Today we’d like to introduce you to Thijs Hogenboom

Hi Thijs, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I started my journey in the arts at the tender age of 4, training in ballet and tap dance. By ten, I was accepted into the prestigious Royal Conservatory in The Hague, Netherlands, where I trained intensively in ballet, folklore, and modern dance. My dedication and passion for dance led me to further my training at the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp, where I continued to refine my skills with guidance from remarkable teachers.

My professional dance career took off in Europe, where I worked with several renowned dance companies. One of my early professional engagements with De Dutch Don’t Dance Division (DeDDDD) was a pivotal moment, as it allowed me to perform extensively across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, and even for the Dutch royal family. I had the opportunity to work with the amazing company Introdans in the Netherlands, as well as with Dantzaz Konpainia in Spain, where I toured internationally and collaborated with many acclaimed choreographers.

Transitioning to acting, I pursued my studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) in New York. Here, I received comprehensive training and worked with legendary industry professionals. This period was instrumental in developing my acting skills and opening doors to various opportunities in theater, television, and commercials.

One of my proudest moments in the US was performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on the Disney float, showcasing my versatility as a performer. The energy of a live parade beats a thousand live performances.

My work with the Brooklyn-based theater company Molière in the Park and their artistic leader Lucie Tiberghien has been particularly fulfilling, as it involved being a part of productions recognized by the French Government. Additionally, I had the privilege of stage managing several productions for award-winning playwrights and directors and contributing my writing and ideas to projects produced by notable figures.

Currently, I am producing and starring in a self-written comedic short film, set to be directed by award-winning filmmaker Yudelka Heyer. This project is a culmination of my diverse experiences and reflects my ongoing commitment to creating original and impactful work.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It hasn’t always been a smooth road, and I’ve faced several struggles along the way. In the world of dance, the training is rigorous and demanding, both physically and mentally. When I decided to change creative paths, I encountered another significant challenge. Although dance and acting might seem like sisters or cousins, transitioning from a dance career to pursuing acting was a substantial leap. Each time I shifted my focus, it felt like starting from zero again, even though I carried with me a wealth of experience that sometimes related and sometimes didn’t.

Moving continents added another layer of complexity. Adapting to a new country and culture while trying to establish myself in a highly competitive industry like acting in New York was daunting. There were moments of uncertainty and self-doubt, especially when navigating auditions and trying to find my place in a new field.

Financial stability was another hurdle. Despite receiving scholarships, there were still pressures to support myself and secure consistent work. The nature of a performance career involves frequent rejections and setbacks. Whether it was not landing a role I had hoped for or facing criticism, each experience required resilience and perseverance.

The global pandemic also impacted the arts industry heavily, causing cancellations of performances and projects, which was a significant setback. Despite these struggles, each challenge taught me valuable lessons and helped shape me into a more resilient and adaptable artist. The support of mentors, colleagues, and loved ones has been invaluable, and each obstacle overcome has strengthened my dedication to my craft.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’d love to share more about my work. I’m a multifaceted artist with a background in both dance and acting. After an extensive career in dance, performing with prestigious companies and working with renowned choreographers across Europe, I transitioned into acting and moved to New York. This move allowed me to explore new dimensions of storytelling and performance.

In recent years, I’ve discovered a new passion for writing and self-development. I’ve been channeling my creativity into producing and starring in my own projects. One of my current endeavors is a self-written comedic short film directed by award-winning filmmaker Yudelka Heyer. This project reflects my commitment to creating original content and bringing my unique vision to life.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to seamlessly transition between different art forms, leveraging my extensive training and professional experience in both dance and acting. This versatility allows me to approach each role and project with a distinct perspective and a rich set of skills.

I’m particularly proud of the adaptability and range of my work. From performing in international tours and prestigious events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to acting in notable commercials, my career has been a diverse journey of continuous growth and exploration.

Overall, my journey has been about evolving and pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression. Whether on stage, in front of the camera, or behind the scenes, I strive to create impactful and memorable work that resonates with audiences.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?

There are so many to choose from. One of the coolest memories I look back on is when I was 10 years old and had the opportunity to meet the then-Queen of the Netherlands. I gave her flowers and spoke with her for a bit, which was an unforgettable experience.

However, if I have to choose a favorite, it would probably be the time spent with my family and friends, especially during our summer vacations. Traveling with my family and enjoying the different sights of Europe created some of my most cherished memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thijshogenboom.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thijshogenboom

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