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In this special episode, the Dance Gems team shines a spotlight on an unmissable event: the Dance GEM International Innovation Seminar 2025, hosted in the beautiful city of Kerkrade, Netherlands, byTon Greten, creator of the GEM method, to discuss everything you need to know about the upcoming seminar, its unique format, the guest lineup, and what sets this conference apart from anything else in the dance world.
Ton shares insights into why he brought the seminar to his own dance studio after two years in Berlin, reveals the impressive roster of international professional dancers and choreographers attending, and explains how the GEM method transcends dance disciplines. Whether you're a teacher, student, seasoned pro, or passionate amateur—this seminar promises inspiring crossovers and new ways of thinking about movement, dance education, and creativity.
1. Cross-Disciplinary Learning & Collaboration
This conference brings together top-level dancers and teachers from diverse backgrounds: ballroom, classical ballet, hip-hop, breakdance, contemporary, and more. You’ll experience a rare environment where diverse dance styles connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. (You’ll witness and participate in genuine crossovers between genres—something Ton says is “very unusual” and “probably once in a lifetime.”)
2. The GEM Method: Dance from a Different Perspective
Ton Greten’s method—built from 15,000+ hours of research—offers tools, strategies, and language for teaching, learning, and moving that apply to all dance styles and all ages. The focus on language, proprioception, musicality, and neologisms helps dancers break out of their usual patterns and see dance through a fresh lens—no matter your experience or background.
3. Inclusive & Supportive Community
The seminar is open to all ages and levels, from world-class professionals to dedicated amateurs. Each participant is treated equally, fostering a true sense of community and shared inspiration. “Quality has no age,” says Ton, and learning here happens through discovery, dialogue, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
4. International Connections & Unique Experiences
Meet colleagues and dancers from across the globe—America, Egypt, Russia, Curacao, the Netherlands, and more. You’ll have the chance to connect, learn, and share experiences with people you’d likely never meet otherwise. Plus, you’ll experience Dutch hospitality in Kerkrade, with great local food and a beautiful dance studio setting.
Dates:
November 29-30, 2025
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (each day), with regular breaks
Location:
Kerkrade, Netherlands (Ton Greten’s dance school; 210 m² of studio space)
Who’s Attending:
Dancers and choreographers from contemporary, ballet, Latin, ballroom, hip hop, breakdance, and more—including self-employed artists, company dancers, and amateurs. New participants welcome!
How to Register / More Info:
Contact Ton Greten via social media or his website: www.gem.dance
Event details, accommodations, and travel tips provided upon inquiry.
The seminar is a rare opportunity for all levels and all ages to learn, collaborate, and innovate together.
The GEM method emphasizes creativity, language, and sensory experience in dance—inviting you to “dance from a different perspective.”
Open-mindedness is the key. Expect aha moments, simplification of complex ideas, and inspiration that lasts beyond the event.
Space is limited—over 20 world-class participants are already registered, but there is room for you to join.
Podcast Website: www.gem.dance/podcast
Listen on: Spotify (Dance Gems), Apple (Dance Jam), YouTube (@TonGretenPodcast)
Questions or Registration: Reach out directly to Ton Greten or contact the hosts via show notes/social media.
We hope to see you at the Dance GEM International Innovation Seminar—where inspiration, connection, and dance innovation await!
In this episode of Dance GEMS, Jean and Ton delve into the essential but often overlooked topic of gravity in dance. They explore concepts that combine physics and artistry and analyze what every dancer should understand: support surfaces, support points, center of gravity, and gravity itself, as experienced by the dancing body.
Jean's key points:
Everyone is subject to gravity: Jean emphasizes that no matter how skilled or elegant a dancer is, gravity affects everyone equally. Mastery lies in creating the illusion of lightness, not in being less subject to gravity.
Historical context: He cites Isaac Newton's crucial contribution to our understanding of gravity and links this back to dance movements, reminding listeners that these fundamental laws underlie everything dancers do.
