FAQ - OBOC Amsterdam 2022
Due to limited organisational resources, we will be unable to answer all of your questions individually. For that reason, we’ve compiled an extensive FAQ page, with all the questions we thought you might have. Please make sure to carefully read the information on this page, to find an answer to any question you might have. It's your responsibility to be aware of all the conditions that apply.* In the rare case where a question would go unanswered, you can email us at the email address at the bottom of this page. Questions sent via Facebook, Instagram or the registration form will go unanswered.
1. CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM
2. DATES, REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
3. SELECTION AND PARTICIPATION
4. COVID-19 RELATED QUESTIONS
5. TRAVEL, HOUSING AND LIVING IN AMSTERDAM
6. STUDIOS
7. OTHER PROGRAMS
8. GENERAL CONDITIONS
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
1. CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM
1.1 What is the Countertechnique?
Countertechnique provides tools for body and mind to deal with the demanding dance practice of the 21st century. It is a movement system to help the dancer think about the dancing body, focusing on the process of incorporating information into action. Within a clear structure of exercises, the Countertechnique class thoroughly prepares the body for rehearsal and performance, enabling dancers to move bigger, more fluidly and more spatially, while becoming stronger and more flexible.
By continuously and sequentially directing and counter directing parts of the body through space, Countertechnique allows the moving dancer to work with an ever-changing dynamic balance. This dynamic balance reduces the pressure on the overall body structure and can be changed at any given moment. The consistent use of the counter direction in all movements is key to the technique; both the awareness and application of this principle is trained throughout the Countertechnique class.
The Countertechnique theory is organized around two principal notions: the ‘toolbox’ and ‘scanning’. The toolbox is the systematically organized collection of tools for body and mind with which Countertechnique works, often visualized as a virtual map that dancers carry with them. Scanning defines the process of dancers continuously and actively observing their mindset and body in order to choose the most appropriate tool(s) from the toolbox for the situation they find themselves in. Scanning allows dancers to make active use of the toolbox in their daily practice of training, rehearsing and performing.
Countertechnique was developed by Anouk van Dijk throughout her twenty-five year career as a dancer, choreographer and teacher. Over the last twenty years, the knowledge and experience she gained – in constant dialogue with her dancers – was gradually transformed into a detailed theoretical system and a teaching method, which now together form the Countertechnique system.
Countertechnique is taught all around the world by 35 Teachers, trained and certified by Founder Anouk van Dijk and Master Teacher Nina Wollny in the biennial Countertechnique Teacher Training.
1.2 What is the OBOC?
Working for ten full days with Countertechnique Founder and Artistic Director Anouk van Dijk, Senior Teachers Elita Cannata and Niharika Senapati, Countertechnique Teacher James Vu Anh Pham and Alexander Technique expert Tom Koch, will give you an all-encompassing view into the theory and application of Countertechnique into your dance practice.
The OBOC encompasses a variety of programs, that all look at different aspects of your daily life as a dancer, and help you understand and apply Countertechnique to these different situations. All participants will take Countertechnique classes and Practical Tools sessions with Founder Anouk van Dijk and Senior Teacher Elita Cannata. You will also work on improvisation, creation, theory and analysis, performance practice and instant composition. And – last but certainly not least – you’ll be doing group and individual sessions with legendary Alexander Technique Teacher Tom Koch, who’s had 30+ years of experience working with dancers, amongst others with William Forsythe’s Ballet Frankfurt.
Countertechnique Founder Anouk van Dijk will invite you into her artistic process, Niharika Senapati will offer insights in Anouk van Dijk’s extensive repertoire for Chunky Move, and share her distinct approach to gaining more agency in performance. James Vu Anh Pham will run additional Countertechnique classes in his lush and breath-taking fluid style. Alexander Technique teacher Tom Koch will introduce his specific approach of Alexander Technique for dancers, in both group and individual sessions. The OBOC will conclude with a sharing of the various workshops.
Through these programs of physical practice, theory and discourse, creative workshops and reflection, participants will gain a set of practical tools that they will be able to draw from and apply in their daily dance practice, in other movement styles or physical practices, and through performance seasons.
