Festive, unique, and with a vibrating energy and lust for life: the Holland Dance Festival opens its nineteenth edition with a special surprise gala. Under the title Future of Dance, we zoom in entirely on young dance talent and present to you the stars of the future.
During this gala, you will be treated to the performances of not one, but three of the world's premier junior companies. The first ensemble is Ailey II from New York, a distinguished guest marking its fiftieth birthday celebration this year. Established in 1974 by the American choreographer and visionary Alvin Ailey, Ailey II stands as one of the pioneering junior ensembles globally. Over the years, Ailey proved his conviction that his young, virtuoso, predominantly African American dancers could achieve as much, if not more, success than the 'main company' itself—the acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which we presented with resounding success in 2019.
Breathtaking
The gala will also introduce you to the international prodigies of two paramount Dutch junior companies, both celebrating milestones this season. The Dutch National Ballet's Junior Company, now a decade old, has exceeded all expectations, with over half of the dancers of the 'main company' of the National Ballet being former juniors and ten of those even attaining the position of soloist. Meanwhile, NDT 2, the 45-year-old junior ensemble of Nederlands Dans Theater, not only stands as the oldest of its kind in the country but has established itself as more than just a match for NDT 1. With its breathtaking dancers, NDT 2 adds an extra dimension into the magic of dance through its fresh and sparkling character.
In addition to the three junior companies, Future of Dance will also see performances by top young talents from BA Contemporary Dance Zurich, Ballethnic Dance Company Atlanta US and Canada's National Ballet School. We dedicate this special evening to the director of this school: Mavis Staines. After inspiring us all for years to advance dance education, she is retiring at the end of this season.
Jiří Kylian Ring
Also being awarded for the ninth time is the prestigious Jiří Kylián Ring. Which will once again go to someone who has made an inspiring and indispensable contribution to dance in the Netherlands.
“Gala performance focusing on young top talent”