The center of gravity is imaginary: Jean clarifies that the center of gravity is not a tangible part of the body, but that imagining its location (often near the stomach or navel) can be a great aid to movement and balance in dance.
The importance of experimentation: He advocates practicing different support surfaces and points, such as standing with feet together, spreading them apart, or placing a hand on the floor, to help students intuitively understand balance and stability.
Creativity with points of support: Jean encourages dancers not to settle for a mechanical approach, but to experiment creatively with how and where they create support. He even refers to games such as Twister as a way to explore these concepts in a playful way.
Ton's key points:
Physical principles in dance: Ton draws parallels between dancers and athletes such as ballet dancers and skaters, who through training seem to defy gravity while remaining subject to its rules.
Using gravity in movement: He introduces the concept of using gravity to your advantage, referring to techniques such as Chi Running, where falling and quick foot placement reduce muscle strain and injuries.
The role of points of support and surfaces: Ton explains that points of support can be anything that touches the floor (feet, knees, hands) or even another dancer. The support surface—the area between those points—affects stability and balance.
Holistic relationship: He emphasizes that gravity, center of gravity, points of support, and surfaces are interconnected and that dancers should view them as a holistic system rather than as separate factors.
Artistry beyond mechanics: Ton challenges dancers to transform repetitive, mechanical habits into unique artistic choices, using the way and place they touch the floor or a partner as a form of creative expression and individuality.
Key points for listeners:
Gravity is inescapable in dance, but understanding its mechanics can unlock new levels of control, elegance, and creative freedom.
By imagining their center of gravity, playing with points of support, and varying their base of support, dancers can develop better balance and artistry.
Creativity flourishes when dancers are aware of their technique and deliberately vary it, turning the mechanical into magic.
References and sources:
GEM: Dance from a Different Perspective – Book by Ton Greten
Previous episodes of Dance GEMS on body creativity and dance mechanics
Join the discussion: Did this episode spark new ideas about gravity in your own dance practice? Share your thoughts or questions with us on [social media/contact details].
Thanks for listening!
Episode Summary: In this very special episode of Dance GEMS, host Jean welcomes an illustrious panel to celebrate 50 years of the Tanz-Trainer-Sport-Kongress—a cornerstone event in the German dance community. Joined by Peter Mangelstorf, Evelyn Hadrich-Hormann, and Ton Greten, the group dives deep into the inspiring history, colorful anecdotes, and enduring legacy of this unique annual gathering for dance teachers and trainers.
Guests:
Host:
Highlights:
Takeaways:
Special Thanks: To Evelyn and Peter for their decades of dedication, to Ton for bridging international perspectives, and to all who keep the spirit of Tanz-Trainer-Sport-Kongress alive.
Stay Tuned: Don’t miss future episodes of Dance GEMS for more inspiring stories and deep dives into the world of dance!
For more information on the Tanz-Trainer-Sport-Kongress and upcoming events, keep following Dance GEMS—where dance legends and stories come alive!
Episode Summary
In this engaging episode of Dance GEMS, Ton Greten and Jean Dorff dive deep into the nuanced topic of freedom of choice in dance. They explore whether dancers really have control over their own decisions, or if external and internal factors—like organizations, rules, traditions, and upbringing—limit personal agency. Through real-life stories, comparisons across dance styles, and honest reflections, they shed light on how choice, freedom, and power dynamics play out in studios, companies, and competitions. The conversation also branches into the responsibility of teachers, the psychological side of decision-making, and the unspoken influences shaping every dancer’s journey.
Join Ton and Jean as they encourage dancers, teachers, and dance lovers to reflect on the real scope of their choices. Are you truly free—or just following someone else’s choreography off the dance floor?
Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to check out previous episodes on teaching styles and coaching dynamics.
For more resources and episodes, visit the Dance GEMS podcast archive.
5 Key Takeaways from Jean5 Key Takeaways from TonListen & Reflect
In this episode, Jean Dorfff and Ton Greten dive into the different functions, or roles, involved in teaching dance. They highlight that, like in any professional field, teaching dance has evolved from a generalist role to a range of specialized jobs.
