Recently, Dutch choreographer Adriaan Luteijn has brought his inclusive dance work “Iungo” to Beijing, where it was showcased in collaboration with local dancers at the 798CUBE.
This project is a joint effort between the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China, the Bodies in Motion organization, and 798CUBE, with partnerships involving the Beijing Contemporary Dance Company, the China Disabled People’s Art Troupe, and the Xinduyu Dance Troupe. The latest version of “Iungo” features a diverse group of eight dancers from China, including four professional dancers, a senior dancer, a wheelchair dancer, a dancer with Down syndrome, and a hearing-impaired dancer. Each performer adds their unique flair, collectively creating a vibrant expression titled “Encounter Beijing.”
The term “Iungo,” which means “to unite” or “to connect” in Latin, perfectly aligns with Adriaan Luteijn’s creative vision. Over the past two decades, his series of works titled “Encounter” has brought together individuals of varied physical conditions, social backgrounds, cultural identities, and intellectual abilities alongside trained modern dancers. Luteijn’s mission is to convey the message that “dance is for everyone,” emphasizing that even those who do not conform to traditional standards can profoundly move and inspire audiences.
“Iungo” is an innovative choreography format from Luteijn. Before his arrival in Beijing, he collaborated with dance companies from Japan, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa to present different versions of “Encounter.” The essential elements of this artistic work include a bench—symbolizing the space where dancers meet; music—specifically the Larghetto from Chopin’s First Piano Concerto; and a selection of predetermined dance combinations and patterns, ensuring a rich tapestry of performance that includes dancers of various abilities, cultural backgrounds, and age groups.
