The entire Music in Education programme of the Royal Conservatoire The Hague travelled to Ghent for its annual Culture Trip. Each year, this trip focuses on a different art discipline as part of the subject Cultural and Artistic Education (CKV). This year’s theme was dance. Because learning through experience is most effective, the students took part in workshops in four dance styles: flamenco, hip-hop, salsa and ballroom. These new steps were practised late into the night.
The fourth-year students organised the trip as part of their curriculum. They managed the travel and accommodation arrangements, finances, communication, dance workshops, museum visits and city games. They also arranged beautiful venues for performances by the Music in Education Choir, which rehearsed each morning under the direction of conductor and alum Sander van Dorst. The choir performed at several locations in the city, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Saint Bavo Cathedral and a number of local restaurants.
The annual Culture Trip offers students the opportunity to explore a new city and a different art form – but above all, to connect with one another. From preparatory students to those in their final year, everyone travels, learns and performs together, forming a close-knit community. And was it a productive and inspiring week, despite the late nights? Absolutely. After all, the Culture Trip has a fitting motto: “A DoMu’er at night, a DoMu’er in the morning!”
