A year of dancing, learning and growing

For Patrick Wiel, dance is a way to connect — to himself and the world around him. “It’s a constant journey of discovery. About who I am, and how I relate to others.”

That journey didn’t end in school. In their final year, students of the bachelor Dance Artist leave the classroom entirely and work full-time in the professional field. Patrick joined Poetic Disasters Club, the junior company of Club Guy & Roni in Groningen.

Learning through repetition

At school, productions are often short and intense — you perform once or twice, then move on. In a professional context, Patrick discovered the value of repetition. “I love adjusting, refining, trying things differently. The chance to do something again and again brings new curiosity every time.”

That curiosity is central to his process. “If it starts to feel boring to you as an artist, that’s what the audience will eventually pick up on.”

Dancing full-time

At Poetic Disasters Club, Patrick got the chance to fully immerse himself. No classes, no exams, just the work. He performed in theatres, churches and museums, met many new makers, and learned to take ownership of his craft.

“It can be a searchjourney to find a job as a dancer. But we shouldn’t underestimate the network we’ve already built. The people we know now will become the new generation of programmers, curators, choreographers.”

Looking ahead

What does the future hold? For Patrick, the goal is clear: “To keep my desire for dancing alive. I want to find my place in the community and share my knowledge with others.”