Presentation of the Eleventh Jiří Kylián Ring and the First Kylián Honorary Award
5 February 2026
A triple celebration, as Holland Dance Festival marks 40 years of passion for dance with its 20th anniversary edition, while no fewer than two awards were presented to individuals of great significance to the dance world. And where better to do so than during the festival opening in the city of peace, justice and dance: The Hague.
In the presence of Their Royal Highnesses Princess Beatrix, Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, the Jiří Kylián Ring was awarded for the eleventh time, and the Kyliàn Honorary Award was presented for the very first time. The fully packed dance theatre at Amare expressed its appreciation with thunderous applause for the honourees.
The prestigious Jiří Kylián Ring goes to Guy Weizman & Roni Haver
Paul Bronkhorst, director of Omscholing Dansers Nederland and recipient of the Jiří Kylián Ring in 2022, awarded this year’s Ring to Guy Weizman and Roni Haver for their significant contribution to the Dutch dance landscape. Bronkhorst himself received the Ring for his pioneering role in supporting dancers through career transitions after retirement.
The Jiří Kylián Ring is a joint initiative of Holland Dance Festival, the Kylian Foundation and Nederlandse Dansdagen.
The first Kyliàn Honorary Award goes to Hans Knill
In 2026, Jiří Kyliàn and the Kylian Foundation established a new distinction: the Kyliàn Honorary Award. Its first recipient is Hans Knill, a key figure in Kyliàn’s work and artistic development.
Warm congratulations to Guy Weizman, Roni Haver and Hans Knill.