A wonderful dance season lies behind us!

Although we did not present a festival this year, the 2024/2025 season was rich with a diverse and inspiring program. From powerful dance performances to compelling films, from unique collaborations and inclusive projects to in-depth activities — this season was once again filled with highlights.

We kicked off the season with the Inclusie Dansevent, in collaboration with DIK Dansteater. Young dancers delivered an impressive performance that celebrated talent, inclusion, and the power of dance. Compagnie Tiuri also moved audiences once again with their tour Free Birds Fly.

A standout project this season was the dance film Playthrough the Beat. Young talents from the Haags HipHop Centrum collaborated with choreographer Tomás Lopes to create a choreography that became a unique, dance-led tour through Amare, where dance and architecture merged in surprising and beautiful ways.

We were also proud to present the premiere of Muses & A Bird Named Mansour by Jordy Dik. In this two-part work, dancers from Compagnie Tiuri teamed up with the choreographer to create a powerful and multi-layered narrative. The documentary Muses offered a new and enriching perspective on the earlier dance film A Bird Named Mansour, resulting in a deep and meaningful viewing experience.

Our dance classes and projects contributed to connection and meaningful encounters.

Through programs such as Good [old] Times, Blijvend in Beweging, and DanceAble, we brought together people of different generations and backgrounds on the dance floor. The dance classes offered in special education further highlight the importance of dance in supporting the emotional development and social interaction of students.

During Dansontmoeting, made possible in part by Stichting Het Gehandicapte Kind, inclusive and non-disabled dancers up to the age of 12 came together to move and play. By introducing children to one another through dance at a young age, the workshop contributes to raising a generation for whom inclusion is a natural and self-evident part of life.

Our collaboration with Europe Beyond Access (EBA) also strengthened our commitment to inclusion in the dance sector. Thanks to this partnership, we were able to further develop a more accessible and diverse performing arts practice on an international level.

This year, we were once again proud to provide a stage for Talent On The Move.

The promising dancers from Codarts Rotterdam presented a diverse selection of the very best contemporary dance has to offer. Year after year, this performance proves that the future of dance is vibrant, versatile, and full of bold creativity.

A key part of the season’s programming was also the unique FIND performances (Fonds Internationale Dans). In collaboration with Amare and Nederlands Dans Theater, we brought internationally acclaimed dance productions to The Hague — continuing to strengthen the city’s profile as the dance capital of the Netherlands.

With Until We Sleep, choreographer Botis Seva made a deep impression through his physically intense performance. LOVETRAIN2020 by Emanuel Gat Dance delivered a colorful, explosive tribute to love and dance. And Sutra by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and the Shaolin monks offered an enchanting fusion of spirituality and movement.

The highlight of the season, however, was undoubtedly the performance Wings of Time — a remarkable retrospective paying tribute to the body of work of master choreographer Jiří Kylián.

To complement these performances, we offered plenty of opportunities for deeper engagement.

Through masterclasses, film screenings, interviews, aftertalks, and photo exhibitions, we provided valuable context to the program and engaged audiences on multiple levels. This is a key part of our mission to make dance accessible and meaningful for everyone.

We look back with pride on a season full of movement and connection. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the dancers, creators, partners, audiences, and everyone who made this possible.

Looking ahead to a new season filled with dance — and, of course, to the 20th anniversary edition of the Holland Dance Festival, taking place from February 4 to 21, 2026.