In February 2026, the Holland Dance Festival celebrates its 20th jubilee edition — a festive milestone in the festival’s 40-year history. From February 4 to 21, the festival presents a rich and diverse programme featuring world premieres, Dutch debuts, and internationally acclaimed choreographers. The opening takes place at Amare in The Hague, with a world premiere by choreographer Jan Martens for Nederlands Dans Theater.
Founded in 1987 at the initiative of Nederlands Dans Theater and the City of The Hague, Holland Dance Festival has grown into one of the world’s leading international dance festivals. From its home base in The Hague — city of peace, justice, and dance — the festival reaches a broad and diverse audience, both local and global.
A Rich History and Global Appeal
The twenty editions of the Holland Dance Festival form a unique archive of international dance history. Over the decades, legendary artists have graced the stages of The Hague: icons like Pina Bausch and William Forsythe, dance phenomena such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Sylvie Guillem, and renowned companies including New York City Ballet, New Zealand Dance Company, Rennie Harris PureMovement, and Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. A dazzling and far-reaching legacy.
Dutch talent has always held a prominent place. Choreographers like Jiří Kylián and Hans van Manen, long-term collaborations with Nederlands Dans Theater and Korzo Productions, and special projects with companies such as Introdans and Scapino Ballet Rotterdam have all helped shape the festival into what it is today.
Dance with a Mission
Beyond international excellence, the Holland Dance Festival is deeply committed to social impact. Focus areas include aging, inclusion, and dance in special education. Through educational and outreach programmes, the festival brings people together and highlights the transformative power of dance in society.
Stay tuned via our website and social media — the full programme for the 2026 edition will be announced in September. Be sure to save the dates!
