ADVISORY BOARD
The team members are all professionals within their field of work. They stimulate and support the activities of the foundation. Their advice and recommendations to third parties will further expand Dance and More’s territory. This way the foundation can reach out to more youngsters, especially the less-favored in our community.
Céline Gladpootjes
I am Céline, born in the Netherland, living for over 10 years in Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean. In the year 2005 I graduated from the University of the Arts called ArtEZ Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in the Netherlands as a first degree dance teacher, specialized in Ballet, Modern dance, Jazz dance and the subject Cultural and Artistic education. For many years I worked as a dance teacher locally and abroad (but mainly at Fina Dance Art School). As a dance teacher I discovered a genuine interest in developing the art of dance on all educational levels. My teaching experience served me as an inspiration to go back to the University. In 2013 I received my Master of Science degree in Educational Studies, at the University of Amsterdam where I graduated cum laude. As from the year 2012 I worked as an Education Developer at the ArtEZ School of the Arts in the Netherlands and also as a Scientific Collaborator/Lecturer at the Social and Behavioral Faculty of the University of Curaçao. I currently work as a policy advisor for the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.
I have been working for quite some time at the Fina Dance Art School and being involved in several project of the Dance and More got me interested in the social value of the arts. This took me to “Rise, Tesoro Sekreto” a community Project I co-produced with Dance and More Foundation. “Rise Tesoro Sekreto” will also be my starting point for my PhD research trajectory.
As the official advisor and core team member my wish for the Dance and More is to contribute to the social emotional development of all children and youth, no matter their socio-economic status, their abilities, their race or their religion, by offering arts in an outreaching manner. In this way the Dance and More Foundation can show the educational field and the community of Curacao the true value of art!
Jeroen Heuvel
I am Jeroen Heuvel a native from Curaçao, with Dutch roots.
After working for over 25 years as a theatre maker, theatre director and an actor as well I decided to go into Education. First I started as a teacher and gradually working my way to Middle School, teaching Dutch language and literature. Soon after completing intensive studies at the University of Curaçao I obtained my master degree in the beautiful language of the island of Curaçao that is called: Papiamentu. Currently I am teaching Papiamentu at High School.
The Dance and More Foundation stands for quality by producing not only performances of high artistic level, but is also a fierce advocate of higher education in the performing arts, with its main purpose to educate youngsters in artistry, discipline and responsibility. On more than one occassion I have been involved in Dance and More’s productions as an actor, script writer, theatre director and translator for press releases and program introductions. My wish for Dance and More is:
Keep growing as an institute by offering the same quality. Stand firm as a tall tree. Let go of some loose leaves when the time is there, but also offering some shade by enforcing a sense of admiration towards the beauty of life.
Faizah Grootens
I was born in Curaçao and have been passionate about dance since the age of 3. I danced until 2006 with “Simia Dance Company”, which back then was called “Balet Kontemporaneo di Korsou”, part of the Dance and More Foundation. At the age of 18, I moved to the Netherlands to forever be married to music and dance.
I am graduate of the “Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten”, and the University of the Arts in Havana and currently a dancer with several companies such as Laleget Danza, Maurice Causey and Harlekijn Danstheater. I have acted and danced in various film projects and theatre productions by Introdans/ General Oost, Stichting Julius Leeft, Felix de Rooy, Symphonic Film, Anna Maria Suijkerbuik, Miguel Rubio and more.
As a choreographer and teacher I am connected to Lindenberg Dance Company, the Peer performance group, Herman van Veen Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten, The Arts and Entertainment College and various schools in the Netherlands and abroad.
During my studies and after graduation I always kept a strong relation with Dance and More Foundation teaching on occasions at the FinaDanceArtSchool and collaborating with them through my volunteer platform; DCVP. My wish for Dance and More Foundation is to keep building and realizing dreams for all the youngsters on the island and to collaborate with international artists to bring the Art of Dance in Curaçao to a higher level.
Joselyn Bergland
Jocelyn Bergland was trained by Felix White, one of the pioneers and founders of modern jazz dance in the Netherlands. Jocelyn graduated from the Rotterdam Dance Academy, under the supervision of Lucas Hoving. Immediately after he graduated, Jocelyn moved abroad to shape his dance career internationally.
Briefly summarized, the following highlights can be mentioned: In England, Jocelyn danced with the Cycles Dance Company, in France with Rick Odums and Matt Mattox, in the United States with Eleo Pomare Dance Company, and in the Netherlands with Black Vibrations under the supervision of Felix White and Jazz Extension Dance Theater.
In addition to his role as a dancer, Jocelyn has contributed nationally and internationally to various dance academies, internships, and summer workshops as a teacher.
As a board member, Jocelyn has gained experience at the National Center for Amateur Dance, and the dance companies AYA and ISH. As a consultant, Jocelyn has gained experience with the Rotterdam Art Foundation, the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts and the Fund for the Performing Arts.
In education, Jocelyn has led the MBO Artist Dance Training at the ROC in Amsterdam and the “5 O’clock” class at the Amsterdam University of Arts.
As a Senior Talent Development Consultant, Jocelyn remains committed to putting Dutch talent on the map nationally and internationally with innovative initiatives in the field of art and culture.
Jocelyn Bergland is very honored to develop his relationship with Dance & More Foundation to a top level in the field of art, quality, culture, dance and theater under the motto
“Acting local, but going GLOBAL”