Aafke de Jong

Background

About Aafke de Jong

AFK Away From Keyboard is the company name of choreographer and visual artist Aafke de Jong (NL, 1971). Aafke was educated in modern dance at the Rotterdam Dance Academy (now Codarts). After her graduation she studied in Bali, Indonesia at the Dance Academy (STSI, now ISI) of Denpasar to specialize in Balinese dance. From her study period on she was interested in choreography. In her theatrical dance performances she aims towards an equal partnership between movement, stage design and other art forms, such as music, poetry, video art and costume design. Also other components may find their way into her work. Water becomes a dancing partner, a floor made out of clay functions as a stage and self made musical instruments, or even food, might end up in a costume. All these different elements need and complement each other to tell their own version of the same 'story'. As individuals we tend to look at the same situation from our own perspective. We all do have our own truth. The beauty, but also the bitterness that make up this truth, make the story a whole. ​AFK often collaborates with other artists and performers from the Netherlands and abroad. Each participant brings in their specific art form and cultural background to converse with each other in this dialogue. This gives the audience something to connect with on may levels. Performances may take place in traditional theaters as well as alternative surroundings. Sometimes a production is site specific and takes the core of the location, be it a forest lake, beach side, shop window or railway station, as starting point. Viewers are often invited to actively participate in (parts of) a performance. Through this, AFK wishes to create a closer relationship with the audience and deeper sense of involvement with the work and the artists. AFK welcomes you to explore this process with us! For those who are interested, please have a glimpse on my website: aafkedejong.nl Specialties: modern/contemporary dance, choreography, pen and ink drawing, murals, inspiration comes often from nature or for example dynamics in society.