THE UZUMÉ

“THE UZUMÉ IS SLEEK, SEXY AND INNOVATIVE. THEY BRING A LEVEL OF INTEGRETY TO TRIBAL FUSION BELLY DANCE THAT ELEVATES THE ARTFORM.” – Olivia Kissel / Co-Artistic Director of Zafira Dance Company
Since the founding of The Uzumé in early 2005, Tjarda is the inventive force behind this innovative and charismatic dance company. She is the founder, artistic director and choreographer and has been performing and teaching throughout Holland and abroad since the early beginning of The Uzumé. In 2006 Renate (Maya Acid) joined the team to complete the on-stage chemistry for several years. In 2011 they decided to part, as life unfolded in different ways. In 2013 Tjarda found her new partner in the talented Caterina Grimani from Italy to continue the captivating spirit of The Uzumé Dance Company. Watch their latest piece “Consign to Oblivion”.

Tjarda is well known for her powerful performances and broad minded instructional approach towards belly dance.

“Grace personified, The Uzumé flow seamlessly from one fluid moment to the next, completely symphonic with each other and their music. Their innovative choreography and captivating stage presence transcends their audience to a world of beauty and synchronicity.” – Na’la – Shakra

THE AMANO PROJECT

The Amano Project is a tribal fusion & contemporary bellydance initiative under the direction of Tjarda van Straten. An everchanging mix of professional and advanced dancers.

The Amano Project has previously been working with:
Fieke Dieleman, Tamara Juel (USA) of Foxglove Sweethearts and Zafira Dance Company, Minka Kerkhoven of Minx and former dancer of The Uzumé and Matthias Lauwers (B) – director of Ezrah, Hester Boelens, Elles Maaskant & Nina Riddering of Tribal Mystica, Joyce Benschop, Stefanie van der Zwaal.

“To be a part of a team is to see beyond yourself. It takes the willingness to extend a hand without being asked, to open one’s ears when others speak, to humbly offer energy and effort to a mutual cause, not for personal glory but to create something more beautiful and meaningful than individual interests. There is magic in working together!” – Quote by UNMATA’s Streetteam