Dance-GEMS

About Dance-GEMS

Dance is one of those things that can't be put in a box. You can't bottle or capture it even if you have dedicated yourself to one style. It's about the freedom to choose your moves and express yourself through movement. It's about being dedicated to the craft and continuously learning new techniques. It's about having fun and feeling the joy of movement. It's about letting go and being in the moment. Dance is all about choices, freedom, and self-expression.

Publisher

Jean Dorff and Ton Greten

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Oct 2023

Latest episode

31 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

64 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Oct 2025

   #3/6 Dance GEM's International Innovation Seminar

   In this special episode, the Dance Gems team shines a spotlight on an unmissable event: the Dance GEM International Innovation Seminar 2025, hosted in the beautiful city of Kerkrade, Netherlands, byTon Greten, creator of the GEM method, to discuss everything you need to know about the upcoming seminar, its unique format, the guest lineup, and what sets this conference apart from anything else in the dance world. Ton shares insights into why he brought the seminar to his own dance studio after two years in Berlin, reveals the impressive roster of international professional dancers and choreographers attending, and explains how the GEM method transcends dance disciplines. Whether you're a teacher, student, seasoned pro, or passionate amateur—this seminar promises inspiring crossovers and new ways of thinking about movement, dance education, and creativity. 1. Cross-Disciplinary Learning & Collaboration This conference brings together top-level dancers and teachers from diverse backgrounds: ballroom, classical ballet, hip-hop, breakdance, contemporary, and more. You’ll experience a rare environment where diverse dance styles connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. (You’ll witness and participate in genuine crossovers between genres—something Ton says is “very unusual” and “probably once in a lifetime.”) 2. The GEM Method: Dance from a Different Perspective Ton Greten’s method—built from 15,000+ hours of research—offers tools, strategies, and language for teaching, learning, and moving that apply to all dance styles and all ages. The focus on language, proprioception, musicality, and neologisms helps dancers break out of their usual patterns and see dance through a fresh lens—no matter your experience or background. 3. Inclusive & Supportive Community The seminar is open to all ages and levels, from world-class professionals to dedicated amateurs. Each participant is treated equally, fostering a true sense of community and shared inspiration. “Quality has no age,” says Ton, and learning here happens through discovery, dialogue, and stepping out of your comfort zone. 4. International Connections & Unique Experiences Meet colleagues and dancers from across the globe—America, Egypt, Russia, Curacao, the Netherlands, and more. You’ll have the chance to connect, learn, and share experiences with people you’d likely never meet otherwise. Plus, you’ll experience Dutch hospitality in Kerkrade, with great local food and a beautiful dance studio setting. Dates: November 29-30, 2025 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (each day), with regular breaks Location: Kerkrade, Netherlands (Ton Greten’s dance school; 210 m² of studio space) Who’s Attending: Dancers and choreographers from contemporary, ballet, Latin, ballroom, hip hop, breakdance, and more—including self-employed artists, company dancers, and amateurs. New participants welcome! How to Register / More Info: Contact Ton Greten via social media or his website: www.gem.dance (http://www.gem.dance/) Event details, accommodations, and travel tips provided upon inquiry. The seminar is a rare opportunity for all levels and all ages to learn, collaborate, and innovate together. The GEM method emphasizes creativity, language, and sensory experience in dance—inviting you to “dance from a different perspective.” Open-mindedness is the key. Expect aha moments, simplification of complex ideas, and inspiration that lasts beyond the event. Space is limited—over 20 world-class participants are already registered, but there is room for you to join. Podcast Website: www.gem.dance/podcast (http://www.gem.dance/podcast) Listen on: Spotify (Dance Gems), Apple (Dance Jam), YouTube (@TonGretenPodcast) Questions or Registration: Reach out directly to Ton Greten or contact the hosts via show notes/social media. We hope to see you at the Dance GEM International Innovation Seminar—where inspiration, connection, and dance innovation await!

2. 

   17 Oct 2025

   #3/5 Support Surface, Support Points, Center of Gravity, and Gravity in Dance.

