CaDance festival (by Korzo Theater and Danspubliek)

Korzo, situated in the historic centre of The Hague, stands as one of the Netherlands' most significant production houses and theatres dedicated to contemporary dance and physical theatre. Since its inception in 1984, the institution has evolved from a local initiative into an internationally recognised breeding ground for talent. Its architectural identity, characterised by a unique upward-moving theatre hall, reflects its mission to push the boundaries of spatial and performance arts. As a vital pillar of the Dutch cultural landscape, Korzo focuses on cross-disciplinary experimentation, often bridging the gap between movement, visual arts, and digital technology. It serves as the home base for the CaDance Festival and numerous international collaborations, making it a critical node for art collectors and curators interested in the evolution of contemporary performance.

The Artistic Intersection: Arjan Spannenburg and the Dance Photo of the Year

The collaboration between Arjan Spannenburg and Korzo reached a significant milestone during the CaDance Festival, where Spannenburg was awarded the title of Dance Photo of the Year 2016. This prestigious competition, organised by Korzo in partnership with Danspubliek Magazine, serves as a benchmark for excellence in capturing the ephemeral nature of movement. The winning work, Jillis in New York, was selected by a professional jury and presented by festival director Leo Spreksel.

The jury praised the photograph for its powerful expression of freedom and the stark contrast between the elegance of the dancer and the industrial grit of the urban environment. This recognition within the halls of Korzo underscores Spannenburg’s ability to translate the kinetic energy of performance into a static, yet breathing, visual narrative. By winning this award at a leading production house for contemporary dance, Spannenburg’s work is validated not just as photography, but as an integral part of the contemporary performing arts discourse.