Message from Outgoing Director Gary Feingold
After almost eight years as director of Dancing on the Edge, I will leave my post this month. I founded the organization at the end of 2006 together with Marta Rozsa, who then worked as financial director for a number of years. Since its establishment, Dancing on the Edge has created many hundreds of opportunities for talented artists from the Middle East and North Africa to develop their art and show their work.
Just as importantly, the organization has provided audiences in The Netherlands and also in many other countries, the opportunity to see these works. Thousands of students have taken part in educational programs organized by Dancing on the Edge, and the biennale festival has become one of the most important in the world in terms of performing arts from the region.
Natasja van ’t Westende, who joined Dancing on the Edge in 2008 and became co-director in 2012, will remain on as the sole director. Long before she became co-director, Natasja was already a driving force of the organization and I have no doubt that with her clear vision and excellent management skills, it will progress in ways that will surpass all expectations.
I will concentrate on my other activities in the cultural and culinary world, i.e., the Henny Jurriens Foundation, Gary’s Deli and Cafe Belcampo, and will remain active as ambassador for the organization. I want to thank all the artists, colleagues and partners who have been associated with Dancing on the Edge in these years, and at the same time have greatly enriched my own life.
