How do you build a career in the dance world? What opportunities are out there, and how do you find your own path? On Saturday 21 November, Meervaart Studio will explore these questions during Creative Industry Talk: The Dance World Up Close. An evening full of honest stories, inspiration, practical insights and, of course, dance. What makes this edition extra special is that it’s being organised by Laila Spee and Nikki Duin, both members of our management team and proud Dans Lab alumni.

From dancer to creator, from auditions to your own productions, and from creative dreams to a sustainable career: the professional dance world offers a huge range of possibilities, but also comes with its fair share of challenges. How do you find your place? How do you build a network? And how can you make sure you can keep doing what you love as a dancer in the long term?

At this edition of Creative Industry Talk, we’ll explore these questions together. Led by moderator Lotte Leppers, three professionals from the dance world will share their personal experiences and insights.

A platform for honest stories

Lotte will talk with  dancer and performing artist Noor Jayani, dancer and Kunstenbond board member Fintan O’Hara, and dancer, choreographer and creative director Devon Suriya.

From commercial gigs and theatre productions to the battle scene, freelancing and entrepreneurship: we’ll explore different sides of a career in dance. There will also be a focus on topics such as mental health, financial security, grants and building a professional network.

No success stories without the struggles—but this will be an open conversation about what it’s really like in the dance world. There’ll be plenty of room for visitors to ask questions, share experiences and make new connections.

Organised by our very own Dans Lab alumni

This evening is extra special for us. Laila Spee and Nikki Duin, both members of our management team, are taking the initiative for this edition of Creative Industry Talk. Lotte is also a Dans Lab alumna.

As former Dans Lab participants, they know better than anyone how valuable it is to have the space to develop as a dancer and creator. This evening brings together their experience, their commitment to the dance community and their organisational skills.

They’re creating a space where young dancers, graduates, self-taught artists and experienced creators can meet, learn from one another and find inspiration for their next step.

A great example of how the connection with Dans Lab continues long after taking part, with alumni continuing to contribute to the dance community in their own way.

From talk to jam!

After the conversation, it’s time to take the theory to the dance floor. The evening will wrap up with an open dance session, with DJ Chris Trib3 behind the decks and Noor Jayani as MC and jam host.

Expect freestyle, improvisation, great music and, above all, plenty of room for self-expression. Whether you’re heading onto the floor yourself or would rather soak up the energy around you, everyone is welcome.

Dream big. Move real.

With this Creative Industry Talk, Laila and Nikki want to inspire dancers and creators to keep dreaming big, recognise opportunities and forge their own paths in the creative industries.

An evening for sharing knowledge, supporting one another and making new connections. Because we build the future of dance together!

Practical information

• Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
• Location: Meervaart Studio, Osdorpplein 6, Amsterdam
• Doors open: 5:30 pm
• Talk starts: 6:00 pm
• Socialising, networking and jam: until 9:30 pm
• Admission: Pay what you like
• Registration: required via Meervaart

Real talk. Practical tools. Creative energy. Collective growth.