam Dance Centre and I also give workshops across the nation and abroad.
Dance
Over the years, I have been developing my own movement vocabulary which is characterized by purity, sincerity and authenticity. With carefully thought-out choreographies and my qualities as a performer, I aim to connect with my audience on a fundamental human level. I also focus on being human in my dance. This is reflected in the smallest details. In my performances I aim to create a “here and now” experience that makes every performance unique, also for myself.
Contact
For workshops, choreography, performances, collaborations or other inquiries contact me at uri@uri.eu
Classes
Be, dance, explore and experience
The concept of my classes is to create a positive work environment where aspiring young dancers, professional dancers, fellow dance teachers and dance enthusiasts can further develop their physical and artistic qualities.
Modern jazz class
Class begins with a warm-up which focuses on placement, coordination, strengthening, and flexibility. Another important focal point is musicality: learning to analyze and embody the music. I also incorporates elements from several other dance styles, such as contemporary, hip-hop, and ballet, to keep evolving my style.
With these elements and focal points, I hope to expand the movement vocabulary of my students and to better enable them to translate their personal experiences and feelings into dance.
Contemporary class
The key focal points of my contemporary class are; individuality, body awareness, and awareness of the space. The class starts with a series of ongoing movements to awaken the body as a whole. The attention then shifts to the smaller details and articulations in the body.
Everybody and each body is different. I want to encourage and stimulate that individuality. With the help of a dance phrase and tasks, I let the students explore elements of the body (articulations, texture), space (levels, planes), and time (musicality, dynamics). With this, I hope to trigger a curiosity within the participants to explore their physicality on a much deeper level.
Amsterdam Dance Centre
Tuesdays
Contemporary intermediate 18:45 - 20:15
Wednesdays
Modern jazz intermediate/advanced 19:00 - 20:30
Video
Stay open to new possibilities, keep moving forward and be flexible in mind and body
Next to theaters I’ve performed in a variety of locations. From beautiful estates to historic buildings and even a plastic bubble construction. Each space has its own unique character and adds to the mood and impact of every performance. Being able to perform in such diverse locations, where the conditions of each space are very different, contributes to my artistic development and my adaptability as a maker.
As a dancer and choreographer I’ve collaborated with artists from different disciplines. Through these collaborations my work has reached a broader audience and I’ve performed at events and festivals not specifically meant for dance. Working with artists from different disciplines also brings a rich blend of skills, techniques and ideas to the creative process. The sharing and interchanging of these ideas and techniques can lead to different methods of creating and it can also lead to innovative and unexpected outcomes.
Over the years I’ve engaged in a fascinating and dynamic creative process, combining improvisation, structured exercises, and environmental influences in different studios and at home. In this process I also challenge myself to explore the full range of my movement possibilities. Natural lighting adds a layer of uniqueness and unpredictability. During this process my recordings have become an intrinsic part of my research.
The fact that some recordings capture a moment that can never be exactly replicated adds a special value to the work. They show the fleeting nature of art and they capture the beauty of singular, unreproducible expressions of creativity. Sharing these recordings provides you with an intimate glimpse into my creative process, allowing you to witness the unique blend of my movement, the chosen spaces, and the ever-changing natural lighting.
As I continue to explore and share my creative journey, these recordings serve as an archive of my growth, experimentation, and the evolving relationship between my body and the spaces I inhabit.
Photography
A visual journey through dance performances, model photoshoots and intimate still moments
The power of photography lies in its ability to suspend time, capturing the magic of fleeting moments and creating a timeless narrative. Each photo tells a unique story.
These images give shape to the essence of my art and me as person. They reveal a spectrum of emotions, movements, and expressions that are all a part of me. Here, you'll find a collection of images from personal projects, live performances, and collaborative photoshoots with skilled photographers. Gain a personal insight into the different aspects of my work and discover the fragments of my story etched into each captured pose.
Schedule
Workshops and performances. Where to find me.
AmsterDans International Competition
19-05-2024 Contemporary class on stage at Podium Mozaiek. Check their website for more information.
Art of Ballet Intensive
July 20th until July 26th in Amsterdam. I will be teaching contemporary (24th of July - 26th of July) for beginner/intermediate and advanced level dancers. Next to the I will be creating a short work with the beginners/intermediate group. Check their website for the whole schedule.
Dance Alps Festival
July 29th until August 3rd in St. Johann Tirol. The whole week I will be teaching modern jazz for beginner/intermediate and advanced level dancers. There will be a presentation of all classes on the last day of the festival. Check their website for full details.
Crochet
Exclusive, one-of-a-kind crocheted accessories
Handmade
Next to dancing, I design and create my own collection of crocheted accessories. The collection consists mainly of beanies and scarves. All pieces are handmade by me personally. Only one of each item is created.
My aim is to create accessories that stand on their own as opposed to being mere items of practicality. Many customers consider my pieces ‘nothing less than works of art’. I have spent many years developing the perfect models that can accommodate just about any type of head and hair.
My beanies and scarves are extremely comfortable and are well suited for everyday use. For my accessories I use only the finest novelty wool, with special dye elements and fine texture. The quality of the materials used is just the first step. What sets me apart from others is my extremely sharp eye for color and craftsmanship. That's what makes my product special. Browse through my portfolio; feel the products and you’ll agree: they stand out from any other beanies and scarves.
You can find me at the Maker Market in Amsterdam during the fall/winter period. There you can see me at work, crocheting new pieces. At the market you can purchase your ‘Uriginal’ beanie and scarf. Each piece is unique. Just like you. There's only one!
For special orders you can contact me at uri@uri.eu