Anne Suurendonk: Emo

Lees in het Nederlands

What happens when we let go of societal norms? The result is a space where emotions are fully allowed to be felt and shared.

In the performance Emo, choreographer Anne Suurendonk explores the emotional world of women. In a society where social codes often restrict women from expressing emotions openly, Suurendonk wonders: what happens when we let go of these societal norms? The result is a space where emotions are fully allowed to be felt and shared.

Two powerful dancers, Melisa Diktaş and Evelien Jansen, bring these emotions to life. Without shame, they make them tangible and palpable. They are both raw and explosive as well as vulnerable and pure. Driven by Suurendonk’s characteristic movement language, which is rhythmical and dynamic, the duet comes alive. Supported by the music of Tom van Wee, the dancers take us on an experience where we don’t just watch but also feel. Suurendonk invites us to show emotions without a filter and to feel without judgment.

Last year, Anne Suurendonk won the Innovation Prize at the Nederlandse Dansdagen 2024. With this award, she was given the opportunity to create her new performance, Emo, which premieres at this year’s edition of the Nederlandse Dansdagen. The jury sees Anne as a talented creator who, with full dedication and commitment, deeply moves her audience: “With her unique movement language, which focuses on the inner experience, Anne Suurendonk adds a new dimension to the dance world. Her work is pure and raw.”