1.3 Who will be participating?
The OBOC Intensive is aimed at professional dancers and advanced dance students interested in pursuing a long, healthy and successful career in dance. First time participants will gain a detailed introduction to the distinct elements and methodology that form Countertechnique, while returning participants will have the opportunity to deepen and expand their understanding.
We always carefully compose a balanced mix of experienced and earlier career dancers, as we believe regardless of age, background or experience, everyone can offer inspiration to others, and the mix makes it truly interesting. Similarly, we make sure to include participants that have no or limited Countertechnique experience, and those that have already taken frequent Countertechnique classes, or have done OBOC’s before.
The OBOC operates in an intimate setting and offers spots up to 62 participants. For morning classes, participants will be divided into two groups, based on their prior experience with Countertechnique. Most afternoons, these groups will be mixed up, in either two or three new groups, depending on the type of session or participants’ choice of workshop. Although normally OBOC will include several plenary sessions where all participants work together, to ensure a safe and spacious work environment, most of the program will run in groups.
Participants in previous editions have come from all over the world, adding the additional benefit to the OBOC of building an international professional network for yourself.
1.4 What will I get out the OBOC?
You will be gaining a set of practical tools that you will be able to draw from and apply in you daily dance practice, as well as in performance and creation processes.
The Countertechnique method is not about copying or imitating a specifc movement or intent, and it is not tied to any particular style. Countertechnique is a task-based approach that aims to provide useful information to dancers, which can also be applied to other movement forms or practices. OBOC invites you to take more initiatives in your own on-going development, to become less judgemental about yourself, and to realize your potential. The OBOC also offers strategies to prevent and manage injuries, and will bring a stronger sense of purpose and self-agency, and more fun to your dancing life.
1.5 How is it different from taking a regular Countertechnique class, or a workshop?
A regular Countertechnique class is aimed at warming up your body, fine-tuning coordination and preparing it for rehearsal or performance. The information, analysis and modes of application that you get provided with during the OBOC will give you extensive additional knowledge that will help you to work on a much more refined, pro-active and deeper level in a regular Countertechnique class or workshop, and will offer a wealth of information that you can apply to other classes or artistic practices as well.
1.6 How is it different from taking one of the many other summer workshops in Europe?
As one of the very few intensive workshops in the world, the OBOC will not give you a taster of different styles and techniques, or solely practicing someone’s choreographic repertoire: it’s aimed at delving deep into the Countertechnique movement system for two weeks, and will send you home with practical tools that you can apply in your own daily dance practice. Countertechnique is about empowering dancers, and the information and practice you gather during the OBOC is guaranteed to be of great benefit to your own career.
1.7 Are these specific Countertechnique teachers different than other Countertechnique teachers near me?
All of our Countertechnique teachers have been trained and certified by Founder Anouk van Dijk herself, so the classes that they teach offer information in line with the Countertechnique methodology. Working with Founder Anouk van Dijk herself for two weeks, as well as the rest of the OBOC faculty, will give you access to a very different level of knowledge, expertise and experience. Anouk van Dijk has developed the system over the last 25 years, and trained all 35 certified Teachers. She initiated OBOC in 2006, and since then has curated an annual program that offers a cohesive way of incorporating new information, and transferring this knowledge to different aspects of the dance profession. Having been a certified teacher since 2012, and a Senior Teacher in 2018, Elita Cannata has been intensifying her teaching networks across Europe, and is one of the most sought-after Countertechnique Teachers in Europe, and a regular guest teacher at NDT since 2020. Niharika Senapati has been a core member during Anouk van Dijk's tenure at Chunky Move, has been teaching Countertechnique since 2013 and has been faculty member of OBOC since 2019. James Vu Anh Pham has been a core Chunky Move ensemble member and between 2012-2017 featured in many of Anouk van Dijk’s creations for Chunky Move, James is now a sought-after dancer across Europe. James and Niharika are bringing theirs extensive performance experience and deeply embodied knowlegde of Countertechnique together.
