Amsterdam, 12 July – In a ceremony held during the first week’s presentations of the 2024 Amsterdam Summer Intensive, Gary Feingold and Ineke Drabbe, esteemed founders of the Henny Jurriëns Studio, were honored with the Frans Banninck Cocqpenning. This prestigious award, bestowed by the deputy mayor of Amsterdam, Touria Meliani, recognizes their outstanding contributions to the city’s cultural and artistic landscape. The award celebrates their 28 years of impactful work and unwavering dedication to the dance sector of Amsterdam and beyond.

Founded in 1995, the Henny Jurriëns Studio has been a steadfast supporter of the freelance dance scene and the next generation of dancers. The studio’s innovative programming includes year-round daily classes, workshops, masterclasses, labs and intensives, offering dancers a place to hone their skills, improve their techniques and learn from established teachers and choreographers. 

Under the visionary leadership of Gary Feingold as the studio’s director and Ineke Drabbe as the head of programming, the studio has transformed into a key player in Amsterdam’s dance sector and a globally recognized dance center, welcoming over 2,500 dancers annually. Feingold and Drabbe established close partnerships with internationally acclaimed choreographers such as Ohad Naharin, Akram Khan, Hofesh Shechter, Crystal Pite and Sharon Eyal, and their commitment to fostering new talent has provided up-and-coming makers with a vital space to develop and refine their practices, significantly enriching the global dance community. 

The recognition of Gary Feingold and Ineke Drabbe with the Frans Banninck Cocqpenning highlights not only their personal achievements but also the vital role of the Henny Jurriëns Studio in the cultural ecosystem of Amsterdam and the international dance scene. As both Feingold and Drabbe left the studio at the end of 2023, passing the baton to the next generation, their legacy will remain strong, inspiring future generations of dancers and choreographers for years to come.

On behalf of the entire Henny Jurriëns Studio team, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gary and Ineke on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for your immense contributions and the incredible legacy you have built. The Amsterdam dance community is forever grateful.

Dutch version below. Photos by Alina Fejzo.