DREAM BIG. MOVE REAL
Chasing dreams, finding your way and building the future of dance together.
You want to dance, create, perform and keep developing as an artist. Perhaps you dream of international stages, large-scale productions or your own projects. But how do you turn those dreams into a career? What opportunities are out there, how do you find work, and how can you make sure you can keep doing what you love in the long term?
The dance world is full of possibilities, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Think auditions, uncertainty about work and income, mental health, grants and juggling different projects. How do you find your way in this field? And how do you build a career that is not only successful, but also right for you?
At this edition of Creative Industry Talk, we’ll explore these questions together. Hosted by moderator Lotte Leppers, the panel will bring together dancer and performing artist Noor Jayani, dancer and Kunstenbond board member Fintan O’Hara, and dancer and choreographer Devon Suriya. Drawing on their own experiences, they’ll share honest stories, insights and practical tips on working in the dance world.
From theatre and commercial work to the battle scene, residencies and independent projects, we’ll explore the different paths available in dance. How do you find opportunities? How do you build a network? What does freelancing involve, and where can you turn for support?
Expect an open conversation about what it’s really like, including the struggles—not just the success stories. There’ll be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and meet other dancers and creators.
From talk to jam!
After the conversation, it’s time to get moving. We’ll round off the evening with an open dance session, with DJ Chris Trib3 behind the decks and Noor Jayani as MC and jam host.
Expect great music, improvisation, freestyle and plenty of room to express yourself. Whether you want to hit the floor and dance, discover new moves or simply soak up the energy, everyone is welcome. The jam is all about freedom, expression and connection. It’s a great chance to meet other dancers, make new connections and bring the floor to life together.
Who is it for?
This evening is for dancers and creators ready to take their next step. Whether you’ve just graduated, are self-taught, are taking on your first professional projects or have been building your career for a while, this evening is for you.
You don’t need to have all the answers or your entire career mapped out. By sharing experiences, asking questions and helping each other, we can all move forward together.
Practical information
Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
Location: Meervaart Studio, Osdorpplein 6, Amsterdam
Doors open: from 5:30 p.m.
Conversation starts: 6:00 p.m.
Conversation ends: around 7:15 p.m.
Drinks, food, networking and a jam session: until 9:30 p.m.
Registration is required! This helps us know how many visitors to expect. Thank you for registering! Click here
The talk can also be held in English if there is sufficient demand. Please indicate on the registration form if you would prefer an English-language talk.
www.meervaart.nl/danstalk
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Real talk. Practical tools. Creative energy. Collective growth.
Lotte Leppers - moderator
Lotte Leppers is an all-round performer specializing in dance, choreography and presenting. After completing her training as a dance teacher at the Amsterdam University of the Arts, she developed into a versatile performer and creator. As a dancer, she works in a range of styles, including contemporary and commercial dance.
In addition to dancing, Lotte works as a choreographer, model and presenter. She combines her love of movement with her enthusiasm for performing on stage and in front of the camera.
At this edition, Lotte will take on the role of moderator. Drawing on her experience across different areas of the dance world, she will lead the conversation and bring the guests and audience together.
Noor Jayani
Noor Jayani is an all-round performing artist, with dance as her primary form of expression. For her, dance is a way to come home to herself while connecting with others. Through movement, she continually explores the dialogue between her inner world and the world around her.
Noor also uses her voice to seek connection. As an MC, host and event organiser, she facilitates conversations and creates space for people to meet and exchange ideas.
During the talk, Noor shares her experiences as a performer and creator. After the conversation, she takes on the role of jam host and brings the dance floor to life.
Fintan O’Hara – De Kunstenbond
Fintan O’Hara is a dancer, teacher, artist and critical thinker. In 2024, he graduated from the Dance Teacher Training programme, and in 2026 he completed the International Master Artist Educator programme, both at ArtEZ. Since 2024, he has served on the board of a professional group at De Kunstenbond, where he advocates for the position and interests of artists and creators.
Fintan works across dance performance, education, artistic practice and theory. Drawing on these different perspectives, he explores what it means to work as an artist and find your footing in the cultural sector.
So how can you earn a fair income as a freelancer? How do you keep your administration in order, find new commissions and build a sustainable career? And what if the reality of working in the field doesn’t quite match your dreams? Fintan is always happy to talk about entrepreneurship, solidarity and fair working conditions.
During the talk, he will share his knowledge and experience, and tell you more about the role of De Kunstenbond and the support available to dancers and creators.
Devon Suriya
Devon Suriya is a creative and show director, choreographer, and founder of AIKO Agency. With a background in dance and performance, she has developed into a multidisciplinary creative, working both on and behind the scenes in the dance and entertainment industry. She has worked as a dancer with international artists including Dua Lipa, Akon, Becky G, and En Vogue, and has created choreography for a wide range of Dutch artists.
Through AIKO Agency, Devon focuses on developing creative concepts, artistic identities, and complete live shows. She also works in casting and talent management, and brings artists, brands, and creative professionals together.
During Creative Industry Talk, Devon will share her experiences from different perspectives within the field: from working as a freelance dancer and choreographer to creating opportunities for herself, building a network, and running a business in the creative industry. She will talk about the transition from performing dancer to creator and entrepreneur, the opportunities that arise when you combine different disciplines, and the importance of collaboration and artistic development.
Drawing on her own practice, Devon will show how you can continue to grow as a dancer, explore new paths, and use your experience to carve out your own place in the creative sector.
DJ Chris Trib3
DJ Chris Trib3 (Christiaan Hendriksen) is a DJ and creative artist with a strong connection to dance and music. As a dancer, choreographer, organiser and creator, he is involved in the culture in a variety of ways.
His background as a dancer and creator comes through in his sets. With a feel for musicality, movement and the energy on the floor, he brings together a range of sounds and influences.
After the talk, Chris will provide the music for the open jam. Expect beats that invite you to move, experiment and take over the dance floor together.
About Creative Industry Talk
At Creative Industry Talk, you’ll discover the opportunities the creative sector has to offer and how to find your own path within it. Through conversations with organisations and professionals working in the field, you’ll gain insight into the different career opportunities, the support available and the steps you can take to further your own development.
Each gathering offers space to ask questions, share experiences and connect directly with organisations and other creatives. You’ll leave with fresh insights, practical tools and valuable contacts to support your continued development in the creative sector.
Would you like to organise a talk too? Email studio@meervaart.nl
Sat 21 Nov
Location: Meervaart Studio
Pay what you like
Sat 21 Nov
Location: Meervaart Studio
Pay what you like