1.8 Where can I find more information about the faculty?
Please find more information about Anouk van Dijk’s work as a choreographer online. To get an impression of her work, we recommend watching trailers of An Act of Now (2012), Complexity of Belonging (2014), Depth of Field (2016), Rule of Thirds(2016), and Common Ground (2018) for Chunky Move, Distant Matter (2019) for Staatsballet Berlin, Touch (2020) for Münchner Kammerspiele and and her most recent work, Out of the Blue (2021) for Skånes Dansteater / Malmö Opera. Elita Cannata started her career as an intern in Anouk van Dijk's legendary remake of Hans van Manen's Situations in 2007 and remained connected to the company ever since. During and after her graduation she danced for José Navas, Megumi Nakamura, Cathy Sharp Ensemble, Compagnia Tpo, Itzik Galili, and David Middendorp, among others. Next to her dance and teaching career, she has worked as a rehearsal director with Project Sally and Another Kind of Blue. She is now a returning guest teacher Countertechnique at Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT). Niharika Senapati has worked closely with Anouk van Dijk during her tenure as Artistic Director of Chunky Move from 2012-2019, appearing as a dancer in almost all of her choreographies, most notably An Act of Now (2012), 247 Days (2013), Depth of Field (2015), Rule of Thirds (2016), Anti—Gravity (2017) and Accumulation (2018). She was also Choreographic Assistant for two of Anouk van Dijk’s collaborations with theatre director Falk Richter, Complexity of Belonging (2014) and Safe Places (2016), as well as Van Dijk's work Distant Matter (2019) for Staatsballet Berlin. James Vu Anh Pham has been working extensively with Anouk van Dijk since 2012, with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui since 2016, and with Akram Khan since 2019. For Anouk van Dijk / Chunky Move, he performed in An Act of Now (2012), 247 Days (2013), Complexity of Belonging (2014), Depth of Field (2015) and Rule of Thirds (2016). For Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, he performed with Eastman (Babel Words), Royal Ballet of Flanders (Ravel), GöteborgsOperans Danskompani (Icon), Bayerische Staatsoper (Les Indes Galantes) and Theater Basel (Satyagraha). With Akram Khan Company, he premiered and toured Outwitting the Devil since July 2019. Tom Koch has worked with some of the world's most famous dance companies, choreographers and dancers in the world, including William Forsythe's Ballet Frankfurt; more information about his practice on his website Tomsterdam.
1.9 Will I get to work with all the different faculty members?
During the two week OBOC, you will be able to work with all faculty members in various settings, although to some you will have more access than to others.
1.10 Will there be a presentation at the end?
The OBOC will have a informal presentation moment of the creative workshops at the end of the second week, with as purpose to share internal experiences. Closer to date we will decide in what capacity this can be taking place.
1.11 If I do the OBOC, will I receive a certificate?
No, there is no certificate at the end.
1.12 Do I get to take something home after the OBOC?
Besides the experience from the Intensive itself, you will get access to a PDF with a written summary of Countertechnique and Alexander Technique information that has been shared with you during the OBOC. This is for personal and private use only, and you are not allowed to share, multiply or publish these materials or their content with others in any shape or form, or through any platform.
1.13 After I complete the OBOC, can I share my experiences with others?
We encourage all participants to share their experiences and insights, but we’re very strict in allowing only teachers who have successfully completed the Countertechnique Teacher Training to teach Countertechnique to others. Teaching Countertechnique requires very specific teacher perspective on Countertechnique, as well as a detailed pedagogical understanding of what happens during class – neither of which are taught during the OBOC in any way. The OBOC is exclusively aimed at learning to understand and applying Countertechnique as a dancer, and after completing the OBOC you therefore can’t claim for any of the classes you teach yourself that you are teaching or incorporating Countertechnique in any way.
1.14 Is the OBOC getting documented?
Elements of the OBOC will be recorded on video and through photography. By confirming your place in the OBOC, you consent to these registrations and any use for future marketing purposes. We do not provide materials to any of the participants, other than what is published online through our website or social media. Participants will not be allowed to make audio or video recordings of (parts of) the OBOC for any purposes.
