Event
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For what it's worth

The Body Speaks

How much explanation can a body bear?

Dance has a lot to live up to. Before a body even moves, dance is asked what it is about. Afterwards, it must demonstrate what it has achieved. ICK gives dance four days of space, without having to define its meaning in advance.

From 3 to 6 December, Space for Dance Art opens its doors to anyone curious about what dance itself can stir. Artists are invited to try out new forms, thinkers and writers can respond in the moment, and audiences can watch, experience, take part and join the conversation. Come for a single performance or spend four days discovering what happens when we give dance free rein.

At ICK, dance begins with the body. Drawing on the knowledge and imagination of the intuitive body, we create performances and develop artistic research. Together with artists from other disciplines and our partners, we explore what dance can become. These four days bring different practices together. We take dance out of existing productions and let it speak anew, without explanation.

ICK dancers perform without an introduction explaining the work. A speech must hold its own among moving bodies. Dance writers put what they see into words. There is also room for whatever the dance evokes in you. Perhaps you find words for it; perhaps you would rather move. You are equally welcome to keep watching.

This four-day event grew out of the discussion around De Staat van de Dans (The State of Dance). How do we recognise the value of dance when its meaning cannot readily be explained or measured? With The Body Speaks, ICK also makes room for the audience’s curiosity. The meaning of a movement can emerge through your particular way of watching. You may see something in it there and then, or other meanings may suddenly become clear later.

Come with others or join us on your own. Between performances, there is time to meet people and have a drink. You can also take to the dance floor yourself; no experience is required.

The meaning is not yet fixed.

Short programme overview

Four days of dance up close, artistic research and opportunities to move yourself. ICK dancers and guest artists bring their work into the space; dance writers and visitors respond to what unfolds.

The programme will take shape over the coming weeks. Details of the participating artists and the daily programme will appear here soon, including times, admission and booking information.

Save the dates: 3–6 December.

— Practical information
When: Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2026
Where: ICK Dans Amsterdam Space for Dance Art

Questions, suggestions or interested in participating? Please contact us at communications@ickamsterdam.nl with reference to ‘The Body Speaks’.

Programme

Thu 3 Dec

The Body Speaks

For what it's worth
Space for Dance Art
— Amsterdam NL
Fri 4 Dec

The Body Speaks

For what it's worth
Space for Dance Art
— Amsterdam NL
Sat 5 Dec

The Body Speaks

For what it's worth
Space for Dance Art
— Amsterdam NL
Sun 6 Dec

The Body Speaks

For what it's worth
Space for Dance Art
— Amsterdam NL