In August 2025, the photographer Marleen Annema created Dans zonder muren [Dance Without Walls], a series of portraits of Outside the Block, Groningen’s vibrant freestyle dance scene. Annema works intuitively, capturing people within their environments and pays keen attention to changing light. Shot on two long summer evenings, the dancers move as daylight fades to dusk, and darkness becomes illuminated by streetlights.
Meeting outside every fortnight, these dance gatherings are initiated by Grace Hardt (second photo from the left) and Juersson Hermanus (first photo on the right). Taking place in the Noorderplantsoen, a park in the north of the city, or around Groningen Station, they are free meet-ups that welcome both trained and self-taught dancers. It is Hip Hop that is the connecting force. The vibe is more important than technique: making a space that is open for experimenting, connecting and for building a growing community of participants and onlookers.
Dans zonder muren is on view until 16 August 2026 in Coop Himmelb(l)au (second level of the Hip Hop Is exhibition).
Hip Hop Is Program
Special activities are taking place inside and outside the museum during Hip Hop Is. Compete in breakdancing battles, watch a documentary on Hip Hop, or take part in the young people’s studio programme in the museum’s Hip Hop caravan.