2. DATES, REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
2.1 When does the OBOC 2021 in Amsterdam take place?
The OBOC 2021 in Amsterdam takes place from Saturday 30 July to Tuesday 9 August. The program consists of ten full days, running from 9.30am to 6pm, with a one hour lunch break in the afternoon, and 15 min intervals between sessions. Thursday 4 August is a rest day.
2.2 How many places are available?
We will accept a total of 62 applicants to maintain an intimate environment and to ensure dancers receive individualized attention as much as possible.
2.3 How can I apply?
You can apply until Sunday 30 January midnight (all time zones) using our online registration form: https://form.jotform.com/220004177559352. We will not accept registrations sent to us by email or post.
To be included in the selection process, you will be required to complete the registration form online and pay your registration fee. We will not accept payments of the registration fee via other ways other than what’s offered on the registration page.
All questions need to be answered in English. As our English-speaking faculty will do the selection of the participants, information submitted in any other language can unfortunately not be accepted.
Please make sure that all text files you upload are PDF or Word only, and all image files either JPG or PNG. Pages, Txt or other text formats are not accepted by the registration system, nor are other image formats.
Once you have completed your registration, you will receive an automatic email confirmation that your application will be included in the selection process.
You will hear about the outcome of the selection procedure by Friday February 11 at the latest.
If you're on the waitlist: invitations to people on the waitlist are not expected to be sent out before Friday February 18.
Individual application updates cannot be provided until Friday February 11. Our team is not able to provide any individual feedback on applications for participants who are not selected or who are placed on the waiting list.
Summary of Important Dates:
- Wed 5 Jan - Applications open
- Sun 30 Jan - Applications close
- Fri 11 Feb - Applicants receive notification
- Thu 17 Feb - Deposit needs to be paid to secure spot
- Fri 18 Feb - If spots are available, first invitations to waitlist applicants are sent out
- Fri 15 Apr - second payment is due
- Fri 10 Jun - third and final payment is due
- Sat 30 Jul - start OBOC Amsterdam
- Tue 9 Aug - last day OBOC Amsterdam
2.4 How much does it cost to participate and what’s the payment process?
The full cost for the intensive is 1.075 Euro (EUR). A one-time registration fee of 25 EUR is required for all applicants.
After the selection process has been completed, on Friday 11 February, the selected applicants will be offered a spot in the OBOC. They will have to pay a 325 EUR deposit by Thursday 17 February to confirm their participation.
From Friday 18 February, applicants on the waitlist might be provided with an invitation to attend. They will also need to confirm their participation and pay their deposit within one week after notification. Invitations to people on the waitlist can continue to roll out until the start of the OBOC.
2.5 What payment methods and payment plans are available?
Payment is split into a 325 EUR deposit by 17 February, a second payment of 400 EUR by 15 April and a deadline for a final payment of 350 EUR on 10 June. Following the confirmation of your spot in the OBOC, you will receive a payment email with an individual payment link for both deposit; this will be repeated for your final payment. The payments can be completed online, via credit card, bank transfer, Paypal and selected other methods. Payment of the registration fee can only be completed via PayPal, accepting payments via credit card and PayPal accounts only.
2.6 Are there any scholarships available?
There is a limited number of scholarships available for the OBOC; on the application form you can express the level of support you'd like to apply for. Applying for financial support does not guarantee receiving it, and we therefore strongly encourage applicants to seek funding from multiple sources, independently from their scholarship request. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of a combination of artistic excellence, equity & inclusion principles, financial need, and motivation. If scholarships are provided, by default they will cover only 25-50% of the participation fee; only in exceptional cases will a scholarship cover 100% of the participation fee. Scholarships apply exclusively to the participation fee; all participants are responsible for covering their own travel, housing and any other expenses.
2.7 Do I get a discount as a returning OBOC participant?
No discounts are provided to attendants of previous OBOC’s.
2.8 What is your refund policy?
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If a participant withdraws before the payment deadline, no further payments are due.
