Sheree Lenting, coached by Lloyd Marengo and choreographer of our performance POWER 2, will be the new City Choreographer of Rotterdam. She was appointed by a jury consisting of Conny Jansen, Connor Schumacher, and Lloyd Marengo.

“Sheree is a born storyteller who inspires others and empowers them with socially relevant themes. She has her feet firmly planted in Rotterdam society,” says the jury, of which Lloyd Marengo is a member as a nominated top choreographer. He adds: “I have seen Sheree grow from student to teacher to choreographer. To me, she represents growth.”

Sheree Lenting is a Rotterdam-based choreographer and creator with Surinamese roots. She works at the intersection of dance, film, and spoken word. In her pieces, she explores themes such as diaspora, love, and what generations pass on to each other. She previously created the unveiling dance for the sculpture Moments Contained for Rotterdam Central Station. She is now dance & community programmer at Theater Rotterdam.

Sheree at Lloydscompany

Sheree has close ties with Lloydscompany. This connection began when she participated as a talent in One Night's Dance. This is a program in which Lloyd Marengo, among others, prepares new talents for a new piece in seven weeks and guides them in their creative process. She then created the performance ‘I am my ancestors wildest dream’ at Lloydscompany, as one of two performances in the double bill POWER. She received the BNG Bank Prize for this performance.

Sheree Lenting. Photo: Michelle Urbiztondo

Sheree as city choreographer Sheree has now been appointed City Choreographer of Rotterdam. "My mission is to empower the world, make it better, and change it with my art. For me, dance is a force that moves, heals, and connects. It allows people to reconnect with themselves and each other," says Sheree. For the next two years, she will be City Choreographer and thus ambassador for dance in Rotterdam.

The City Choreographer works with Rotterdam dancers and creates a short, new city choreography inspired by what is happening in the city. The new choreography will be presented in a public place on April 29, 2026, International Dance Day.

The municipality of Rotterdam and the Danshuis want to give dance an important place in society with the City Choreographer. The Danshuis will open in 2030 as the largest dance venue in the Netherlands for all styles, ages, and levels, Rotterdam dance companies, and individual users, dancers and visitors.

POWER | DOUBLE BILL PART II

I am my ancestors wildest dreams

Through the eyes of choreographer Sheree Lenting, you will witness the wildest dreams of her foremothers (ancestral mothers). In the performance, she takes you on a journey through their untold stories from the past, present, and future.

She questions, explores, and cherishes her female lineage. Dancers Cicely Wijnaldum and Ciara Hiwat take you on a journey through womanhood by portraying their stories with their bodies. With the POWER, wisdom, and love of their female ancestors as their heritage, they look to the future with confidence.

Trouw: “I am my ancestors wildest dreams van choreograaf Sheree Lenting, is een viering van empowerment.”

Cicely Wijnaldum and Ciara Hiwat in POWER. Photo: Bart Griessens.