Klop Klop Boem Boem (4+) by Josephine van Rheenen
“Klop Klop Boem Boem” (ages 4+) by Josephine van Rheenen (De Dansers) has been nominated for the Young Swan Award for Most Impressive Youth Dance Production of 2026.
Jury about the nomination
“Klop Klop Boem Boem builds a world of rhythm and sound. Tables, cabinets, cutlery, your own body—everything can make a sound. The three performers from De Dansers are natural and remain true to themselves. The audience effortlessly follows them on a unique adventure.
The structure follows a childlike logic: associative, energetic, full of little surprises. There’s plenty of joy and enthusiasm, and sometimes things get a little exciting. For example, when the door in the background—which has long gone unnoticed—suddenly appears. Because what adventure lies behind that door? The audience discovers this as soon as they surrender to this new world.
The jury was told that all three dancers have recently become parents themselves, and you can really feel that. It has added an extra layer to the piece—a warm world where the audience can linger for a long time.”
About De Dansers
De Dansers is a dynamic Utrecht-based ensemble of dancers and musicians led by choreographer Josephine van Rheenen and composer Guy Corneille. In their unique dance concerts, modern dance and live music merge into energetic, physical performances that center on the body. Guided by the belief that true connection begins with movement, they create accessible and compelling work for both children and adults. Their performances are playful, raw, and intuitive, telling stories about freedom, surrender, and human connection. De Dansers are experts in introducing audiences to dance for the first time and reach a wide audience through theaters, schools, festivals, and unique venues both at home and abroad. Each year, they perform more than 150 shows for over 26,000 attendees. Since 2014, Van Rheenen and Corneille have been developing their own genre: the dance concert. Their work has earned them numerous nominations and awards and is known for its powerful combination of dance, music, and imagination that gets people of all ages moving.
“Klop Klop Boem Boem creates a world where everything can make a sound and imagination knows no bounds. The dancers are natural, infectious, and warm. It’s a world where the audience can linger for a long time.”