Inclusive Dutch dance gets Beijing makeover

Dutch choreographer Adriaan Luteijn recently collaborated with Chinese dancers on a Beijing version of his inclusive dance performance, Iungo. It was presented on Sunday at the 798 Cube Art Museum in the 798 Art Zone.

The project was organized by the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China, the Beijing Body On and On Cultural Exchange Center, and the 798 Cube Art Museum, in partnership with Beijing 9 Contemporary Dance Theater, the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, and the Xinwuzi Dance Company.

Iungo is Latin for "I bring together" or "I connect", Luteijn explained. Based on this concept, he developed a format that brings professional contemporary dancers together with nonprofessional dancers of varied ages, physical and cognitive abilities, and sociocultural backgrounds.

He has previously created localized versions for dance companies in Japan, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa, as well as a new version for his Dutch dance company, Introdans.

Iungo Beijing was performed by four professional dancers, one elderly dancer, a dancer in a wheelchair, a dancer with Down syndrome, and a dancer with a hearing impairment.

The goal was to promote diversity and inclusion in the performing arts and in society, and to deepen cooperation between Dutch and Chinese institutions.