Unleash your creative voice with the
Jungle Unleashed Experience 2025
8, 15, 22, 29 Sept
6, 9 Oct
2025
From September 8 to October 9, 2025, the second Jungle Unleashed Experience will take place in Maastricht, this time in collaboration with de Nederlandse Dansdagen and Quiet Community Maastricht.
Jungle Unleashed is a one-of-a-kind creative journey where dance, music, and personal expression take center stage. This is your chance to take part in a powerful series of workshops led by L’Okapi founder and singer-songwriter Charlotte Haesen and dancer/choreographer Laura van Sonsbeek.
Why Join Jungle Unleashed? Dance and music are often called universal languages—but knowing how to use them to tell your story is another thing. Jungle Unleashed gives you the tools, the space, and the inspiration to explore movement, rhythm, words, and expression in a way that fits you.
Whether through songwriting, improvisation, or choreographic experiments, you'll dive into your own story and vision—there is no right or wrong here. Jungle Unleashed is about unlocking your creative energy and learning to trust your voice.
Who Can Join? Jungle Unleashed is open to (young) adults (18+) of all backgrounds. Whether you’re new to music or dance or already experienced—if you feel the need to express, move, create, or connect, this is for you.
What Does It Cost? It’s free.
We provide the workshops, the space, and the guidance—all you need to bring is your curiosity and commitment. We do ask that you attend at least four of the workshops to make the most of your experience and honor the limited number of available spots.
Ready to Join? If you're ready to connect with others, explore your creative side, and step into the spotlight, sign up before September 1.
Have questions? Feel free to get in touch.
/ Save your Spot
/ Save your Spot
Location: De Rink, Zoetmanstraat 75, Maastricht
Workshop Dates: September 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 17:00 – 19:30
Showcase + Community Dinner 1:
October 6 – Spiegeltent at Vrijthof (during Nederlandse Dansdagen)
Time: 15:00 – 21:30
L’Okapi Ecstatic Dance Night (25€) + Community Dinner:
October 9 – at the Bankastudios
Time: 17:00 – 21:30
Registration:
“Discover together with Charlotte and Laura how you can turn an idea, an emotion, a story or a sound into something that truly expresses you.”
A quick introduction:
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Singer-songwriter & Founder L'Okapi
www.charlottehaesen.com
Charlotte, with (musical) roots in France, the Netherlands, and Burundi, began her musical journey at Conservatorium Maastricht, which she continued at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam where she specialized in jazz vocals and songwriting. Since 2009, she has worked as a freelance singer, composer, arranger, and bandleader. She has received several awards and released multiple EPs and albums, including the well-received Du Bout des Yeux (2018) and Perles de pluie (2019) with Challenge Records.On stage, she delivers a unique live experience as a performer, with honest lyrics, a voice that cuts through emotions, vibrant melodies, and an aesthetic in line with emotional visionaries like Björk, Aurora, and Laura Mvula. Known for her versatile performances and appeal to a wide audience, she has given over 600 performances in a variety of venues—from intimate clubs and serene churches to festival fields and concert halls.
With L’Okapi, she aims to use the power of music to shine a light on themes such as mental well-being, identity, self-discovery, and breaking down stigmas.
Photo credits: Isabelle Camps
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Movement Catalyst & Choreographer
www.lauravansonsbeek.comFor dancer and choreographer Laura van Sonsbeek, movement is more than just physical expression—it’s a way of thinking, feeling, and connecting. Rooted in contemporary dance but reaching far beyond its borders, Laura uses the body as a storytelling instrument to explore themes like vulnerability, strength, and transformation.
Her choreographic work is often born from lived experience and embodied research, resulting in performances that feel both intimate and explosive. With projects ranging from stage pieces to site-specific interventions, Laura brings a raw honesty to her work that resonates deeply with diverse audiences.
Beyond the stage, she thrives as a dance workshop facilitator, where she empowers others to rediscover their bodies as tools for creative expression, reflection, and healing. Whether in the studio or on the street, Laura creates space for movement to become a shared language.
Programme
September 8, 15, 22 and 29: WORKSHOP EXPERIENCES
17:00 – 19:30 @ De Rink, Zoetmanstraat 75, Maastricht
Each week, immerse yourself in the world of music, songwriting, and/or dance. With the support of Charlotte and Laura, you'll discover new ways to express yourself through sound and movement, and explore a range of creative techniques.
October 6: SHOWCASE NO. 1 DURING THE NEDERLANDSE DANSDAGEN
15:00 – 21:30 @ Spiegeltent at the Vrijthof
October 9: SHOWCASE NO. 2 DURING L’OKAPI NIGHT
17:00 – 21:30 @ Bankastudios
The musical and creative journey of Jungle Unleashed 2025 concludes with two festive showcases. These will be inspiring evenings where not only the personal work of all Jungle Unleashed participants will be shared, but visitors will also have the chance to experience how music, dance, self-expression, and the L’Okapi community come together in a powerful and unique way.
Workshops: what to expect?
From Soundwave to Movement
During the Jungle Unleashed Experience 2025 there are a total of 4 workshops and 2 showcases where you are invited to present what you have created during your journey. This experience is carefully and diversely designed to support each participant’s creative process. Each workshop session lasts 120 minutes, accommodates up to 30 participants, and will be organised once a week under the professional guidance of Charlotte and Laura. The workshops take place in the welcoming environment of de Rink Maastricht, where everything you need to unleash your creativity will be available. In addition to the universal language of dance and music, the workshops are in Dutch and English.
Music &
Songwriting
Charlotte will guide you through melody, lyrics, voice, and silence to unlock your authentic sound.
Through playful songwriting prompts and intuitive vocal techniques, she invites you to explore the connection between your voice and your story. Whether whispered or belted, sung or spoken—your voice is your instrument. Charlotte creates a safe and inspiring space where you can experiment freely, express your emotions honestly, and find the courage to let your unique sound be heard.
Movement & Dance
Laura will take you on a sensory journey through movement, rhythm, breath, and connection to awaken your creative body.
Let the spontaneity of the moment guide you and explore how to intuitively express thoughts and emotions through dance, gesture, and physical storytelling. Through guided improvisation and playful choreographic tools, Laura invites you to reconnect with your inner rhythm and discover the power of movement as a form of self-expression and release.
Creative
Community
Jungle Unleashed is all about discovering and creating together. So, you’re not alone and will work alongside others! The open and supportive environment allows music, movement, stories, and new friendships to naturally come together. Here, you’ll have the freedom to explore what you want to express, in ways that feel right to you.