90 years young. Hans Van Manen, one of the most influential people in my professional career and close friend in my life, has just celebrated his 90th birthday. His strength and creativity in dance forged a forceful line in the development of NDT. Greatly responsible for my personal growth and success as a dancer in the company; taking Sol and I under his wing to encourage and banter us about all kinds of dance/life lessons. I continue to learn so much about our noble art of choreography through his oeuvre of more than 150 ballets and photographs. Provocative and stylish, Hans charges bullishly into any subject close to his heart using his abstract worlds to counterpoint real beliefs. Hans boldly flaunted his homosexuality through the 60’s & 70’s helping to normalise all kinds of taboos in the Netherlands using Art as the conduit to alter perspectives and cultures, earning him quite the gay icon status in Holland. Fiercely opinionated. Fiendishly comical. Stubborn as a mule, yet generous and kind without borders. Dirty minded and the sharpest eye for detail, Hans can brilliantly communicate equally with anyone from Royalty to young children. HvM is also godfather to our daughter Saura. Hans is someone I can call a true friend through thick and thin, and rely on for a supporting shoulder and open ear, before giving me his brutally honest onslaught to any situation....Always loyal to his friends, as well as to his gut instincts. Such admiration for him, as I’m sure you can tell.... Here’s a small dose of a duet Sol and I created with him for his ballet Kamerballet preceding Sols final quality-ridden solo ending this gentle masterpiece. Wonderful memories. Love you Hans. Geliciteerd! P. X