If the organizers cancel the OBOC before the start of the event, a full refund of the participation fee (minus 35 EUR administration fee) will be made available to the participants. If government restrictions do not allow the event to proceed, a custom-made solution will be offered.
In any scenario, the participants at all times remain fully responsible for any and all other expenses related to their participation in the event. We strongly advise all participants to obtain travel, health and/or cancellation insurance in case of injuries or any other reasons for cancellation, including Covid-19.
2.9 I’m not sure yet if I’m free / have the money / etc. Should I apply anyway?
We appreciate that there are many reasons why you might not yet be able to 100% confirm your participation at the moment of registration. However, we encourage everyone with interest in the OBOC to at least apply. If you have to drop out, at least your profile is on our radar, and we’ll take that information into our consideration when processing applications in future years.
2.10 What should I do if I’ve accepted my spot, but find out later that I can’t attend after all?
You should notify us immediately via email, obocamsterdam@countertechnique.com. Participants who withdraw after they’ve paid their full fee, will receive their registration fee back.
2.11 Do I get a discount if I attend both Henny Jurriëns Studio's Summer Intensive and OBOC?
Although we highly recommend both events, they are unrelated and no discount is available for participating in both.
2.12 Are there other OBOC’s taking place in 2022?
In 2022, there will be another OBOC in New York City from 14-24 June. If you wish to be considered a full candidate for both events, you'll have to apply separately to both the OBOC Amsterdam and OBOC NYC. If you wish to be considered only as a waitlist candidate for OBOC Amsterdam, you can register your interest on the OBOC NYC form.
2.13 Are there other Countertechnique events taking place around the OBOC Amsterdam 2021?
Yes there are! Ahead of the OBOC, a one-week Countertechnique workshop (4 hours a day) is scheduled to take place as part of the HJS Summer Intensive; check out their website for up-to-date information.
3. SELECTION AND PARTICIPATION
3.1 Do I need prior experience in Ctech to be selected?
There’s no formal requirement to have prior experience with Countertechnique. Each year, about half the group has limited or no experience with Countertechnique, and half has moderate to extensive experience with Countertechnique.
3.2 How will you be selecting participants?
We’re always very careful to select a balanced mix of experienced professionals and dancers in the earlier stages of their career. Similarly, we make sure to select a group of participants that have no or limited Countertechnique experience, and a group that has already taken frequent Countertechnique classes, or done OBOC’s before.
Within those categories we will select candidates on the basis of their motivation letter, CV and video, as well as their level of education and professional experience. As best we can, we look to put together a group that’s balanced and diverse in terms of gender, age and cultural background as well.
We will prioritise 'dancers-with-a-mission', those who have a clear motivation statement and who we think will benefit most from the information offered. Countertechnique was originally developed for professional dancers who need to be operating at the top of their game, so this is also a consideration in the selection process.
3.3 What kind of video would you like to see from me?
Please send us a dancer's reel, which clearly shows you dancing. The video you send us needs to include footage of yourself dancing in a studio setting, be it improvised and/or set choreography. If you include excerpts of a performance, please send us material that shows you individually, not as part of a group. If you're sending material that has you in a duet or trio, make sure to supply information that allows us to identify you easily in the video (e.g. costume colour), and make note of this in the Additional Information box at the end of the form. Selecting material that is easy for us to assess is your responsibility; if we need to make significant effort to identify who you are in the videos you have sent, we will simply not include the video in our selection process.
3.4 How do I send you my video material?
We only accept video material via links on Youtube or Vimeo. We do not accept links to materials that need to be downloaded, or viewed on non-mainstream platforms. If you’re concerned about privacy: do NOT use a password on your video, but instead change your video's privacy settings to ‘private’ (Vimeo) or ‘unlisted’ (Youtube) before sending us the link. Please also make sure you provide us with the actual viewing link, and not the web address of your video's Settings page.
3.5 How do I send you my photo material?
We ask that you send us JPG’s, with a maximum size of 1 MB per photo. Send us one headshot, and one dance photo - please do not send us more.
