Choreographer, Dancer-Performer, Dance Facilitator, and Movement Researcher
Education
- Royal Ballet School of Antwerp
- Muda School of Arts
- SEAD - Experimental Academy of Dance
- Certified Ashtanga Yoga teacher
- Currently training in Body-Mind Centering
Biography
Fanny Vandesande is a professional dancer and choreographer with a lifelong passion for dance. She began her formal training at the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp before continuing at the Muda School of Arts for Dance and Music. During this time, she debuted in contemporary dance through a European exchange project with Les ballets C de la B, which deepened her interest in the art form.
After completing her education at the Experimental Academy of Dance in Salzburg, Fanny expanded her artistic range through workshops with companies such as Ultima Vez, Les Ballets C de la B, and ZOO Company.
Her international journey took her to Java, Bali, and Lombok, where she collaborated with local artists, including Vita Valeska and Boby Ari Setiawan. Upon returning to Belgium, she worked as a freelance performer with a wide range of choreographers and artists, including Katja Pire, Lisi Estaras, Quan Bui Ngoc, performance artist Nick Cave, Maarten Van der Put, Pauline Roelants, and Milo Rau. She also performed in major productions such as Who Final (United-C), Jenufa (De Munt), and Lam Gods (NTG).
Artistic Exploration and Site-Specific Work
In 2014, Fanny joined Gent Bougement, a platform for contemporary dance in Ghent, sparking her interest in site-specific and participatory projects. Collaborating with Vania D'Angelo, she created the site-specific piece ANT AND.., which was presented at festivals in Belgium and the Netherlands. Their collaboration extended to dance coaching for Le Sacre, directed by Alain Platel, where they worked with high school students and vulnerable youth.
Fanny's choreographic work continued with the duet SCOPOFIL, performed alongside Robin Van den Bussche, exploring intimacy and voyeurism through movement. The piece toured extensively across Belgium and the Netherlands, including Garage 29, Copacobana, United - C seasoning and Gent Bougement Festival.
In 2022, Fanny collaborated with performer Anna Dujardin on a research project exploring sexual freedom for women with disabilities. This led to the solo performance TWOTFAM, presented at festivals including Grenzenlos Kultur Mainz, Body Moves Festival, and Bits of Dance.
Inclusive Dance and Platform K
Since 2020, Fanny has been deeply engaged with Platform K, a dance company focusing on inclusive practices. She works as a choreographer, artistic collaborator, dance facilitator, teacher, and performer. Notable works include Das Narrenschiff (with Monster Truck, NTGent, and Schauspielhaus Bochum) and RESET with the KRANKk collective. She also performed and coached in A BIGGER THING directed by Lisi Estaras.
At Platform K, Fanny is closely involved in the artistic journey of advanced dancers. She leads the weekly trainings, offers mentorship during residencies, and supports their growth as performers and creators. Beyond the studio, she has shaped inclusive practices such as the Open Dance Jam and Public Dance Interventions in museum spaces—formats that invite both dancers and audiences to step into dialogue through movement. These participatory experiences have come to life at Quand on Danse in Liège, Dansand! Why We Dance in Oostende, the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, and P.A.R.T.S., among others.
Collaborations with LEON.DANCE and Beyond
With LEON.DANCE, under the artistic direction of Seppe Baeyens, Fanny contributes as a workshop leader, performer, and choreographer. She was part of projects including MARIAGE for MOLENFEST, weaving her commitment to inclusivity, artistic freedom, and community connection into the company's collective practice.
You, Me, and Democracy Project
In January 2024, Fanny joined You, Me, and Democracy, a project initiated by Kelly Storom in collaboration with the Sibikwa Arts Centre in Johannesburg. Together with young artists from South Africa and Flanders, she explored themes of democracy, inclusion, and placemaking in public spaces through online exchanges. The project sparked new artistic directions in her practice, particularly around the interplay of movement, language, and accessibility.
GROUND ZERO /51.04536/3.71609
Fanny took part in GROUND ZERO /51.04536/3.71609, a multidisciplinary residency initiated by visual artist Leen Van Tichelen, alongside composer Esther Coorevits and word artist Jonas Bruyneel. Over three months, the four artists engaged in cross-disciplinary dialogue—merging image, word, movement, and sound into a responsive, collaborative methodology. With the gallery closed to visitors, KIOSK was transformed into a living studio—simultaneously a laboratory and rehearsal space—where artistic boundaries could be tested, unraveled, and redefined.
Advocacy and Expertise
Fanny is a recognized expert in inclusive and participatory dance practices. She frequently speaks at events on accessibility and dance in Belgium, contributing to discussions on Crip Dance and choreography. Her work centers on trust, equality, and inclusion, fostering a safe and open environment for creative collaboration. She seeks to create a shared movement language that welcomes all bodies, backgrounds, and abilities, emphasizing dialogue and mutual respect in her artistic process.
Skills
Participatory Choreography
Inclusive Dance Practice & Facilitation
Site-Specific Performance Creation
Somatic Movement
Body Research and Sensory Exploration