By Roger van der Poel, dancer of the NDT II Dutch dance company, performing in New York April 9 - 12

There is something in the air… A group of 16 young dancers and crew experience a feeling… For some the excitement of their first time, for others the enjoyment of a revisited destination: New York City!!!

We all meet at our Theater in The Hague. The NDT staff leave the offices for a couple of minutes to say good-bye and wish good luck.
The bus trip to New York becomes a “stage” for all the morning jokes and excited smiles of the whole crew… photo and video cameras begin their battery countdown..

All aware of the work we have ahead of us and the helpful known sweet jet lag… Nothing stops the group from feeling excited!!! Adding to the fact that our destination is NYC, it is the first tour of NDT 2 together as a company this season (2008/2009) outside of the Netherlands. A moment we all looked forward to since the beginning of the season.

After a few naps, movies and slight turbulence.. Welcome to New York City!!! Not more, not less… the city that never sleeps where people, skyscrapers, screens, lights and colors amaze your eyes. The rooming lists, work schedules and free time set our planning for each day. We all start making plans. Some start calling their local friends, some go for the wandering walks, some chose the exacts spots to visit…

And the tour begins…

About the author:
Roger Van der Poel was born on September 19, 1983 in Portimão, Portugal. He studied at the Escola de Dança do Conservatório Nacional in Lisbon. After his study he danced with Ballet Gulbenkian and Ballet du Grand. Théâtre de Genève. In August 2006 he joined Nederland Dans Theater II.

Last 5 posts by NY400

• NY400 events: The Rabbit and the Prince - October 13th, 2009
• Dutch Arts & Design: From Amsterdam to New York for Borough(ed) Stories - September 22nd, 2009
• NY400 Events: The New Amsterdam Bike Slam - August 31st, 2009
• NY400 Events: Preparing for Pioneers of Change - August 27th, 2009
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Tags: Dutch American, joyce theater, NDT II, Netherlands, NY400, NY400 Events