Stille Water

To all the dance enthusiast/lovers in Amsterdam, a young talented South African choreographer (who happens to be a close friend of mine) is showcasing his most recent work this upcoming weekend at the Afrikaanse Kuntstefees Amsterdam.

Kirven Fortuin is an incredible classical and contemporary dancer who I studied with at the UCT School of Dance back in 2010. Since graduating, Kirven moved to Rotterdam and is currently in his final year at the world renown arts university; Codarts.

His anticipated production, Stille Water, consists of 5 pieces; When They Leave, After 9, Tussen Niks en Nereus, Kirby K and Stille Water, and feature’s a group of eleven exceptionally talented dancers that include guest performers/collaborators from Cape Towns New World Dance Theatre. The production seeks to share Kirven’s stories as well as showcase how diverse the Afrikaans language and culture is. He draws his inspiration from living in Holland for the past three years and hopes to challenge what he refers to as the ‘one dimensional mindset’ towards differing cultures that he has encountered.

From my side, it’s great to see South African choreographers (and friend’s) producing their work on a global stage!

Show Details

Where: Compagnie Theater, Amsterdam

When: 8 – 10 April 2016

Time: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm

Tickets: http://aka.festivalvoorhetafrikaans.nl/nl/buy-tickets-here/

For upcoming projects and to read more about Kirven: https://www.facebook.com/SilverLiningKirvan/

Travel Journals of Amsterdam

Highlights of my yogi travels in the Netherlands capital city – Amsterdam

Somehow, the travel fairies heard my call for adventure, and off I went on a 3 week yoga journey in Amsterdam. I must confess, with all of my adjustments to the new environment and with yoga keeping me busy, I didn’t journal my Amsterdam days daily. Although my online prescence was not so ‘present,’ I am now as present as ever – and I’m happy to share the gems of this wonderful adventure with you.

It all started when I got accepted to take over a position at HotPod Yoga Amsterdam, where I would be temporarily filling in for the lovely Mercedes Parellada (owner and instructor of Hotpod Yoga Amsterdam) while she was away on holiday. Not only did I fill in for the classes, but I looked after her lovely house too, as well as her lovely (cheeky) cat.

“This is the place I called home for the month of February! I fell in love with the character of this charming apartment. It treated me with such kindness while I played ‘mom of the house’ for a few short weeks”

“Samba and I preparing for some self practice.”

Mode of Transport: Hotpod Bicycle

What I loved most about Amsterdam was the variety of great museums:

Tulip Museum: “Tulips are synonymous with Amsterdam, and visiting the tulip museum really brought this colourful imagery to life. These rainbow painted tulips burst with vibrancy, just like the city itself!”

The Vincent Van Gogh Museum: “A magnificent building. I had no idea he had painted so many self portraits.”

The Museum of Contemporary Art: “One of the most interesting installations I have ever seen by Isa Genzken.”

The Food:

“American style flapjacks, Hummus avocado and roasted vegetables from Mook”

“Warm mushroom and lentil salad with roasted hazelnuts and topped with a poached egg from Vinnies Deli”

“Donuts from the Markthal Rotterdam Market”

” Delicious white chocolate cheese cake from Ivy and Bros”

And the spectacular canals:

 

 

There was truly an incredible experience. Here is to the next yogi travel chapter. “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes