Following Peter Benoit and Herman Teirlinck, Dora van der Groen and Jeanne Brabants will soon also have a permanent place at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp (AP University College). Dora van der Groen, known for her innovative teaching methods and inspiring personality, was artistic director of the drama department for many years. Jeanne Brabants, a passionate dancer and educator, stood at the cradle of the teacher training programme for dancers in Antwerp. On 16 September, the management of AP University College and Royal Conservatoire Antwerp, together with family, friends, teachers and former students of both icons, will unveil an apple tree for van der Groen and a portrait series for Brabants. The official moment will take place during the Prologue, the annual opening of the academic year at 11:00 am in the Blue Hall (DE SINGEL).
Four names inextricably linked to the Conservatoire's success: Peter Benoit, Herman Teirlinck, Dora van der Groen and Jeanne Brabants. Together, they have shaped the education of thousands of artists for more than a century.
Peter Benoit's bust stands at the Conservatoire's reception and Herman Teirlinck's painting has a place on the wall in the drama department. On 16 September, Jeanne Brabants and Dora van der Groen will also be given a permanent place in the corridors and garden of De Singel campus.
Apple talks
For Dora van der Groen, the drama programme chose to plant an apple tree in the garden, right in front of ‘her classroom’, where she taught from 1970 to 2009. The living and simplicity of the apple tree as a symbol would certainly have appealed to her. Moreover, this is how the programme connects to the annual so-called Apple Talks, in which new students get to know each other, older fellow students and the teachers. Within a few years, students can literally find support and shade under the apple tree.
Twinkle in her eyes
A beautiful portrait series of Jeanne Brabants will have a place among the classrooms and theatre halls of the dance department. She paved the way for professional, full-time training for dance educators within the formal structure of Higher Arts Education in Flanders. Thanks to her efforts, Antwerp, and by extension the Conservatoire, is now firmly on the map for those who dream of a world-class dance education. From now on, she looks with a twinkle in her eye at the young talent that passes through, dances, learns and develops in the corridors.
Dora van der Groen and Royal Conservatoire Antwerp
Dora van der Groen has left an unmistakable mark on the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp. She was not only a gifted actress, but also an influential educator. From 1978 until the merger with Studio Herman Teirlinck, she was the artistic director of the drama department. In this position, she was responsible for the reform of drama education. She was known for her intense and inspiring teaching style and was a strong advocate of innovation in theatre. She encouraged her students to deviate from the well-trodden paths, forming a whole new generation of theatre makers.
Jeanne Brabants and Royal Conservatoire Antwerp
Having previously founded the Royal Ballet School in Antwerp and the Royal Ballet of Flanders, Jeanne Brabants started the pedagogical course to train teachers. An integrated dance and teacher training programme followed, which was then split into a separate dance programme and a separate teacher training programme. In 1995, both courses became part of the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp. With her involvement, Jeanne Brabants also brought with her, her vision for the institute. This was based on discipline, perfection and a deep respect for the profession. She believed that dance was not only a physical discipline, but also a mental and emotional challenge. Brabants wanted more than technique. She wanted to deliver dancers with a passion for the art form and a strong artistic personality. That is still the programme's foundation today.