Choreographer for Holland Dance Festival 2026 - Good [old] Times

Photo by Sjoerd-Derine, Tableau-de la Troupe

I'm very happy to be one of the choreographers for the Good [old] Times production by Holland Dance festival 2026.

After several successful editions, the Good [old] Times production returns this anniversary year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Holland Dance Festival. For this special occasion, not one but two choreographers have been invited to create new work: Kiran Bonnema and Laisvie Ochoa. In this special double bill, Kiran Bonnema and Laisvie Ochoa will each create a performance with two different groups of dancers, focusing on personal stories and expression, each through their own unique style and vision.

Are you 55 or older, love dancing, and excited about the idea of working together with a group and a professional choreographer to create a performance? Holland Dance Festival and choreographers Kiran Bonnema and Laisvie Ochoa are looking for energetic dancers aged 55 and above who have a passion for the stage. This biennial production is specially designed for older dancers, offering them the chance to collaborate with a professional choreographer to bring a performance to life. Through auditions on Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, two groups of dancers will be selected, each working with one of the choreographers. Together, they will develop a production that will surprise and inspire the audience — a unique experience for both dancers and spectators.

Auditions can be stressful, which is why we organise classes with both choreographers. During these workshops you will get to know their working methods, their vision and their energy:

Sunday 29 June 2025 – 11:00 to12:30 – Laisvie Ochoa (FULL)

Sunday 29 June 2025 – 11:00 to12:30 – Laisvie Ochoa

Auditions

Everyone aged 55 and older is warmly invited to apply for the audition(s) of this Good [old] Times festival production. Register via ‘dates & tickets’ for one or more auditions (Kiran Bonnema, Laisvie Ochoa, or both). After registering, you will receive a link to the application form by email. Your registration is only official once this form has been completed.

On Saturday 13 and/or Sunday 14 September, you are expected to attend your chosen audition slot (11:00–12:30 or 13:00–14:30) at Korzo, The Hague. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. No preparation is needed for the audition; dance experience is not required, but a love of dancing is definitely a plus.

Audition participation is free of charge. If selected for the Good [old] Times participant program, a contribution fee will apply.

After the auditionThe rehearsal period begins on Saturday, November 1. Rehearsals will then take place weekly on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (except during the Christmas holidays). The rehearsal dates are:

November 1, 8, 15 (only Kiran Bonnema), 22, 23 (only Laisvie Ochoa), 29December 6, 13, 20January 10, 17, 24, 31

In addition to these dates, please also note the following important moments:

• Tech days: Thursday, February 5 & Friday, February 6

• Performance days: Saturday, February 7 & Sunday, February 8, and Thursday, February 12 & Friday, February 13

To participate in the production, it is important that you are available on all the above-mentioned dates, although attendance is not always mandatory. The premiere of this new Good [old] Times production will take place during the Holland Dance Festival 2026 at Korzo, The Hague.

About choreographer Laisvie Ochoa

Laisvie Andrea Ochoa is a Colombian-Lithuanian choreographer with expertise in inclusive dance. She is also a video artist and founder of ConCuerpos, Colombia’s first inclusive dance company, which is now also active in the Netherlands. Laisvie studied Psychology and Multimedia Creation in Colombia and holds a Master’s degree in Choreography (COMMA) and completed the Embodied Life Art Program (ELAP) in the Netherlands. Her work—created in Colombia, Argentina, and the Netherlands—combines live video projection with political and human themes. Currently, she explores the aesthetics of accessibility, integrating artistic elements such as subtitles, audio description, and sign language into her choreography.

Laisvie encourages every dancer to connect with their passions through the joy of movement. This leads to personal short solos that engage in dialogue with the group. Inspired by the structure of traditional Greek theater, she works on a contemporary version in which the group supports, comments on, or contrasts the individual expressions. The result is a dynamic composition with shifting forms, rhythms, and structures.

For any questions or further information, please contact Yvonne@holland-dance.com

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