‘My dream is to join a company that really suits me, in which I feel very comfortable.’ Hester is in the final year of her studies in the Dance department (Bachelor).

Hester began her education at the Royal Conservatoire at the age of twelve. ‘It becomes steadily more challenging as you grow older. There is more technique to learn and you have to express yourself more: you must be able to convey your inner feelings. But the teachers prepare you very well. You are not just thrown in at the deep end.’ The Dance department has an intensive partnership with the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT). ‘In the annual Young Talent Project, we create a joint production with choreographers and dancers from the NDT. We also frequently attend the company’s dress rehearsals and are allowed to join in their ballet lessons during the school holidays.’

Because Hester is in the final phase of her course, she will soon start doing auditions for dance companies. She is convinced that the increasing challenges presented in the course will help her when that time comes. ‘You have to be able to perform under pressure and must always be well prepared. However, while everything naturally has to go well, I always remember that you’re allowed to enjoy yourself.’

Photographer: Marijn Smulders (alumnus KABK). This picture is taken at the construction site of Amare. In the summer of 2021, the Royal Conservatoire will move to this new building, together with the Residentie Orkest, Nederlands Dans Theater and Zuiderstrandtheater.