3.6 How do I send you my CV and motivation?
We ask that you send us a Word document or PDF only, with a maximum file size of 5 MB.
3.7 Can OBOC and HJS offer accessibility accommodations for disabled artists?
Please contact us directly at workshops@countertechnique.com so we can discuss your specific needs. Venue accessibility information from HJS is available on their website, here.
3.8 How good does my English need to be?
English proficiency is not required, though a thorough understanding of English is strongly encouraged to take full advantage of the program. All of the information shared during the OBOC will be exclusively in English.
3.9 I can’t make it to one / more day(s) of the OBOC. Is that a problem?
Yes, it is. We will prioritize applicants that commit to being present for the whole duration of the OBOC Intensive. If you can't please feel free to still apply, and we can put you on the waitlist for if any spots become available. Please be upfront about your availability; we reserve the right to deny access to those who show up at the OBOC and turn out not to be able to meet their full time commitment.
3.10 I can attend the full two week period, but I'd like to attend (part of) the OBOC as an observer. Is that a problem?
Yes, it is. We do not allow observers in the studios. All attendants will be required to fully participate as a dancer in the OBOC, or otherwise leave the space.
3.11 I'd like to make video / audio recordings of (parts of) the OBOC, is that a problem?
Yes, it is. We do not allow the OBOC to be recorded by participants in any shape or form. We will make video and photographic recordings ourselves, for archival and marketing purposes, which will be published online and through social media, and which can be shared by participants.
3.12 I would like to receive a confirmation letter, for the purpose of a funding application - is that possible?
Upon making your deposit, you will be provided with a confirmation letter.
3.13 If I'm not selected, can I receive feedback why?
Unfortunately we do not have the resources to provide feedback on individual applications.
4. COVID-19 RELATED QUESTIONS
4.1 What are the current travel restrictions for Amsterdam?
All participants are responsible for monitoring which travel requirements apply to them, for updating themselves on any changes on travel policies and restrictions, and for making arrangements to comply with these regulations. We will endeavour to update the information on this topic regularly, but we do not accept any responsibility for the completeness or actuality of the information on this page.
For international travellers to the Netherlands, please refer to this webpage for travel advice: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/checklist-entry.
All international travellers are also advised to inform themselves locally for the most up-to-date information about their journey and they should always also check information about international travel from their own country, including requirements that apply upon their return home from the Netherlands.
We recommend making any travel arrangements with a licensed travel agent and to purchase travel and cancellation insurance for unforeseen events.
4.2 What is the quality of the health care system in the Netherlands and what testing infrastructure is available to non-Dutch residents?
The quality of the health care system is excellent and health care is available to everyone. For enquiries regarding expenses please consult your local health provider, insurer and government; as this situation can differ from country to country, Countertechnique does not provide any advise on this matter.
There is a significant testing infrastructure available in the Netherlands and in Amsterdam, allowing everyone to generally get tested within 24 hrs and receive a test result within 48 hrs. More information here.
4.3 How will the Covid-19 restrictions affect the OBOC itself?
The OBOC Amsterdam is a collaboration between Countertechnique and the Henny Jurriëns Studio (HJS). In the Netherlands, there is an exemption from Covid-restrictions for the training of professional dancers; as a result, HJS has been able to operate all throughout the pandemic. We therefore expect the OBOC 2022 to take place as per usual. There are no formal restrictions to the number of participants we can host; we do plan to limit the number of participants to 62 in order to maintain sufficient space between the participants. Under the Corona Access Proof policy (Coronatoegangsbewijs), every participant will have to be either fully vaccinated, recently recovered, or provide a registered test result every 24 hrs. As the pandemic continues and government policies develop, entry conditions are subject to change - particularly as the start of the OBOC is about 8 months away.
4.4 What happens when I have (symptoms of) Covid-19?
Under the current health and safety measures, if you have Covid-19 or have symptoms you will not be able to enter the premises. If you test positive, you will be required to self-isolate until at least one week after receiving your positive test result; in addition, you should also be at least 24-hrs completely symptom-free. Please note: these conditions are subject to change.
