In conversation with: Aimée en Lexi

Sisters Aimée (14) and Lexi (11) Stultiens often go to the theatre with their parents. Aimée: “We actually always go with Mum and Dad. Mum often suggests going to a dance performance and then we’re happy to come along. For example, we went to see ‘Oxygen’.”

With friends

Aimée: “Mum read about those free youth tickets from ASML. That’s why Lexi could come along this time too. My little sister always wants to come, so we go as a family. I’d quite like to go with friends as well, but it’s often quite pricey. With the Rabobank Youth Tickets, I’d be able to do that.” Lexi: “I’m still a bit too young for that, so I’d rather go to De Schalm with Mum and Dad.” Aimee: “I’d announce on social media that the youth tickets are available. On TikTok and maybe on Instagram too. Not on Facebook – we’re definitely not on that. And maybe you could also pop into places where young people hang out to raise awareness of these tickets.”

Exciting

Both sisters have been dancing since they were three and take part in competitions with DéDé. Lexi: “Our competitions are sometimes held at De Schalm too. If we make it through after three competitions, we get to go to Wageningen. That’s really exciting, you know.” Aimee: “As soon as you go to Wageningen, you’re on a completely new stage that you hardly ever get to perform on. So that’s a lot more nerve-wracking.” Lexi: “I find it a lot more nerve-wracking in Wageningen too, although that nervousness does go away once I’m actually on stage.”

Feeling at home

Aimee: “I don’t feel nervous here when I’m in the wings because I’ve been in the wings here quite often and know every spot on the stage. I feel right at home the moment I walk in here. I know the crew and the people behind the bar. That always gives me a nice feeling. Here, you know exactly where every spot on the stage is, down to the metre. You know where the lines are; you know where to stand to be right in the centre. You also know if it’s slippery in any spot or not. And how fast you can turn.” 

Lexi: “I know my way around here, including backstage. I also enjoy sitting in the audience when my sister is dancing. We always watch each other’s competitions.” Aimee: “What I like is that the floor slopes upwards, so you always have a good view. That means you can really see the formations in a dance.”