The Netherlands at Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 �� 2008 ESCKaz.com (original) (raw)

Singer Thomas Berge has been confirmed as Dutch entrant in Eurovision Dance Contest 2008. TROS has confirmed to ESCKaz that professional dance partner of Thomas Berge will be Roemjana de Haan.

"Roemjana and I will dance rumba, it is a beautiful dance of friendship", says Thomas Berge, "And we're going to win, of course!".

Thomas Berge (real name Chiel Ottink) was born on 25th of January, 1990. His singing career started at an early age in a children�s choir in which his talent didn�t go unnoticed. At the age of 11 he auditions for the Dutch version of the musical "The Secret Garden" and is promptly engaged. Studio One Records is the first to spot his star charisma and they invite Thomas to record a demo. This demo results in the leading role in the musical "Oliver". His first single Mijn luchtballon was released in the age of 12 and was sold in 800.000 copies. The release of three albums, three themed DVD�s and the broadcast of two TV-specials, all in 2006, establish his status. Meanwhile he has also become a sought-after guest for Dutch TV-shows. During this stage of his career Thomas wins several awards and by winning the "Zilveren Harp" (Silver Harp) - the biggest prize in the light music business in the Netherlands - he reaches a temporary pinnacle of his career. Thomas, then only 15 years old, sets a record being the youngest winner of this award ever. cd34e2409579350f1bd0ca5445d8a79e.jpg (14775 bytes) In 2007, his popularity attains a new level when he gets his own reality show on national TV, produced by TROS. In a six episode series the popular artist is being followed while he is performing on the road, dealing with the media attention and at home with his dad, mom and little brother. In 2007 he has recorded duet with Dutch Junior Eurovision representative Tess Gaerthe. 18 years old Berge has already took part in "Just The Two Of Us", the Dutch version of the BBC program, "Sterren Dansen Op Het IJs", a show based on "Dancing On Ice" and "Toppers de Paard" where stars are learning equestrian sport.
This year Thomas has been awarded Gulden Vedel (Golden Violin) prize, which is annually given to the Dutch artist whose music has been used most frequently in Dutch dance schools.
After a number of hit singles Thomas decided to make the logical step towards the bigger concert platforms. The live registration of a series of concerts in the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam proves him right. Thomas not only wins praise from an exuberant and enthusiastic audience, but is also acclaimed by the press. Despite all these successes Thomas is only just at the start of a major career according to authorities on pop music.

The 18-year-old singer had actually decided to no longer participate in

shows decided by juries, after his participation in "Dancing On Ice". "But when TROS approached me and informed there will be forty million viewers across Europe, you obviously can not say no.", admits singer.

with Koen Brewers, photo: dancesportinfo.net Roemjana de Haan was born in IJsselstein on October 24 1974. Since the age of 4 she danced in the dance school of her parents. In 1996 she became with her former Finnish danspartner Jaakko Toivonnen Dutch champion in Latin dances in the class of amateurs. With him she also won professional Dutch championship in South American showdance. In the years 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 she was with her current danspartner Koen Brouwers Dutch champion in Latin dances in the class of professionals. In 2007 couple has announced retirement from Latin dances, but still plans to continue taking part in South American Showdance tournaments.
In 2003 she danced on Broadway in the show "Latin Fusion", and together with Koen she came up with the choreographies for the theatre show "Zes Danslessen In Zes Weken" (Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks), a production of Stage Entertainment and Joop van den Ende theatre productions. Currently she is a professional dancer dancing for school Marcelle van Altena in Hoofddorp. Together with dancers Julie Fryer, Koen Brouwers and Stefan Rolvink she constitutes GangAmsterdam - a team of professionals with the goal to improve the level of amateur Latin American dancing couples in the Netherlands.
Besides latin dances she also learnt classical ballet and piano at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and jazz, modern, folklore, tap and improvisation in the theatre school of Amsterdam. She also studies theatre-, movie-, and television science at the University of Utrecht.
with Martijn Krabbe
She took part in the three series of the RTL 4 show "Dancing with the Stars", partnered by TV cook Rudolph van Veen, ex-footballer John de Wolf and TV presenter Martijn Krabbe and during New Year Specials with actors Bas Muijs and Wilbert Gieske.

"I participate in Dancing with the Stars because it is the best promotion for the dance world. No way I want to miss it", says Roemjana.

Eurovision Dance Contest will be broadcasted live on Nederland 1, as last year live broadcast will be preceeded by documentary "Op Weg Naar Het Eurovisie Dansfestival" (On the road to Eurovision Dance Contest) at 20.30 local time. As last year TROS commentators will be Lucille Werner and dance specialist Cor van de Stroet. Lucille is known as presenter of Lingo and Cor with his wife Janny is 9 times champion of Netherlands and head of production of RTL4 Dancing With Stars, also working as dance coach.
Dan�er Marcus van Teylingen (known from Dancing with the stars and DirtyDancing) will announce points of Dutch televoting.
Repeated broadcast will be aired on Sunday at 13.10

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01/08 Tonight, at 20.30 local time, Dutch broadcaster Nederland1 will broadcast recorded version of Thomas Berge's concert from March 8th, 2008 in front of sold-out Heineken Music Hall. Viewers will be able to enjoy greatest hits of Thomas: Niet meer en niet minder, Ik denk aan jou en Mijn leven and others.
Update: You can watch this concert on demand here.

On 9th of August, Thomas Berge will be guest of TROS Music Cafe, aired on Radio2 at 16.00.

Due to his commitment in Eurovision Dance Contest Thomas will not be able to appear as previously scheduled guest in Gerard Joling concerts on 6th and 7th of September, where he will be replaced by Dre Hazes.

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The Netherlands at Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 ������������ ����������� 2008 ESCKaz.com (original) (raw)

The Netherlands at Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 �� 2008 ESCKaz.com (original) (raw)