4.5 What happens when I can't travel or participate because I or someone close to me has Covid-19?
We're unable to take responsibility for the circumstances of individual participants in relation to COVID-19, either before, during or after the OBOC. We strongly advise everyone to inform themselves properly on the restrictions that apply in general on travel and on Covid-19 in the Netherlands, and we strongly advise everyone to take out travel, health and/or cancellation insurance, including Covid-related circumstances. Be aware: currently, if your house mate or close contact has COVID-19, you will need to self-isolate for 5 full days before taking an official COVID-test; once this test comes back negative, you can break the self-isolation (whilst maintaining safe distance from your recovering house mate / close contact). Please note: these conditions are subject to change.
5. TRAVEL, HOUSING AND LIVING IN AMSTERDAM
5.1 What’s Amsterdam like?
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, culturally diverse, and known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and more. During the summer, outdoor festivals take place in several beautiful parcs, and the sea is not far away, about 30 min. by train. Cycling is key to discovering the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths. Information about tourism, culture, performances, concerts, going out, hotels, and opportunities in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area can be found on the website of IAmsterdam.
5.2 Do people speak English in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a population composed of many nationalities, and almost everyone speaks English well.
5.3 Will you assist in finding housing?
All participants in the program must arrange for their own accommodation. HJS can suggest budget housing possibilities, and can sometimes couple you to local dancers who may be renting out their room or apartment during the OBOC period. Do plan your stay as soon as possible! Amsterdam is a popular destination.
Sharing an apartment is a fun and economical way to live for the month. As soon as invited applicants confirm their application, we'll be setting up a closed Facebook-group where you can connect to other participants to discuss housing options in advance of the OBOC.
5.4 What are the public transport options?
There's various public transport options near the Chassé Dans Studios, trams 13 and 19 stop nearby at stop Admiraal de Ruijterweg, and buses 18 and 247 stop at stop Jan Evertsenstraat.
For information about where and how to buy tickets / passes etc. visit the GVB website. For information about out how to get from the place you stay, to the studio’s, theatres and back, please visit the 9292 website.
If you are used to biking in busy cities, biking is the best way to move about. You can rent a bike at different places in town. Do take care, the traffic is quite hectic. The closest ones to the studio are:
Fietspadje (Van Kinsbergenstraat 38)
Fietsenwinkel Admiraal: Admiraal de Ruijterweg 81
Bike King: Kinkerstraat 364
Bicycle online routemap, Routecraft.
5.5 How will I get to Amsterdam?
There's excellent train connections to Amsterdam from France, Germany, Belgium as well as the UK.
If you fly to Schiphol Airport, there's an excellent train connection to various train stations in and around the city, where you can change to trams or buses. Google Maps is the easiest way to plan your route, with more route info on the 9292 website, and info about train tickets on the NS website and trams and bus tickets on the GVB website.
5.6 What visa and passport conditions apply to the Netherlands?
Citizens of many countries can enter the Netherlands without a visa and stay up to 90 days in the entire EU Schengen area. For some countries, however, there are visa requirements. In all cases, check the requirements for your nationality online, by clicking on this link. Please make sure to do your research well in advance of your arrival.
5.7 What's the weather like in August?
The month of July in Amsterdam is generally good, but unpredictable. On average, tempatures will be between 20-25 C, but occassionaly temperatures might drop to as low as 16 C or rise as high as 38 C. There is a high change of showers, but they would generally be limited in duration.
5.8 How will I stay in touch with the other participants during and after the OBOC?
As soon as applicants start confirming their spots, we'll set up a closed Facebook group which will allow participants to connect. During the OBOC, this Facebook group will also serve the purpose of sharing information about the day to day program. If you are not on Facebook, we will find a solution how the information can be passed on to you.
5.9 Health-related addresses
Fysiotherapie Keizersgracht (fysiotherapy-manual therapy, haptonomy)
https://www.fysiotherapie-keizersgracht.nl
Chiropractor Nekwerk
https://amsterdam-chiropractor.nl/
There also is a list available at the HJS Reception desk for doctors, dentists, physiotherapists and such.
