"A Lifetime of Dance"

Foto: Privat 

Nederländska Josephine Verhulsdonk är danslärare och zumbainstruktör. Dansen har alltid legat henne nära och blivit ett sätt för henne att skapa, glädjas, älska och möta andra människor. På Instagram delar Josephine ofta med sig av dansklipp där friheten och glädjen känns i varje steg och varje rörelse.    

I en tid när världen tycks bära mörka kläder nästan varje dag känns det oerhört fint att följa Josephine och påminnas om hur dansen kan hjälpa oss att släppa mörkret, det som tynger och kanske för en stund låta åtminstone en del av oss bära något ljust och lätt.    

Idag berättar Josephine om sin relation till dansen och om glädjen i att få dela sin passion med andra.

I was asked to share my most beautiful dance experience, I found it surprisingly difficult to answer. Not because I couldn't think of one, but because I could think of so many. Dance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has taken me to different places, introduced me to wonderful people and given me opportunities I never expected. 

Over the years, my relationship with dance has changed many times. I've been a student, a performer, a dance teacher and the owner of my own dance school. Each chapter brought different experiences, challenges and memories. 

But one of the most rewarding parts of my journey has always been sharing my passion with others. There is something incredibly powerful about using my knowledge and experience to inspire people to dance. Seeing others discover the joy of movement, gain confidence, or simply let go and enjoy themselves gives me just as much energy as dancing myself. 

Dance has also always been a way for me to express what I feel. Whether I'm happy, sad, frustrated, or full of energy, there is always room for those emotions in movement. Sometimes dancing helps me process what I'm feeling or find my balance again. Other times, it simply makes a beautiful moment even better. That's what I love about dance: it doesn't require you to feel a certain way. Whatever you bring to it, there is a way to express it. 

What I also love about dance is that it never really stays the same. There is always another style to explore, another person to connect with, another piece of music that makes you want to move. And perhaps that's why I can't choose just one favourite dance experience. Because for me the most beautiful part of dancing isn't a particular performance, stage or achievement. 

It's the fact that after all these years, dance continues to be a constant in my life. A way to express myself, connect with others, share what I've learned and keep discovering something new. 

And looking ahead, I would love to take that passion even further. To travel, connect with dancers from different cultures and share my experience through workshops around the world. Because if there's one thing I've learned: dance has no borders. And I can't wait to discover where it takes me next.

/ Josephine Verhulsdonk

Följ Josephine på Instagram här.