His life is a vibrant canvas painted with the colors of tradition, a passion for dance, and an unparalleled dedication to preserving Aruban culture. René's journey, accentuated by the influence of his family, especially his grandmother Fernilia and the cultural legacy of his great-grandmother Mimi Kock, has defined his path as a guardian of Aruban cultural traditions and a perfect VOICE OF OUR LAND.
He is proud of his heritage, blending the traditions of the Kock Peasch family from San Nicolaas and the Christiaans-German family from Savaneta. "My grandmother was my inspiration," René fondly recalls. At just 6 years old, he was already showcasing his talent, and soon after, he joined the Sunrise Dancers and the Scouting Group Aruba, where his love for dance continued to grow. "At 14, I started my own dance group called: Gucci Baby with various dancers from my school at Filomena College Mavo. The school gave me the opportunity to lead the multicultural year activity in our school for several years, 2005/2006." The decision to form his own dance group, Gucci Baby, marked the beginning of a path filled with success and recognition, including the leadership of a multicultural event at his school.
Entering the world of dance as the founder and leader of Gucci Baby and later Gucci Dancers Aruba, René established himself as a key figure in the promotion of Aruban dance and culture. His contribution to the cultural world in Aruba was not limited to dance alone; as the first Youth Minister of Culture of Aruba, René represented Aruba internationally, promoting the culture and folklore of Aruba. The impact of his leadership extends beyond his island, with presentations in New York and at the United Nations of Youth in Honduras and his efforts to establish a Youth Parliament in Ecuador. René's passion for dance and culture led him to give talks and workshops in schools, promoting the richness of Aruban folklore. "On my own initiative, in 2010 I visited various schools to teach them about Aruban folklore and culture. I was well-prepared by Mo Mimi Kock and our Culture Mother Mrs. Bernadina Growell Kock (R.I.P). I also received direct lessons from Mr. ATAN Lee (R.I.P) for etiquette lessons as a role model for youth. From 2010 to the present day, I visit various schools every year to give presentations and explanations of our culture voluntarily."
René Kock is a bastion in the promotion and preservation of Aruban culture. "For my culture and folklore, I never charge," he proudly claims, demonstrating his deep commitment to valuing and celebrating the cultural richness of his island. As a counselor of the Student Body council at EPI, René led and contributed to a number of activities, ranging from beach cleanups to health and cultural activities, reaffirming his dedication to enhancing the Aruban community. René innovated in the local dance world with the creation of Gucci Dancers Aruba, introducing diverse categories that span the full age range, from toddlers to older adults. The success of the cultural queens under his direction is proof of his ability to capture and promote the essence of Aruban culture.
- In 2012, I prepared a representative for the Aruba Cultural Queen at the Brazil Community Center who won the first Cultural Queen title of 2012, in honor of our Culture Mother Bernadina Growell Kock. I continued this in 2013 and also won.
- In 2013, I decided to expand my dance group and introduce more categories where Gucci Baby became the name of one category (2 to 4 years). I introduced Gucci Minis (5 to 8 years) - Pre Teens (9 to 12 years). Gucci Teens (13 to 18 years) - Gucci Girls (19 to 30 years) - Gucci Fabulous (30 to 50 years).
- In 2014, I sent a cultural queen candidate and achieved the title of Cultural Queen as well.
In 2015, I sent another cultural queen candidate, and again she won the title of Cultural Queen. Representing Gucci Dancers Aruba's name for the first time. - In 2016, I sent 7 cultural queen candidates where all 6 achieved the maximum title of Culture Queen and one became the Folkloric Queen of Aruba.
- In 2017, I sent 3 Queens and all 3 won.
- In 2018, 3 queens and all 3 won.
- In 2022, I sent 1 queen and she won.
- In 2023, I sent 2 and both won the maximum title.
"I visit schools more than three times a year to explain our folklore and culture." His voluntary work in schools is more than a task; it's a mission to sow a love for Aruban culture in the hearts of the next generation. "For culture, I always have a YES as an answer. Together we can." For him, the importance is to Enhance our Folklore and Aruba. Each of us has our talents, and my specialty and love is Culture. I see myself here for years as a vision to be the Minister of Culture of Aruba. In the meantime, I continue to help my community by organizing activities for our people, visiting schools, and helping wherever I can."
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