Over the past few weeks, multiple Dutch ballroom champions Joost Findhammer and Sina Sawall of FiSa DanceSport gave free workshops and demonstrations at schools, community centres and care homes in Alkmaar.
The performances made a particularly deep impression at the Alkmaar care homes Hofstaete and Rekerheem. Music and dance brought back memories and emotions for the residents. One resident summed up her reaction briefly but powerfully: “My heart opened up.” After the demonstrations, two residents even signed up as volunteers for the Grand Prix van Alkmaar on 31 October.
That may well be the best result so far. People come to watch a performance and then decide they want to be part of the event themselves. That is exactly what we want to achieve with Dance Connects Alkmaar, happening right in front of you.
Joost Findhammer, chairman of FiSa DanceSport
Schools are responding enthusiastically too. At the Dalton College, pupils asked afterwards when Findhammer and Sawall would be coming back. Workshops at the Talland College are also scheduled in the coming period, and the Bergense Scholengemeenschap has responded enthusiastically to the offer as well.
Free workshop in Overdie
This week the programme continues in Alkmaar-Overdie. On Wednesday 7 October, Wijkcentrum Overdie hosts a free dance workshop for children from the neighbourhood, where they can get to know DanceSport in a playful way.
The activities of Dance Connects Alkmaar lead up to the Grand Prix van Alkmaar on Saturday 31 October in the Kees Kist Lounge at the AFAS Stadium, where DanceSport, meeting one another and talent development come together.
Dance Connects Alkmaar is made possible in part by the municipality of Alkmaar, the province of North Holland, the Victoriefonds and Rabobank.
