Lloyd Marengo, founder and artistic director of Lloydscompany, has won the Golden Swan 2022. On Friday, September 30, 2022, at 10:10 PM, he received the award at the Theatre aan het Vrijthof in Maastricht during the Dutch Dance Days Gala. The Golden Swan is the award for the dancer or choreographer working in the Netherlands who, through their career, has made a significant contribution to Dutch dance. The jury recognises that Lloyds' "ongoing commitment to the community is undeniably significant and believes it deserves recognition."

JURY REPORT GOLDEN SWAN

The VSCD Dance Jury has decided to award the Golden Swan this year to a pioneer who has tirelessly worked to bring hip-hop dance to the theatre. For example, he paved the way for many choreographers who initially ventured outside the established academic paths and are now performing on stages. The jury recognises his unwavering commitment to the community is undeniably great and believes it deserves recognition.

The winner of the Golden Swan was born in Rotterdam, where he first encountered breakdancing in the early 1980s. In the second wave of breakdancing in the Netherlands in the 1990s, he played a pioneering role. He dances with the group D-Control and later became one of the founders of the famous 010-Bboys crew. From his breakdancing background, he broadens his perspective: he also dances with Scapino Ballet Rotterdam and Conny Janssen Danst. He created his first choreography in 2004. Father Father, made at Don't Hit Mama in 2012, becomes a direct hit. The way he brings hip-hop to the stage, without losing the beauty and rawness of the culture, is remarkable.

Twenty years ago, he was one of the co-founders of Hiphophuis Rotterdam. As a coach and choreographer for dancers and young creators, as a jury member, and in education, he has been working tirelessly in recent years to connect people and encourage new generations to take the step onto the theatre stage.

The VSCD Dance Jury has therefore decided to award the Golden Swan to Lloyd Marengo for his unique contribution to Dutch dance.

DANCE AWARDS & DUTCH DANCE DAYS

The VSCD Dance Awards are presented annually to the best dancer and dance production in the Netherlands during the Dutch Dance Days. Additionally, there is the Golden Swan, the award for the dancer or choreographer working in the Netherlands who has made a significant contribution to Dutch dance through their career. The Golden Swan has no nominations and is not awarded annually. The award ceremony will take place during the gala of the Dutch Dance Days Festival in Maastricht. The Dutch Dance Jury determines the nominees and winners of the VSCD Dance Awards.