Dance-GEMS

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 t...

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 gatherin...

Episode Summary In this engaging episode of Dance GEMS, Ton Greten and Jean Dorff dive deep into the nuanced topic of freedom of choice in dance. They explore whether dancers really have control over their own decisions, or if external and internal factors—like organizations, rules, traditions, and upbringing—limit personal agency. Through real-life stories, comparisons across dance styles, and ho...

In this episode, Jean Dorfff and Ton Greten dive into the different functions, or roles, involved in teaching dance. They highlight that, like in any professional field, teaching dance has evolved from a generalist role to a range of specialized jobs. Jean distinguishes between key roles:  dance teacher , who imparts foundational knowledge;  coach , who focuses on a dancer’s developmental process;...

Welcome back to Dance GEMS! In this episode, hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten dive into the evolving landscape of dance education, exploring the contrasts, benefits, and intersections between traditional and modern styles of teaching dance. Jean and Ton unpack how teaching methods have shifted, why neither approach is "good" or "bad," and how both educators and students can benefit from understandi...

In this dynamic episode of Dance GEMS, hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten dive deep into the concept of the  kinesphere  and its relevance in dance. Whether you're new to the term or familiar with its origins, this conversation unpacks the roots of kinesphere, its evolution in dance theory, and how dancers can use it as both a technical and creative tool. From ancient philosophy to contemporary d...

In this enlightening episode of Dance GEMS, Jean and Ton deep-dive into the significance of observational and imitative learning in the world of dance. Exploring why these forms of learning are fundamental, especially in the early stages, Ton and Jean unpack the nuances between imitation, copying, and mirroring. They discuss how habits are formed, the role of concentration, attention, and focus (C...

On this thought-provoking episode of Dance GEMS, Jean and Ton tackle a topic that impacts every dancer—financing your passion. Stepping away from the usual technical dance talk, they dive deep into the real costs associated with dance training, education, competitions, and the smart strategies dancers and parents can use to make their passion more affordable and sustainable. Sharing both personal...

Episode Shownotes Ready to dive deep into the world of dance dynamics? This episode of Dance GEMS is a masterclass in understanding and applying dynamic qualities in dance. Hosts Ton Greten and Jean Dorff break down the concepts, challenge common perceptions, and share practical advice you can use right away in your dance journey. Why listen to the full episode? Here are just a few highlights: Def...

Muscle Learning in Dance: Exploration, Memory, and Manipulation Description: What happens when dancers talk about "muscle memory"? In this lively and thought-provoking episode, Jean and Ton Greten dive into the fascinating world of “muscle learning” – a deeper, more dynamic way to think about how our bodies acquire, adapt, and transform movement. In This Episode: Beyond Muscle Memory: Mo...

In this insightful episode, Jean and Ton dive deep into the nuanced differences between feelings and emotions, particularly within the world of dance. While often used interchangeably in daily conversation, Jean and Ton explore why understanding the distinction is essential for dancers, teachers, and performers alike. The duo references research and writings, breaking down the science and psycholo...

In this episode of DanceGems, Jean and Ton return to unpack a trio of foundational skills not just to dance, but to all learning: Concentration, Attention, and Focus—collectively referred to as "CAF." While these terms often mean the same thing, Jean and Ton explain how distinct they are and why understanding their differences can elevate your dance practice and daily life. The conversat...

In this episode of Dance Gems, Jean and Ton dive deep into the topics of movement quality and dynamic quality in dance and how these concepts also apply to daily life. The hosts discussed the intricate relationship between movement and quality of life, covering a wide spectrum of related topics such as the influence of lifestyle choices on physical abilities, the importance of environment and upbr...

Hosts: Ton Greten and Jean Dorff Overview: In this episode of DanceGEMs, hosts Ton Greten and Jean Dorff dive into the intricate concept of 'pathways' in dance, offering both philosophical reflections and practical insights. They explore how dancers interact with their kinesphere, the space around them, and how understanding movement through this lens is vital for both performers and choreographer...

In this episode of  Dance GEMs , Jean and Ton dive into the fascinating world of  forms in dance , with a special focus on the  in-between forms —those transitional moments between defined forms. They explore how movement flows between forms, whether shape and form are the same, and how dancers can develop greater awareness of their transitions. Along the way, they also discuss: The  difference be...

Join Jean and Ton in this intriguing episode of Dance GEMS as they dive into the origins of dance, exploring the fascinating world of dance terminology and etymology. Their shared Dutch background brings a unique perspective to the discussion on how language and culture influence dance. Key Points Discussed: Multilingual Challenge:  Both hosts discuss their Dutch roots, which bring a rich, diverse...

In this engaging episode, hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten dive into a fascinating discussion about the concept of Lines in Dance. They explore the idea of lines existing both inside and outside the body and their significance in movement. The conversation is inspired by Ton's book, which dedicates a substantial chapter to these lines. Key Points Discussed: Introduction of Lines in Dance: What...

In this episode of  Dance GEMS , hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten delve into the intricate topic of "Beyond Judgement, Subjectivity, and Assumptions in Dance." They explore how subjective language and preconceived notions can positively and negatively affect dance and discuss the importance of clear and objective communication in dance education. Topics Covered: The impact of subjective w...

Dance GEMS - Episode: Form, Shape, Design Welcome back to another enlightening episode of Dance GEMS! In this episode, hosts Ton and Jean dive into dance's fascinating world of form, shape, and design. Together, they unravel the complexities and subtle nuances these three integral components bring to the art of dance. Origins and Definitions : Jean and Ton discuss the etymological roots of the...

In this episode Ton and Jean are focussing on the most fundamental part of the GEM Methode: The Ten Body Parts. Find out why focussing on the Ten Main Body Parts enhances the understanding of movement and the learning process of dance.  Episode Highlights: Head  Shoulders Arms  Hands Fingers Chest/Rib Cage Pelvis/Hips Legs . Feet  Toes Key Concepts Discussed: Isolation vs. Coordination: Explore th...

In this episode of Dance GEMS, host Jean and Ton explore the fascinating interplay between geometric and organic movements in dance. Here are the top 10 highlights you won't want to miss: Geometric vs. Organic Movements: Geometric movements are structured and predictable, often characterized by straight lines and symmetry. Organic movements, on the other hand, are fluid, unpredictable, and inspire...

In this captivating episode of Dance GEMS, hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten dive deep into the realm of performance preparation and the nuanced art of simulation. Whether you're a dancer, organizer, coach, or simply someone passionate about the performing arts, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to elevate your understanding of staging memorable performances. The Power of Proper Lighti...

Hello and welcome to Dance GEMS!  In today’s episode, we’re diving into the intricate world of singular and composed movements in dance. We’ll explore how breaking down movements from a macro to a micro level is vital for creating detailed and impactful dance performances. We’ll discuss the importance of precise terminology, the readability of movements to an audience, and the broader applications...

Show Notes: In this captivating episode of "Dance GEMS," hosts Jean and Ton Greten dive deep into the intricate relationship between dance and personality. They explore the innovative equation for personality (P = F + E + D), breaking down its components: form, expression, and dynamic, and how these elements interweave to shape individual dancers' unique styles. Key Concepts Discussed: Personality...

Welcome to another episode of  Dance GEMS ! We are Ton Greten and Jean Dorff, we are back to dive deep into the world of dance. We're gearing up for our second season, which kicks off Oct. 25, and we're excited to explore a range of topics designed to educate, inform and inspire you. In today's episode, we give you a preview of the upcoming season, where we cover fascinating topics such as neuropl...