To start off with, let me introduce myself. I go by the name of Curly. This nickname was given to me in New Zealand. It sort of stuck with me so I keep using it whenever and wherever I can. My real name is Wim, short for Willem. Perfectly acceptable name and I'm quite happy with it, don't get me wrong, but just not as "catchy" if you know what I mean.
I am 45 years old, born on the 26th of April 1954 in Velsen in the Netherlands and a former balletdanser in the Netherlands, South Africa and New Zealand.
When I was about 15 years old I decided I liked dancing and since my aunt Corry had a balletschool it was obvious that I would start training with her.
After a couple of years I auditioned for the then called Nel Roos Ballet Academy in Amsterdam.
In my third year as a student there, during a Summer School performance in the Vondelpark in Amsterdam, I was offered a contract with the Dutch National Ballet, starting right at the bottom ofcourse but I was THERE!
After about 6 years and having had the privilege of working with some of the greatest choreographers around - Rudi van Dantzig, Hans van Manen and Toer van Schaik a.o., I decided it was time to broaden my horizon.
I managed to get an audition for the PACT-Ballet of South Africa - doing a class with the Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet in London - was excepted and left for beautiful South Africa for about 3 years. There I have worked with choreographers like Ronald Hynd, Ashley Killar, Andre Prokovsky and Valeri Panov a.o.
Back home in Holland I received a phonecall from my friend Peter who had joined the New Zealand Ballet. "Was I interested in dancing in New Zealand?" ........Was I ever!
Off to New Zealand it was. Worked with Harry Haythorne, Jack Carter, Peter Wright, Jonathan Taylor, Peter Boyes and many others.
5 years and progressively more injuries later I left the pointshoes and jockstraps for what they were and went back home to the Netherlands to live a "normal" life (if that is at all possible).
It was a fantastic time and something I proudly look back upon. I have met and made friends with many gorgeous people, whom I will treasure and cherish for ever. I won't mention all of you but you know who you are!
I hope this "epic story" hasn't put you off joining me in a pictoral journey through time and space.
The pics are mostly from my private collection but should anyone who recognises him/herself object to them being shown on the internet they can let me know by email and I will remove them immediately. Also, where the photographer's name is known to me I have mentioned this.
Should you feel the need to use any of the material published in these pages, I must urge you, DON'T !!
Oh yeah, should you wish to comment on this web site, feel free to leave a message in my guestbook. It's my first attempt and I'd love to know what you think of it.
