Book

I have always loved ballroom and dreamed of becoming a dancer. I started training late at age 17, but I never had to start dancing….I have been doing that since I could walk. GEM gave me a different lens to look at dance. It simplifies and defines movement, while opening up creative possibilities to the maximum. I have become more connected to and aware of my movements, see more possibilities, and make stronger choices. It is now a staple in my dance learning. I found more belief in myself, and was ignited with a deeper enthusiasm and determination for dance. I believe G.E.M will empower dancers around the world.

I was introduced to the GEM method a few years ago when it was still being developed by Ton Greten. In 2015, our South African StreetDance team was creating a dance programme called the DanceSport School League(DSSL) and we needed a judging criteria to support the programme. Ton has shared the GEM method with me and it made sense to incorporate this method into the DSSL. Ever since, the GEM method has been the cornerstone of the DSSL. The GEM is simple enough for the athletes, coaches, adjudicators and parents to understand and grasp the concept of Form, Expression and Dynamic. The GEM is part of my life, and I apply these principles in all areas of Dance and DanceSport. The Gem Book is a great resource that will transform your life and build your dance career on a solid foundation.

Dance is my profession but it’s foremost my passion. Dance has allowed me to learn about the body mind and soul, has connected me with so many people, and has allowed me to support dancers on their growth path. Dance has taught me more about myself which otherwise would not have been possible.   When I was introduced to GEM I was astounded by the rich and holistic but yet accessible approach Ton has chosen to create a guide that will serve any dancer building fundamental knowledge and skills. In essence GEM gave me an entirely new language to study and teach dance with. It was my honor to contribute to this, in my opinion, groundbreaking book and method.

I started dancing ballroom and latin at the age of 5 and had to stop at the age of 15 for various reasons.The passion for dancing and the desire to move to music have always stayed with me. In the years that followed, dancing remained part of my life, even if only on a small scale and with other dance styles. Through chance encounters it happened that I found my way back to dance sport almost 3 years ago, which after all these years and at my age was a great challenge but above all great joy for me. I got to know Ton Greten through my club, coach and partner and I really appreciate him as a friend. So it came about that we created the German translation of his book together. Ton is clear in his analysis and techniques. But his approach to the dance (choreography) itself, his evaluation of "judging" dance and abilities of a person (dancer) and a body have made me more free and courageous as a dancer personally. Technique, fitness, concentration, discipline ect. – these are all very important and necessary attributes for a dancer. But the courage to move and express yourself generates much more "honest emotion", "magic" and also "quality" than "drilled technique" and "fixed steps and movements". I am very grateful that I was able to read this book, edit it, understand it to some extent and integrate it into my training.

Dancing is my life. Since childhood, I have been moving towards my goal, overcoming all obstacles. The goal is important, but the most important thing for me is development, improvement, deeper understanding. GEM is a beautifully structured concept that allows you to see many things from a different angle. Makes your brain work, create and develop. Excellent job!

For me, the GEM method is a masterpiece for all areas of dance, be it in experiencing, recognizing or conveying. Ton Greten thus creates a new way to better analyze the movement in dance and to remove the boundaries from the forms, times and spaces. It gives the dancer an inexhaustible variety of possibilities to shape his dancing and also to perceive himself differently. This book will not only have a positive influence on our dancing, but above all on the language and the value of the statement in it.

Like any other little girl influenced by big tv stars at that time, I wanted to become a dancer. So at the age of 9 years old I took my first dance class. This is how I met Ton Greten for the first time and he became my coach/trainer. This is where my adventure as a dancer started, in search of my own identity within dance. The GEM method played an important role in my development. The knowledge that is shared step by step in this book has helped me to make conscious choices. My body and mind are better connected and I experience more body control as a dancer. As a performer I strive to have control over every part of my body, I believe this will give you enormous freedom of movement and endless possibilities. I therefore believe that this book is a dream come true for anyone who wants to develope within any form of art.

My love for dance goes beyond my passion for it. It's my religion and my lifestyle. Every day is like a new freestyle, where i need and want to find new ways and new paths. I love how the GEM method has become such a big and interesting part of it. It taught me to look even further and push the limits of myself and my students.

I was in love with dancing already before getting involved in 1976 - and I still am. First this was a side career, now my main work. I am so happy that Ton invited me into his world of dance. Learning about his method, understanding and putting it into your dancing and teaching, opens a wide perspective and large base to work on. The ways to apply this knowledge are endless. The more you do, the better you understand and enlargen your visions. For me personally the feedback from the dancers has been very positive. It is also amazing how fast they can pick up the informtion to improve their dancing. Whether you are a dancer or a coach you can easily lift up your level using these skills and thinking. Creating this method has required true brilliancy but you don't need to be a genius to use it.

Since the age of 6 I have been dancing all different dance styles. This was in the United Kingdom where I was born. At the age of 18 I moved to The Netherlands to work with an amazing team of professionals who taught me so much about movement & performing. They taught me not only to dance but how to move and express. Ton Greten has created a new book ‘THE GEM’. It’s a great book for every dancer to find their own identity through form, expression & dynamics. I always want to keep learning and this book is a great addition to the methods I learnt in the past. Ton has a very creative perspective about movement, so enjoy reading and developing yourself!

Do you remember the thrill when you come across one of those books that completely drags you in? This is one of those books for me. Dance is an important tradition in many cultures across the world, and dancers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The GEM book explores the diverse world of dance, and all of the joy and beauty that dance can bring, no matter who you are. GEM by Ton Greten is a book that dance lovers can’t miss.

To me, the G.E.M. book is definitely a must-have! Not only for dancers and coaches but for all those, who feel that there is more behind everything they’ve ever been taught, who want to get aware of other perspectives and want to enjoy life to dance through everything it has to offer… I had the privilege and joy to work with Ton on his book. According to me, the method guides you to become aware in many aspects of yourself and your environment. By embracing the given tools, you can achieve the consciousness which helps you to make your own decisions, so you are able to follow the path of your own uniqueness.