Gysèle ter Berg

Happy Hour Chandelier was originally conceived by acclaimed choreographer Nanine Linning and world-renowned designer Marcel Wanders. Their shared vision brought together the elegance of dance with iconic design, creating a unique and immersive experience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

At the heart of Happy Hour Chandelier today is Gysèle ter Berg, its driving force and Owner & CEO since 2018. Her involvement, however, goes back much further — since 2013, she has played an essential role in the production, contributing both creatively and operationally, and gaining an in-depth understanding of every facet of this enchanting act.

With a background in theatre studies and acting, Gysèle brings rich insight into the performing arts and a rare talent for merging artistic vision with production finesse. Earlier in her career, she worked for years as personal assistant to legendary composer Louis Andriessen, playing a key role in the daily operations of his internationally acclaimed practice. She also served for over a decade as hospitality and floor operations manager at Dutch Dance Days, often acting as crisis manager during high-pressure festival moments — further sharpening her leadership, adaptability, and organizational skills. As cofounder of the groundbreaking hip-hop dance company Backbone, she has consistently championed innovation and diversity in the performing arts.

As an experienced creative entrepreneur in theatre and dance, Gysèle is widely known for identifying exceptional talent and forging meaningful artistic collaborations. She is cofounder, managing director and artistic associate at dance company Kalpanarts, and business director of the Amsterdams Kleinkunst Festival, where her love of language and commitment to developing young artists come together.

Gysèle personally selects, coaches, and trains the dancers, ensuring that every performance is polished, compelling, and unforgettable. Having travelled with the dancers and the iconic chandelier across the globe, supporting each performance from behind the scenes, she brings unmatched glamour, depth, and passion to every production.