Press release -20e jubilee edition Holland Dance Festival
2 December 2025
Holland Dance Festival: the longest-running international dance biennale in the Netherlands
In February 2026, Holland Dance Festival celebrates its 20th jubilee edition with a diverse programme spread across five cities in the Netherlands – a milestone in the festival’s 40-year history. From 4 to 21 February, The Hague, Delft, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Tilburg will be transformed into hubs of dance, presenting world premieres, Dutch debuts and internationally renowned creators.
Forty years of dance history, creativity, and impact
Since 1987, Holland Dance Festival has been a platform where the international dance community comes together and where dance in all its forms is celebrated. From groundbreaking premieres to unforgettable performances by leading companies and iconic choreographers, each edition adds a new chapter to the ongoing dialogue between artists and audiences. The festival not only reflects the evolution of international dance but also the power of movement as a universal language — one that connects people and cultures, transcends boundaries, and opens new worlds.
An unparalleled gathering of dance, creators and defining moments
Over the years, legendary dance artists from around the world have graced the stages in The Hague. At the same time, Dutch talent has always been given a prominent place.
Twenty editions — a living archive of dance through the decades
The festival has offered international dance icons a platform to experiment, inspire and push artistic boundaries. Across twenty editions, 450 choreographers, 350 companies and independent makers have taken part, resulting in nearly 400 productions and an impressive 1,700 performances — attracting more than one million visitors. Holland Dance Festival has not only built a rich dance legacy, but also a unique archive of international creation and unforgettable moments of encounter and innovation.
Dance with a mission
Alongside its international programming, Holland Dance Festival is also known for its strong social engagement. Seniors, inclusion and dance in special education are key priorities. Through its educational and outreach projects, the festival brings people together and demonstrates the transformative impact of dance in society.
And onward…
Its rich history speaks for itself: forty years of dance, innovation, and unforgettable moments. But the story does not end here. Holland Dance Festival looks to the future with the same curiosity and energy, ready to write new chapters in dance history. The 2026 anniversary programme promises new highlights, spectacular premieres, and exciting collaborations. The combination of established names, emerging voices and a strong social agenda underscores the festival’s importance as a unifying force within the dance field.
