Codarts

☰ ALUMNUS LOUIS THURIOT BACK IN THE STUDIO ☰ Louis, who graduated from our Bachelor of Dance programme in 2018, recently came back to where it all started. Louis spent five days leading an inspiring improvisation workshop.

Returning to the studios brought back some special memories for him: “What a throwback to my time at Codarts! Entering the studio each day, I could feel the eagerness of all these beautiful people to move and create, along with a youthful sense of endless possibilities. Watching them, I saw my younger self dancing right there among them. Bathing in a shared love for dance.”

Photo 1: Quentin Chevrier
Photo 2: Mark David

☰ CODARTS ALUMNA ELAINE MEIJERINK NOMINATED FOR THE PIKET ART PRIZES ☰ Codarts alumna Elaine Meijerink has been nominated for the 2026 Piket Art Prizes in the Dance category. Elaine graduated from Codarts’ Bachelor of Dance programme in 2025. Since then, she has worked with Scapino Ballet, Dutch National Ballet/Innovation Lab and choreographer Zoë Greten, among others. About the nomination she says: “I am incredibly surprised and deeply honoured by the nomination. To suddenly receive recognition like this feels very special.”

The winners of the Piket Art Prizes 2026 will be announced on Monday 9 November at Theater aan het Spui in The Hague.

CodartsAlumni

☰ KICK-OFF WEEK 2026/2027 ☰ From 24 to 28 August, we welcomed our new bachelor students during the Codarts Kick-Off Week. The week started at WMDC, where students met their departments and fellow students. On Tuesday and Wednesday, students from different departments came together in small groups to work on crossover projects. The results came together on Thursday at Fenix, where the groups presented their creations. On Friday, the week continued with department-specific programmes focused on meeting fellow students and getting to know their new study programme.

A week full of new people, new experiences and the first steps of a new chapter at Codarts. Welcome to Rotterdam and welcome to Codarts!

Photos by: MAVE photography

☰ IN MEMORIAM☰ It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague Joaquín (Ximo) Clemente Riera on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.

Ximo was a principal double bass teacher and department representative at Codarts Classical Music. With his passing, we lose a versatile musician, a passionate teacher and a highly valued colleague.

Our thoughts are with everyone who was close to him. We wish them strength during this difficult time.

https://www.codarts.nl/en/news/article/in-memoriam-joaquin-clemente-riera/

☰ SUMMER STARTS HERE ☰ Over the past few weeks, we’ve celebrated all graduates during the graduation ceremonies. Congratulations to you all! Your talent, dedication and hard work have brought you to this moment, and we look forward to seeing where your creative journeys will take you next.

We wish everybody a wonderful, restful and inspiring summer!

☰ JESSE VAN RULLER JOINS CODARTS JAZZ ☰ We’re excited to welcome guitarist Jesse van Ruller as the newest member of the guitar department at Codarts Jazz.

An internationally recognised performer, composer and educator, Jesse brings decades of experience to our students. Together with Ed Verhoeff, Ronald Schmitz and Artist in Residence Nelson Veras, he will help shape an inspiring learning environment where students can develop their own artistic voice. Read more via the link in bio.

☰ A GLIMPSE OF WANDERLUST ☰ From 18-26 June, Wanderlust brought together musical traditions, cultures and stories from around the world. From intimate performances to vibrant collaborations, our Global Musics students and guests celebrated the power of music to connect, inspire and transcend borders. Read more about this edition of Wanderlust via the link in our bio.

☰ CODARTS TALENT STAGE TIME TABLE ☰ From 10-12 July, Codarts students will return to the Codarts Talent Stage at the NN North Sea Jazz Festival! From high-energy Latin grooves to exceptional jazz quintets and dynamic pop performances, our students are ready to share their sound with the world. Tickets are still available via the NSJF website.

☰ CODARTS X NN NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL ☰ A glimpse of some of the talented students selected to perform on the Talent Stage this year. Codarts is proud to be part of the NN North Sea Jazz Festival once again this summer with its very own Talent Stage.

This year’s line-up features performances by students from our Jazz, Pop and Global Musics departments, including Erasmus Jazz Prize winner VSR Quintet. Codarts teachers will also perform across the festival, reflecting the university’s strong presence within the international music scene. A big thank you to NN North Sea Jazz Festival for making this unique annual collaboration possible.

Tickets are still available via the NSJF website.