Marco Gerris

The Filipino-born grew up in Belgium, cycling from gymnastics to violin lessons before opting for judo and the saxophone after all. Even after secondary school, it is difficult for the energetic creative to stay in one place. He pursues studies at the Antwerp Theatre School Herman Teirlinck, the Higher Institute for Dance Pedagogy and Open Living Theatre but never really finds his niche anywhere.

"The name ISH comes from the English suffix '-ish"

In the late 1990s, he pledges his heart to Amsterdam, where he starts working as a dancer, skater and actor. He was elected Dutch Freestyle Skating Champion and performed in several productions, including the musical 'Eindeloos' and performances by dance group AYA. Besides this, he can often be found in the Vondelpark, making connections and friendships with skaters, dancers and actors.

In 2000, his new network inspired him to create his first piece: ISH. The name is derived from the English suffix '-ish' ('-like), a word that stands for something you cannot exactly define, because it is both one and the other.

Marco: 'During a meeting with an American dancer, I talked about everything I want to do, everything I find inspiring and about my reluctance to choose just one discipline.' He told me:

"You are ISH, you’re a bit of everything and that’s your strength."

23 years later, ISH has grown into an internationally renowned company that reaches a young and diverse audience. Marco Gerris was awarded the prestigious Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Prize in 2020, an oeuvre award given to individuals or institutions who have made exceptional contributions to culture. Gerris also won The Netherlands' leading dance awards: the Swan (VSCD Dance Awards), for most impressive dance production of 2024 with the performance Rhythm & Flow. The jury:

‘’Company ISH has been questioning for years what a dance performance should or could be. With sports, club and street skills in theatre, they are essential to the development of Dutch dance."