"Growing up, I never liked the silly pop hits of the time, preferring riveting classical music like Wagner’s Walküre. A few years ago, when I was offered the chance to learn how to conduct a 65-headed symphonic orchestra live on Dutch television in just a few weeks time, I immediately said 'yes'.

"Growing up, I never liked the silly pop hits of the time, preferring riveting classical music like Wagner’s Walküre. A few years ago, when I was offered the chance to learn how to conduct a 65-headed symphonic orchestra live on Dutch television in just a few weeks time, I immediately said 'yes'.

Oops, I had overlooked a small detail: I didn't know how to read music! Listening to Stravinsky's 'The Firebird' to calm my frayed nerves, I suddenly knew what to do. I had to let myself burn up with passion. I had to unleash two intertwined inner beasts called 'perfectionism' and 'fear of failure'. Harnessing their power by staying humble and working hard, I would build my Strength. A few weeks later, standing on the conductor's podium, I was ready. Lifting my baton, I whispered: "Let's dance." To my inner demons, to the notes on the partiture, to that crazy adventure called life."

- Marlies Dekkers