Jean distinguishes between key roles: dance teacher, who imparts foundational knowledge; coach, who focuses on a dancer’s developmental process; and choreographer, who creates routines and innovates movement. They note that while one person can fill multiple roles, it’s crucial to understand the unique responsibilities and boundaries of each.
Ton shares his own journey from dance teaching to choreographing across various styles and stresses the value of building a diverse skill set. The discussion expands to include repetitors (who help dancers rehearse choreography), trainers (focusing on physical preparation and safety), judges, and even less obvious roles like mental coaches, lecturers, and dance researchers. Both hosts emphasize the value of teamwork and clear communication, echoing how in non-dance contexts (like sports or TV), collaborative teams deliver the best results.
They explore practical scenarios, such as the risks when a repetitor or trainer changes choreography without consulting the choreographer, the overlooked importance of understanding lighting and staging for choreographers, and how culture and industry standards shape these roles (with examples from TV productions in different countries).
Jean and Ton advocate for dancers and teachers to research these roles themselves, using modern tools like AI or traditional resources, so they can better identify what kind of expertise to seek at different stages of their development.
They touch on the common confusion around titles—like the American habit of calling any one-to-one dance lesson a “coaching”—and encourage listeners to clarify terms and expectations in their own practice.
Finally, both hosts stress the holistic nature of dance, where body and mind are deeply connected, and urge professionals to recognize how changes in one area affect the whole dancer. They close by suggesting that even with limited resources, being aware of different roles helps everyone deliver better support to dancers.
In summary: This episode breaks down the multiple, often overlapping, specialist and generalist roles in dance education, with practical advice and personal anecdotes encouraging clearer definitions, better collaboration, and ongoing research to support dancers’ growth.
Welcome back to Dance GEMS! In this episode, hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten dive into the evolving landscape of dance education, exploring the contrasts, benefits, and intersections between traditional and modern styles of teaching dance.
Jean and Ton unpack how teaching methods have shifted, why neither approach is "good" or "bad," and how both educators and students can benefit from understanding and blending these styles. The conversation flows through personal experiences, historical context, and even touches on social changes, offering practical insights for dancers, teachers, and anyone passionate about dance learning.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why traditional and modern are better terms than old vs. new.
Ton’s personal journey moving from strict traditionalism to a more creative, student-centered style.
Examples from ballet and ballroom showcasing how teaching styles can influence the dance itself.
The importance of terminology, self-discovery in dance, and how societal trends shape teaching.
How you can make informed choices in your dance journey, whether as a beginner or a seasoned artist.
Highlights from Ton
Personal Evolution: Ton shares that he taught for years in the traditional style—very strict and technique-focused—without initially realizing it, and only recognized the existence of "modern" styles more recently.
Approach to Individuality: He now feels more at home with modern teaching, which places emphasis on the dancer's individuality and creativity, seeing it as more equal and process-focused rather than result-driven.
Traditional vs. Modern in Practice: Ton compares how he used to uniformly treat students in a rigid way, versus his current approach that draws out unique qualities from each dancer.
Influence of Associations: He discusses how dance association rules, especially in competitive settings, can enforce traditional, restrictive teaching—even when rules themselves can be open to interpretation.
Terminology and Discovery: Ton values the modern style’s openness to new terminology, self-discovery, and encourages teachers to pioneer and explore uncharted territories in their teaching methodologies.
Highlights from Jean
Pedagogical Trends: Jean notes that the shift from summative (result-oriented) to formative (process-driven) learning in education began decades ago, influencing how dance is also taught.
Neutral Perspective on Approaches: He emphasizes that neither traditional nor modern teaching is inherently better; understanding both allows for informed, situational choices best suited to students and context.
Role of Technology: Jean brings up the integration of technology (like video analysis) in both traditional and modern teaching, highlighting that tools can serve both paradigms with different intentions.
Teaching vs. Coaching: He draws a valuable distinction between teaching (transferring skill/knowledge) and coaching (managing the learning process), advocating for teachers to know when to switch hats.
