Kromanti

Fawaka Studio and ISH Dance Collective

Dietrich Pott takes the audience on a journey through the interior of Suriname. Using breakdance as a starting point, along afro dance and traditional African dance styles, Pott tells a story from the Afro-Surinamese Winti faith. In the imaginative family performance Kromanti, a group of dancers search for their spirit to the rhythms of self-performed live percussion.

‘Kromanti is the spirit of the air and it really belongs to me. When I dance, I hang in the air a lot, I like to fly, to throw my whole body into it.’

Dietrich Pott in Parool

Afro-Breakdance: a new dance style

Dietrich Pott travelled to Suriname and Africa and spent two months researching traditional, African dance styles. Inspired by the experiences during this trip, Pott developed a new style of dance: Afro-Breakdance. The ritual Afro Surinamese secret language Kromanti, which Pott learnt in the interior of Suriname, sparked his interest. He translated this religion and the atmosphere from the villages into colourful scenes in the compelling performance Kromanti.

Maker Dietrich ‘Dietje’ Pott

B-Boy Dietrich ‘Dietje’ Pott is among the absolute best. He earned his spurs in the battle scene and in theatre. His power moves and talent contributed to breakdance becoming a fully-fledged art form. Five years ago, Pott took his first steps as a maker. His work shows a clear handwriting, strongly linked to his explosive and spectacular break style and his Surinamese roots.

Kromanti was created under the banner ISH Dance Collective and toured the Netherlands in spring 2024. As a result, dancer Luciano Hiwat was nominated for the Young Swan for the most impressive youth dance achievement 2024. The short version of Kromanti for Theatre Festival Boulevard is produced by Dietrich Pott's company Fawaka Studio in collaboration with ISH.

Kromanti is made possible by the Fonds Podiumkunsten and the municipality of Amsterdam.