Dancers are constantly on the move and continue to challenge themselves. Not only physically, but mentally as well. This season, a new group of (former) dancers have begun studying for a course or study. We asked six of them what motivates them to take this new step, what they hope to achieve, and how they experienced ODN’s career counselling services. Read below the stories of Donna Scholten, Chanquito van Hoeve, Yuanyuan Zhang, Dario Elia, Wiktoria Czakon, and Miguel Duarte Manso Pinheiro.
DONNA SCHOLTEN
Dancer at De Stilte
Donna is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Education at the NTI.
What are your motivations to start this study?
“I chose Bachelor of Pedagogy because it allows me to gain a broad and in-depth knowledge on how to guidance children and educators in situations where they most need it. I am pleased to offer a solution to those who might feel like they’re stuck and need help. The study seems very interesting, and it allows me to work in many different places, such as working at a youth health centre or in education.”
More info about the study can be found here (in Dutch).
CHANQUITO VAN HOEVE
Former dancer with Dutch National Ballet
Chanquito is following a three-year acting course at the Film Actors Academy Amsterdam (FAAM).
How do you experience the (career counselling) guidance of ODN?
“I have experienced the guidance of ODN, while transitioning into a new career, as really wonderful. It is great that this organization exists and that dancers can make use of their services. But what is even greater, is that the people at ODN support your dreams and believe in you.”
More info about the study can be found here (in Dutch).
YUANYUAN ZHANG
Dancer at Dutch National Ballet
Follows a Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Series.
Which competencies do you want to develop (further)?
“I have always felt more comfortable expressing myself through movements rather than words. As a teacher you must possess strong communication skills, so it’s going to be a big challenge for me. I hope I can develop my speaking skills throughout my studies.”
More info about the study can be found here (in English and Dutch).
DARIO ELIA
Former dancer at Dutch National Ballet
Follows a tailor-made ballet teacher training program. Since 2020, Dario works at the Dutch National Ballet Academy.
What are your motivations to start this study?
“My biggest motivation to choose this program was definitely the idea of giving myself a new start after my dancing career. I was always a little afraid of what it will have happened after retiring from the stage. The Omscholing was always a safety and relief support in each moment I thought of my future development.”
(Photo by Rudenko Photography)
WIKTORIA CZAKON
Dancer at De Stilte
Studies for a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business.
How do you experience the (career) guidance of ODN?
“Omscholing Dansers gave me clear direction about how to apply and how to present my case, with quick answers to any questions I had. It is easy to follow and straightforward. Just the fact that a program like this exists provided me with mental peace and comfort about my financial situation for the upcoming year.”
More info about the study can be found here (in Dutch).
MIGUEL DUARTE MANSO PINHEIRO
Former dancer at Netherlands Dance Theater.
Studies for a Bsc (honour) Open Degree in Social Sciences at the Open University (UK).
Which competencies do you want to develop (further)?
“I wish to gather adequate arguments and vocabulary to properly communicate the theories and ideas that may be applicable to our daily lives. Though I must admit that I find myself in an admittedly premature phase of my retraining. Therefore I wish for this course to provide a sense of clarity regarding the trajectory of my future career plan.
For now, I approach it from an open and curious perspective.”
More info about the study can be found here.