Language Matters: Jean explores how language and terminology—sometimes originating from pioneers like Laban—can help define and refine teaching methods, stressing the ongoing importance of developing new vocabulary in dance education.
Featured References:
The documentary “The Dancer” (Sergey Polunin’s story)
Discussion on Rudolf Laban’s contribution to dance terminology
GEM Method’s approach to structuring choices in dance learning
In this dynamic episode of Dance GEMS, hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten dive deep into the concept of the kinesphere and its relevance in dance. Whether you're new to the term or familiar with its origins, this conversation unpacks the roots of kinesphere, its evolution in dance theory, and how dancers can use it as both a technical and creative tool. From ancient philosophy to contemporary dance science, this is an epic journey through movement, measurement, and meaning.
What is a Kinesphere?
Unpacking the meaning of the word, its etymology (movement + sphere), and how it describes the personal space a dancer occupies and defines through movement.
History & Origins
Tracing the concept back to ancient thinkers like Plato, exploring Da Vinci's iconic Vitruvian Man, the geometry of Roman architects, and following the concept through the dance theories of Rudolf Laban and his students.
Laban Notation & Kinesphere in Practice
Conversation on Laban’s efforts to systematize and notate movement, and how the idea of the kinesphere developed into a three-dimensional understanding of personal movement space.
Space, Time, & Individual Choice
Ton and Jean discuss connections to Einstein’s concepts of space-time, the notion of time as a constant in movement, and how both space and time are colored by an individual’s choices and awareness in dance.
Making it Personal: The Fifth Dimension
The pair expands the conversation beyond four-dimensional space-time to include consciousness and subjective interpretation, illustrating how personal choices shape artistic movement.
Practical Applications & Creative Exploration
Learn how to explore the kinesphere with just your hand, or by focusing on different body parts and creative movement possibilities. Tips on breaking habits, unpredictability, and owning your unique movement signatures.
“Kinesphere is always there—if there is a body, there is a kinesphere.”
“You color the space and you color the time—this is what makes art so personal.”
“Don’t just follow teachers—interpret at the end as yours.”
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” (from Viktor Frankl, as shared by Jean)
Historical figures discussed: Plato, Vitruvius (Vitruvian Man), Leonardo da Vinci, Rudolf Laban, Irmgard Bartenieff, Albert Einstein, Hermann Minkowski, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Eric Franklin.
Key concepts for further research: Labanotation, Modern Dance History, Kinesphere in Dance, Dance Notation, Space-Time in Art, Vitruvian Geometry.
Eric Franklin’s books on imagery in dance
Join our WhatsApp group – message Ton or Jean for access!
This episode is an invitation to question, explore, and make movement theory your own. Listen closely, revisit the conversation, and dive into the resources mentioned. Remember, in dance (as in life), your freedom is in your choices.
In this enlightening episode of Dance GEMS, Jean and Ton deep-dive into the significance of observational and imitative learning in the world of dance. Exploring why these forms of learning are fundamental, especially in the early stages, Ton and Jean unpack the nuances between imitation, copying, and mirroring. They discuss how habits are formed, the role of concentration, attention, and focus (CAF), and the transition from simple imitation to personal interpretation. The conversation is rich with insights applicable to dancers, teachers, and lifelong learners, emphasizing the importance of observation through all senses and the continuous evolution of learning, regardless of age or experience.
5 Key Takeaways from Jean
Imitation As The First Learning Modality
Jean highlights that our most natural way of learning—especially as children—is through observation and imitation, which is deeply rooted in how we acquire movement and behavior from those around us.
Precision of Language Matters
Within the GEM method, Jean stresses the consistent use of the word “imitate” (rather than copy or mirror), reflecting the nuance that true copying isn’t possible because every individual’s movement is unique.
Synchronized vs. Asynchronized Imitation
He distinguishes between learning by following in real-time (synchronized) and imitation after observation (asynchronized), noting that each method demands different levels of concentration, attention, and focus (CAF).