   In this episode of Dance GEMS, Jean and Ton delve into the essential but often overlooked topic of gravity in dance. They explore concepts that combine physics and artistry and analyze what every dancer should understand: support surfaces, support points, center of gravity, and gravity itself, as experienced by the dancing body. Jean's key points: Everyone is subject to gravity: Jean emphasizes that no matter how skilled or elegant a dancer is, gravity affects everyone equally. Mastery lies in creating the illusion of lightness, not in being less subject to gravity. Historical context: He cites Isaac Newton's crucial contribution to our understanding of gravity and links this back to dance movements, reminding listeners that these fundamental laws underlie everything dancers do. The center of gravity is imaginary: Jean clarifies that the center of gravity is not a tangible part of the body, but that imagining its location (often near the stomach or navel) can be a great aid to movement and balance in dance. The importance of experimentation: He advocates practicing different support surfaces and points, such as standing with feet together, spreading them apart, or placing a hand on the floor, to help students intuitively understand balance and stability. Creativity with points of support: Jean encourages dancers not to settle for a mechanical approach, but to experiment creatively with how and where they create support. He even refers to games such as Twister as a way to explore these concepts in a playful way. Ton's key points: Physical principles in dance: Ton draws parallels between dancers and athletes such as ballet dancers and skaters, who through training seem to defy gravity while remaining subject to its rules. Using gravity in movement: He introduces the concept of using gravity to your advantage, referring to techniques such as Chi Running, where falling and quick foot placement reduce muscle strain and injuries. The role of points of support and surfaces: Ton explains that points of support can be anything that touches the floor (feet, knees, hands) or even another dancer. The support surface—the area between those points—affects stability and balance. Holistic relationship: He emphasizes that gravity, center of gravity, points of support, and surfaces are interconnected and that dancers should view them as a holistic system rather than as separate factors. Artistry beyond mechanics: Ton challenges dancers to transform repetitive, mechanical habits into unique artistic choices, using the way and place they touch the floor or a partner as a form of creative expression and individuality. Key points for listeners: Gravity is inescapable in dance, but understanding its mechanics can unlock new levels of control, elegance, and creative freedom. By imagining their center of gravity, playing with points of support, and varying their base of support, dancers can develop better balance and artistry. Creativity flourishes when dancers are aware of their technique and deliberately vary it, turning the mechanical into magic. References and sources: GEM: Dance from a Different Perspective – Book by Ton Greten Previous episodes of Dance GEMS on body creativity and dance mechanics Join the discussion: Did this episode spark new ideas about gravity in your own dance practice? Share your thoughts or questions with us on [social media/contact details]. Thanks for listening!

3. 

   26 Sept 2025

   #3/5 50 years of the Tanz-Trainer-Sport-Kongress— a cornerstone event in the German dance community.

   Episode Summary: In this very special episode of Dance GEMS, host Jean welcomes an illustrious panel to celebrate 50 years of the Tanz-Trainer-Sport-Kongress—a cornerstone event in the German dance community. Joined by Peter Mangelstorf, Evelyn Hadrich-Hormann, and Ton Greten, the group dives deep into the inspiring history, colorful anecdotes, and enduring legacy of this unique annual gathering for dance teachers and trainers. Guests: Peter Mangelstorf: A key organizer of the Kongress and pillar of the German dance world. Evelyn Hadrich-Hormann: One of the original creators and longstanding ambassadors of Tanz-Trainer-Sport-Kongress. Host: Ton Greten and Jean Dorff Highlights: Origins and Evolution: Hear how everything started after Evelyn and Wolfgang’s world championship win, evolving from informal gatherings into a legendary training and networking event for dance professionals. Icons of Dance: Names like Nina Hunt, Markus & Karen Hilton, Donnie Burns, and many more are reminisced about as past Kongress trainers and guests. Memorable Moments: Look behind the scenes at unforgettable galas, spectacular show dances, and hilarious backstage stories—including an iconic moment when roses covered the dancefloor following a standing ovation. Changing Locations: Learn about the Kongress’ journey from Malente and Bad Harzburg to its current home in Berlin, and the challenges faced—including the unexpected closure and demolition of key venues. Balancing Tradition and Innovation: The panel discusses the importance of bringing top trainers from around the world and keeping the Kongress relevant for new generations of teachers. What’s Next?: Peter shares his vision for the future, emphasizing both continuity and adaptation, and reflects on the passion and community that keeps this event alive. Takeaways: The Tanz-Trainer-Sport-Kongress has not only set standards in dance training in Germany but also built an irreplaceable sense of unity and professional excellence among trainers, judges, and performers. Despite challenges such as declining participation, shifting locations, and even the pandemic, the Kongress remains an anticipated tradition—thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of its organizers and participants. Special Thanks: To Evelyn and Peter for their decades of dedication, to Ton for bridging international perspectives, and to all who keep the spirit of Tanz-Trainer-Sport-Kongress alive. Stay Tuned: Don’t miss future episodes of Dance GEMS for more inspiring stories and deep dives into the world of dance! For more information on the Tanz-Trainer-Sport-Kongress and upcoming events, keep following Dance GEMS—where dance legends and stories come alive!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

89

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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