The ageing population is a global concern. In the Netherlands, many older adults experience isolation, while in Japan, with nearly 30% of the population aged 65 or older, the ageing demographic poses a unique set of challenges. However, many Japanese seniors remain remarkably active through movement. Dancing has a transformative impact on senior’s lives, benefitting health, bringing joy and fostering social connections.
Driven by their shared fascination of intergenerational collaboration between dancers, the Introdans dance company, led by choreographer Adriaan Luteijn, and the inclusive theatre festival LAND FES, directed and choreographed by Dai Matsuoka, combine the wisdom of older generations with the physicality of younger ones – and vice versa. Through this process, dancers from different generations learn from one another.
UNUM, which takes its title from the Latin for “one” or “unity”, is built around an intergenerational dance production that explores the power of interaction and creativity through movement. The performance brings together professional Dutch and Japanese modern and ballet dancers – including those with different physical abilities – alongside their parents, grandparents and children. By addressing ambitious social themes such as an ageing population, life cycles and family dynamics, the performance encourages audiences to reflect on creating a symbiotic society – one that promotes mutual benefit, cooperation and interconnectedness for collective growth and well-being.
Team
Arne Hendriks – artist and artistic research
UNUM is a production by Introdans, in collaboration with LAND FES and the Sadamatsu-Hamada Ballet Company
Direction and choreography: Adriaan Luteijn (choreographer at Introdans) and Dai Matsuoka (choreographer, butoh dancer and artistic director of LAND FES, Japan)
Dramaturgy: Yurika Gumiya
Music: Naoyuki Takeda
Dancers: Angelica Villalon (Introdans), Mark van Drunick (Introdans), Kenta Kanbara, Shiori Kanbara, Toshihoshi Goto (Sadamatsu Hamada Ballet Company), Ray Villalon, Anne van Drunick, and others.
About Introdans
Founded in 1971, the Introdans dance company is renowned for its energetic and dynamic choreography, as well as its commitment to furthering inclusivity and accessibility in dance. The company believes in the transformative power of dance to connect individuals and communities. Introdans is known for preserving and showcasing dance heritage, performing contemporary classics for youth, creating interactive projects and developing new works by emerging choreographers. Through its productions, the company actively promotes social inclusion and empowerment through dance, featuring exceptional dancers of all body types, ages, backgrounds, and gender identities.
Japanese partners: LAND FES and Sadamatsu-Hamada Ballet Company
LAND FES uniquely connects performing arts, local communities and diversity. Their goal is to create a platform that promotes social inclusion and cultural and artistic exchange. Hamada Ballet Company, led by former Introdans dancer Yusuke Tsutsumi Sadamatsu, is an international ballet company based in Kobe, Japan, known for its performances of classical ballets and original creations.
Events
Premiere performance, 21 May, 18:00, at National Day Hall (World Expo grounds), on the National Day of the Netherlands.
Performance, 24 May,18:30, at Kobe Bunka Hall, Kobe.
Performance, 25 May,16:00, at Kobe Bunka Hall, Kobe.
Performance, 27 May,19:30, at ROHM Theatre, Kyoto.
Part of the showcase Universal Equity (16 May–9 June) in the Event Space of the Dutch Pavilion.