FESTIVAL IN ROTTERDAM

Rotterdam has been hosting the important Feestival for schools for several years now. It's a three-day cultural event focused on enhancing children's cultural development. Jan from the Volkstheater is the driving force behind this event. I reconnected with him through our partner, Buurtlab, because they were looking for a fun way to showcase the performing arts for children in grades 5, 6, and 7. Various activities are organized, from singing and dancing to acting and even aerials, a type of aerial acrobatics.

Upon arrival, I see a pagoda tent all over the place. I'm greeted by Fred, a friendly man of Moluccan descent. We have a nice and sincere conversation, and Jan soon joins us. We discuss the day's plans and where I can stand. I plug in the speakers and put on my headset. Shortly after, the first children arrive with their teacher. They hear the music and are immediately super enthusiastic. The teacher happily joins in, and despite being in a smaller space, we give a great half-hour workshop. To my surprise, I run into an old friend. Or at least, Charl spots me while I'm spinning a ball onto a child's finger.

After the first group, the children ask if I can put on a show on the stage where they can showcase their skills. I promise I will at the end. Next to me, a boy from the circus school in Germany is practicing. He asks me to teach him how to spin the ball on his finger, and he masters it surprisingly quickly!