Tineke van Geel, teacher of Armenian dance

Tineke specializes in the teaching and choreography of Armenian dance and conducts workshops for students at various levels, from beginner to professional. Her main focus is to break down complicated steps and movements to basic elements and slowly rebuild them into the original dance form. This skill is part of her worldwide success and is combined with a vast knowledge of Armenian dance and culture. She also discusses the history and background of each dance she teaches. She has taught folk dance workshops in Austria, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States. In addition to Armenian dance, Tineke has taught international and Dutch dances. She started folk dancing in 1975. In 1977, Tineke received her degree in the Netherlands as folk dance instructor. 

Since 1985, Tineke has spent much time in Armenia studying choreography. She has danced with the village folk as well as learned alongside the performers. A part of each of her research trips to Armenia has been devoted to working with several amateur dance groups. 

 Maurits van Geel, teacher of international dance

Maurits holds a degree in Arts and Crafts and Art History. He graduated as a folk dance teacher in 1977 and received his degree at Dance Academy level from the Ministry of Culture in 1986. He taught at folk dance clubs in Amsterdam and worked as a dance consultant for the City Council 1986-1988, initiating dance projects in schools in combination with setting up dance projects and festivals. Also in the 1980s, he specialized in the Appalachian Clogging, worked as guest teacher in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany, and was invited to be a guest teacher at the Rotterdam Dance Academy.

He was employed as choreographer and later as artistic director for 23 years (1988-2011). His travels for dance research have included India, Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Cherkassy, among many other countries. His archive consists of almost 900 DVDs, with research material from all over the world, most of it recorded by himself. He has also choreographed folk dances, among them Syrtos Kitrinou.

Since 2011, Maurits has been teaching, often with his wife Tineke. They have traveled to many European countries, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, and were guest teachers at a number of folk dance camps and workshops in North America.

October 23, 24 & 25 2026

Westmount Commity League Hall

10970 127 Street, Edmonton, AB 

Friday evening, Saturday AM, PM and evening dance 

Sunday AM.

COST:  $100.00

Link to registration:  https://forms.gle/cgYG9dFpVMGp7K438

Questions:  eifdancers@gmail.com