Last night I enjoyed the youth and realized once again what I actually already knew, that Suriname is bursting with talent and once again you are left scratching your head. The discipline of school instructors, the dedication of parents like Mark Rommy and the hunger of young dancers show what is possible when guidance and support come together. When resources leak away through corruption, that talent remains untapped. When those same resources go to the young talent in Suriname, development accelerates. These dancers and all young artists are our future. Their stage is a clear signal to all governments: invest purposefully in youth and culture, and Suriname flourishes.
In Paramaribo, CoD@nCo Dance Studio has been building that future for years. Known for contemporary dance, the studio presents itself as a home for "arts and entertainment." From beginners to advanced dancers, everyone will find technique, musicality and expression, but above all a safe space to grow. The school is not just a classroom, it is a breeding ground where discipline and imagination reinforce each other.
The series of its own productions, now ten impressive shows, makes that mission visible. Classical and modern, contemporary and dancehall flow effortlessly into one another, with the Surinamese culture as its beating heart. Choreographies are developed by dance educators Honore van Ommeren and Arsenio Andrade, who work with advanced students to create pieces that combine energy and refinement. With each performance, the audience feels how craftsmanship, story and identity lift each other.
What makes CoD@nCo extra special is the inclusive composition of the company. Toddlers stand next to teenagers, young adults share the stage with the "Mamacitas," and everyone carries a part of the story. Generations meet in rhythm and movement. The cultural value extends beyond the applause. The productions resonate because they link technique to emotion and to recognizable Surinamese images. Variation in costumes, music and genres allows the audience to see themselves reflected on stage. The stage CoD@nCo creates is a place where audience and performer find each other, where pride is practiced and young people learn that discipline opens doors.
The most recent show, "Focus," on Aug. 9 and 10, 2025 at the Assuria High Rise, underscored that once again. Honore transformed the venue into a full dance stage, 102 dancers filled the stage, and in 18 concatenated performances they showed what concentration, teamwork and perseverance look like. More than a performance in my opinion, it was a blueprint of what consistent investment in talent yields. And Romano Wip played on it with sharp humor, making the evening extra laughable and even more fun.
CoD@nCo proves that talent in Suriname can grow through hard work, when supported by clear structure, strong pedagogy and broad social support. Where parents are involved, instructors give direction, and government and business dare to invest, sustainable development is created. That is the story behind every leap, turn and pass, and politicians must understand that if her country wants to move forward, she must build on her youth.
So don't let this remain a loose ovation, but establish in policy and budget that young artists and their schools are prioritized. Prioritize transparency, direct resources directly to programs that work, and keep the door open for parental participation. Then the fire that CoD@nCo ignites on stage will become the spark that spurs broader Suriname to grow.
