Akoesticum joins forces with Introdans and the Education Specialists for inclusive dance project
In the period January-February 2026, Akoesticum is organising the Dans Speciaal project together with dance company Introdans and education umbrella De Onderwijsspecialisten. Within this special partnership, pupils from (secondary) special education in the Ede region will be given the opportunity to work towards a fully-fledged dance performance under the guidance of professionals.
Dance Special is an educational programme in which participants experience what is involved in a professional dance production. Besides dancing themselves, they are introduced to light and sound, technology, costumes and make-up, among other things. The project is made up of three phases: Behind the Scenes, Rehearsal Time and The Big Show. Students attend workshops at Akoesticum in Ede, rehearse at school for several weeks with Introdans teachers and come together in February for the final performance. This professional show is performed twice for parents and other stakeholders.
Dance Special is an educational programme in which participants experience what is involved in a professional dance production. Besides dancing themselves, they are introduced to light and sound, technology, costumes and make-up, among other things. The project is made up of three phases: Behind the Scenes, Rehearsal Time and The Big Show. Students attend workshops at Akoesticum in Ede, rehearse at school for several weeks with Introdans teachers and come together in February for the final performance. This professional show is performed twice for parents and other stakeholders.
According to Marieke van 't Hoff, business director of Introdans, Dance Special is a high-impact project: "It is a unique collaboration in which students not only dance, but also discover how a professional dance company works. We challenge them to explore their possibilities and further develop their talents."
Participation of around 100 students
About a hundred students participate in Dance Special. They come from De Fonkel (so-so) and Meza College (vso) in Ede and from De Blink (so-so and vso) in Veenendaal.
Together strong for talent and self-confidence
Introdans and De Onderwijsspecialisten have worked together successfully for many years. Nico Teunissen, Head of Sport and Culture at De Onderwijsspecialisten, stresses the importance of this kind of project: "This cooperation means a lot to our schools and especially to our pupils. Being on a stage and showing what you can do gives enormous pride and self-confidence. That is particularly valuable for pupils in (secondary) special education."
After previous successful editions in the Arnhem region, Dans Speciaal is expanding to other regions in the coming years. In 2026, it will be Ede's turn and Akoesticum will confidently join the initiative. Anne ten Barge, managing director of Akoesticum, explains: "Dans Speciaal fits perfectly with our role as a house for new sound. Together with Introdans and De Onderwijsspecialisten, we offer pupils a place where they can discover and express themselves through dance." With this project, the partners aim to encourage creative development and contribute to a more inclusive cultural offer in the region.