Knowledge Shapes Perception
Jean explains the concept that "you can't see what you don't know"—our perception is influenced by our existing knowledge and experience, impacting how effectively we observe and imitate movement.
Imitation to Interpretation
He champions the developmental progression from imitation to personal interpretation, encouraging listeners to learn from others first, and then make conscious choices to create their own authentic movement style.
5 Key Takeaways from Ton
Repetition Builds Habits (and Breaks Them)
Ton emphasizes how habits—good or bad—are formed through repeated imitation. Changing existing habits requires conscious effort, focus, and repetition, benefitting both body and brain at any age.
Beyond Visual Observation
He expands the concept of observation to include all external senses, not just sight. Auditory and kinesthetic input play crucial roles in how we learn and absorb movement.
KAF: Concentration, Attention, Focus
Ton introduces CAF as essential for meaningful observation and learning, breaking down how concentration (time-related), attention (space-related), and focus (detail-oriented) interact during the learning process.
Shortcutting Through Proprioception
He explains how enhanced body awareness (proprioception) allows for quicker and more accurate imitation, emphasizing the role of self-knowledge in achieving learning shortcuts.
Imitation as a Path to Artistic Expression
Ton reminds listeners that the ultimate goal is to move beyond imitation: repetition and mastery create a foundation for personal expression—where dancers evolve from mimicking the form to embodying their unique artistic interpretation.
Stay tuned for future episodes where Jean and Ton explore more about the dance learning journey, including deeper dives into repetition, muscle memory, and the art of developing your own dance language.
On this thought-provoking episode of Dance GEMS, Jean and Ton tackle a topic that impacts every dancer—financing your passion. Stepping away from the usual technical dance talk, they dive deep into the real costs associated with dance training, education, competitions, and the smart strategies dancers and parents can use to make their passion more affordable and sustainable. Sharing both personal stories and broader insights from the dance world (with comparisons between the Netherlands, the US, and beyond), Jean and Ton offer practical, actionable advice for dancers at every level.
Bonus Tips:
Key Topics Covered:Highlights from JeanHighlights from Ton Greten
Episode Shownotes
Ready to dive deep into the world of dance dynamics? This episode of Dance GEMS is a masterclass in understanding and applying dynamic qualities in dance. Hosts Ton Greten and Jean Dorff break down the concepts, challenge common perceptions, and share practical advice you can use right away in your dance journey.
Why listen to the full episode? Here are just a few highlights:
Defining Dynamics Beyond "Fast and Slow": Ton expands beyond the usual "just change your speed" advice. He introduces a precise definition of dynamic qualities based on conscious muscle tension and continuous change within body parts.
Muscle Tension & Movement Quality: Learn why starting from the lowest possible muscle tension is crucial, and how building up tension leads to powerful, expressive movements like pops and ticks.
Practical Application: Ton emphasizes practicing dynamic qualities individually in different body parts—think of yourself as an artist combining movement colors on the dance floor!
Individuality in Execution: Hear why every dancer’s unique muscle tension and personal feeling will always create a different result—and why that’s the magic of dance.
Six Primary Dynamic Qualities: Jean clearly breaks down the six core dynamic qualities—sustained, percussive, swinging, suspended, collapsed, and vibratory—complete with practical dance examples.
Contrast & Artistic Power: Discover how using contrasting dynamic qualities (like stillness vs. fast movement) can create striking impact, both for audiences and as a training tool.
Science Meets Dance: Jean draws fascinating parallels between dance dynamics and scientific concepts of force, power, and energy—making complex ideas accessible for every mover.
Dance Is More Than Just Steps: By the episode’s end, Jean and Ton push you to see dance as more than technique—urging you to explore musicality, dynamics, emotion, and intention at every stage of development.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer, a curious teacher, or simply passionate about movement, this episode will get you thinking, experimenting, and redefining your approach to dynamic qualities.
Tune in now and find the magic in your movement—with dynamic contrast, conscious intention, and a whole lot of dance GEMS wisdom!
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