
© Rahi Rezvani
Over het werk:
"Hoor jij erbij? Zo ja… wat betekent het om erbij horen? Waar hoor je bij? Waar hoor je niet bij? En waarom?
Voor mij creëert “erbij horen” een vorm van harmonie… waarin een gevoel van gemak en juistheid overheerst. Het creëren van een stuk richt zich volledig op het naast elkaar plaatsen van puzzelstukjes die bij elkaar horen. Past dit licht bij deze rok? Hoort deze steen bij deze vloer? Passen deze dansers bij elkaar? Past deze beweging in dit moment? Past dit publiek bij dit werk?
Past deze tekst op dit papier? Een puzzel…
Maar hoe zit het met de puzzelstukjes die er niet bij horen… de stukjes die prikkelen… Hoe beïnvloeden zij de puzzel? Misschien vormen zij een drijvende kracht voor iets anders dat de puzzel tot transformatie inspireert."
– Alexander Ekman
Ekmans FIT (2018) is een speelse en energieke verkenning van wat het betekent als iets ‘past’: wat gebeurt er als alles in ons leven op zijn plek valt en wat als dit juist niet zo is? Op de swingende klanken van The Dave Brubeck Quartets Take Five komt deze bruisende choreografie tot leven met opvallende kostuums en Ekmans kenmerkende humor, intelligentie en absurditeit. FIT is een feest voor de zintuigen en we verheugen ons erop om het werk weer te dansen.
Credits
- Choreography
- Alexander Ekman
- Dramaturge
- Carina Nildalen
- Music
- 'No, Nicolas Jaar', Beggars Music Group
'Take Five', The Dave Brubeck quartet, © Valentine Music Ltd
'Serious drug' (instrumental), Wildcookie, written and produced by Freddie Cruger, 2011 Tru 'Thoughts Ltd', Full Thought Publishing - Lighting design
- Alexander Ekman, Lisette van der Linden
- Set design
- Alexander Ekman
- Costume design
- Alexander Ekman, Yolanda Klompstra
- NDT rehearsal directors
- Lydia Bustinduy & Ander Zabala
- Text
- Alexander Ekman
- Collaborating artist
- Julia Eichten
- Staged by
- Ève-Marie Dalcourt
- Duration
- 30 minutes
- Premiere date
- 15 november 2018
- Premiere location
- Zuiderstrandtheater, The Hague
Originele cast:
Nathan Allen, Maša Anic, Esmee Boevink, Giovanna Doria, Joan Jansana Escobedo, Joey Gertin, Chléa Guigère, Eliana Hayward, Ruth Lee, Femmie Packbier, Justin Padilla, Erin Park, Nathanaël Plantier, César Sautés-Vescovali


© Rahi Rezvani
Giovanna Doria over 'FIT':
“Being part of FIT was both a personal and collective experience. Choreographer Alexander Ekman and rehearsal director Ève-Marie Dalcourt constantly challenged us to explore what it truly means to fit in, to belong, to harmonise, and to face what happens when things don’t fit, not just physically, but emotionally, socially, artistically. This process made me think about the world we live in, where we are expected to stand out but still fit in at the same time. FIT isn’t just about perfect harmony, it explores the tension between individuality and community. It’s not only about watching dance, but noticing the connections between dancers, movement, space and the audience. There’s humor, playfulness but also precision. It pushes us to really look at each other, to adapt and to truly listen.
Every day in the studio, we explored what it means to belong, to a group, to a moment, to a space through rhythm, gesture, unison. Alexander and Ève-Marie encouraged us to bring out our individuality, not hide it, and turn it into something honest and powerful. This work reflects how diverse we are, culturally, emotionally, physically without trying to change or fix it. Instead, it gives space to the people and moments that don’t fit perfectly. That’s what makes it feel real and alive. In the end, FIT isn’t neat or clear and that’s what makes it special! It’s funny, chaotic and beautiful, just like the world we live in.”

© Rahi Rezvani
Sophia Frilot over 'FIT':
“FIT by Alexander Ekman is a theatrical work that navigates juxtaposition. The piece is harmonious yet dissonant, elegant yet mad, free yet uniform, deeply human yet highly stylized. Contrast is embedded not only within the choreographic architecture, but also in the very garment worn. A black tailored suit jacket sits on a soft tutu. Constructed at the seams, the silhouette is duality personified.
In bending the unspoken rules of what it means to fit—or not to fit in—connection acts as the driving force. Colored by memories of what once was considered correct, the dancers carve new possibilities for what could be. The movement itself is guided by an elegant ease that holds the group in harmony. Trust governs cohesion. It is ingrained in the fabric of each gesture, each glance. It isn’t a secret, yet it carries the weight of one.
To be seen is to be bold. Sculpted by the ongoing dialogue between the collective and the individual, Ekman reveals complexities of identity and belonging. From proximity to approach, rebellion unfolds within the dynamic of structure and play. To stand apart is an act of bravery. Is it isolation? Or does standing alone tether one to the collective? This magnetism might manifest by chance, or perhaps it is determined by choice. Either way, quiet negotiations must take place.”