5.10 Insurance
For both domestic and international participants, please make sure you have an up-to-date travel / health / cancellation / liability insurance. We will not be responsible for any accidents, injuries, medical bills, ilnesses, cancellations, loss of property or any associated costs linked to such events which may occur in relation to the OBOC 2022.
6. STUDIOS
6.1 What are the studios like, in which the OBOC will take place?
We are planning to be using three spacious studios, measuring 24 m x 18 m, 27.5 m x 11 m, and 8 x 10 m (for Alexander Technique only).
6.2 Where are the studios located in Amsterdam?
They are located in Amsterdam-East, at the Chassé Studios, Chasséstraat 64.
6.3 What’s the connection to public transport?
The studios are easy to reach by public transport or bike.
6.4 What facilities are around?
The studios are located in a busy part of town, and there are cafes, restaurants and supermarkets in the area.
7. OTHER PROGRAMS
7.1 How does the OBOC relate to the Countertechnique Teacher Training (CTTT)?
The OBOC and the CTTT are entirely separate programs, containing different information. The OBOC is exclusively developed for dancers, the CTTT is a program developed for those considered eligible to become Countertechnique teachers themselves. As participating in the CTTT requires, however, to be able to apply the Countertechnique principles comfortably in your own dancing, attending the OBOC is generally a prerequisite to participating in the CTTT. If, therefore, you intend to apply for the CTTT in 2022, attending the OBOC in New York City or Amsterdam is the perfect opportunity to meet that requirement.
7.2 Once I’ve done the OBOC, will I automatically qualify for participation in the CTTT?
No, you will not. There are a number of selection criteria in place for the CTTT, which can be found on the webpage about the CTTT. Attending the OBOC is one of them.
7.3 When will the next CTTT take place?
The next CTTT will take place in Amsterdam from 12-24 August, 2022.
7.4 Is there any relationship between the OBOC and Henny Jurriëns Studio’s Summer Intensive, or their regular program?
Henny Jurriëns Studio has been hosting Countertechnique classes for more than 15 years, and was also a co-presenter of the OBOC Countertechnique Intensive from 2006-2012, and most recently in 2019 and 2020. Its annual Summer Intensive program in July always features a Countertechnique class and workshop. Its regular program throughout the year, generally offers Countertechnique classes for one week each month. In terms of content, the OBOC and HJS' Summer Intensive are unrelated. For those who want to sample Countertechnique, Countertechnique classes and workshop during the HJS Summer Intensive is a perfect opportunity; for those who want to delve deeply into Countertechnique for two weeks, the OBOC is the best choice.
8. GENERAL CONDITIONS
8.1 Faculty
Henny Jurriëns Studio and Countertechnique reserve the right to adapt the faculty and groups in case of sickness, injury or force majeure.
8.2 Daily schedule and studios
Henny Jurriëns Studio and Countertechnique reserve the right to adapt the daily roster and studios in case of sickness, injury or force majeure.
8.3 Cancellation
Changes including but not limited to faculty, daily roster, studios and groups due to sickness, injury or force majeure do not result in any financial compensation to the participants.
8.4 Waiver and Release of Liability
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver and Release of Liability document before start of the OBOC. Find the 2021 document here; subject to change for OBOC 2022.
8.5 Henny Jurriëns General Conditions
Henny Jurriëns Studios' General Conditions apply to this course, but where the information on this page is different from the HJS' general conditions, the information on this page supercedes.
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
I've read all the information above, but my question is not answered anywhere. How can I reach you?
If your question is urgent, relating to our program and you've read all the information above to verify it is not answered on this page, then you can get in touch with us at workshops@countertechnique.com.
* We are providing this information to the best of our knowledge. However, the full responsibility for making any arrangements regarding your individual situation remains with you. We do not claim that the information on this page is complete or applicable to any situation, nor do we accept any claims regarding events, actions, or damage resulting from consulting this page. This information is only provided as a service to make it easier for you to get started, but should not be considered to reflect the full details of your individual sitatuon, for which you exclusively remain responsible.