GEM COLLECTIVE
About GEM COLLECTIVE
GEM COLLECTIVE is an inspiring initiative created by Emy Woudstra and Geronimo Chancoso Sanchez. We are a dance theatre company dedicated to gathering and showcasing the unique "GEMS" of talent through our captivating productions.
Our mission is rooted in the rich province of Friesland, where we aim to unearth hidden talents and present them on stage. We believe in the inherent beauty of every individual and strive to awaken awareness of their own strengths through our performances.
At GEM COLLECTIVE, we embrace the unknown future with an open heart. While it remains uncertain if our current performers will continue with the collective, the name GEM COLLECTIVE will endure, evolving with different artists who share our vision.
Join us on this journey as we illuminate the stage with the brilliance of our collected gems, celebrating the diverse and powerful talents that enrich our world.
MISSION
Our passion runs deep within the arts, encompassing a broad spectrum from dance and music to various forms of visual art. After the success of our first production, we aim to expand and create even more productions in the future.
As our current performers pursue further studies, we anticipate working with new talent. This transition presents an opportunity to discover and nurture more hidden gems in Friesland and beyond.
Reflecting on the success of the HIDDEN project by YUSEF X BOSS, where Geronimo brought together emerging performers who were yet to be recognised in the industry, we were inspired to continue this mission. By leveraging our network, we aim to change this dynamic, gathering "GEMS" to showcase the incredible, valuable talents within our community.
At GEM COLLECTIVE, we are committed not only to directing and choreographing but also to performing. We are brimming with ideas and inspiration that we wish to express on stage. Our performers are equally creative, and we want to give them the opportunity to contribute to the creative process. We encourage them to create thematic imagery, movement phrases, or texts that can be used as material for our productions.
Given our wide-ranging interests in the arts, we see ourselves working in a multidisciplinary manner for our productions. This approach allows us to collaborate with visual artists, musicians, visual creators, and photo-videographers. Through these collaborations, we hope to bridge various artistic worlds, creating a richer and more interconnected creative experience.
Get your tickets at https://gem-collective.weticket.com/
MEET THE TEAM
EMY WOUDSTRA
Choreographer and Co-Founder GEM COLLECTIVE
My name is Emy Woudstra, I am 21 years old, and I am from Drachten. Five years ago, I moved to Arnhem for the MBO dance academy. After completing the program, I also started focusing on other hobbies such as the automotive world, the gym, and modeling. In the meantime,
I kept training because dance has always been a passion. When I was six, I knew I wanted to become a professional dancer. I have been dancing for 17 years now and have been extensively trained in styles including Contemporary, Urban, and Ballet.
I hope to continue performing on stage and creating productions as a choreographer in the future.
GERONIMO CHANCOSO SANCHEZ
Choreographer and Co-Founder GEM COLLECTIVE.
Geronimo Chancoso is a dancer and dance instructor, choreographer, event organizer, producer/musician, and owner of the record label UNIVERSAL THOUGHTS. At the age of 16, he began his dance training as a breakdancer at D’drive at Friesland College. In his first year, he was immediately overwhelmed by various projects. He performed three times at the GelreDome stadium for an audience of 33,000 people, worked with several well-known artists, frequently appeared on television, and participated in many international projects. He has also developed skills in Hip-hop, experimental, and contemporary dance.
Due to his musical background, Geronimo applies this knowledge to his dance practice. He dances through the different elements and rhythms of the music, which has allowed him to develop his own unique style.
DIMITRI DE VLIEGER
Actor.
Hey dear reader,
For those who don't know me yet, my name is Dimitri de Vlieger (27) and I currently live in Leeuwarden. A few years ago, I completed the theater artist training, which also happens to be in Leeuwarden. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work on some wonderful productions as a performer, creator, or assistant director. I can attest that I have tasted many different facets of this profession.
Starting next year, I will be attending a program at ArtEZ in Zwolle: Artist Educator in Theater and Media. This will allow me to further explore and gain knowledge within the theater landscape and everything around it.
What I find very exciting is shining light on the mysteries and hidden stories that this existence has to offer. Experimenting with language and movement, and through that, creating worlds, connecting groups, and inspiring as many souls as possible is something I am passionate about. Everything begins with yourself, just like love, and can be spread to the outside world. My motto linked to this phase of life: “Beautiful person, believe in your own strength and let yourself shine because you too are definitely allowed to follow your heart!”
NOOR TJOELKER
Actress.
Hey, hello!
My name is Noor Tjoelker and I am 17 years old. I live in Drachten and attend school in Leeuwarden, where I am in the Theater Artist program. I am now in my second year! Additionally, I am involved in various activities, all related to theater. I have truly discovered myself in theater. For most of my life, I never really knew what I wanted to do until I auditioned for the Theater Artist program. I am super happy with this choice. I always try to discover myself, and that includes within this performance!
What I find really cool is that we as people all have different lives, yet we are somehow connected to each other. I have always been a person who "observes" how people interact with each other. I find that very interesting. I also personally believe that some things are meant to be. For example, if I have to choose between two options and I choose the first one, how does that choice influence your life? And if you make that choice, it was meant to be. I always enjoy thinking about that. :)
RENS GERRITS
Actor.
Hi everyone!
My name is Rens Gerrits and I am 20 years old. I live in Leeuwarden where I am in the final year of my theater program. Additionally, I am involved in everything that has to do with theater. It is my dream to tour the Netherlands with large productions and eventually have my own theater where I can act and direct simultaneously. These are big dreams, but I love a challenge.
I find it important to tell stories and discuss topics that everyone tends to avoid. Unraveling mysteries and creating them is what I love. Abstract is my passion.
LEANNE VISSER
Actress.
My name is Leanne Visser, I am 20 years old, and I am from Drachten. After the summer, I will start the Theater Teacher program at NHL in Leeuwarden. Dance and theater are two of my great passions, and with this project, I have the chance to combine them!