Gala

First of all, the gala marks the tenth anniversary of the Junior Company. The evening also celebrates the twentieth anniversary of Ted Brandsen and Rachel Beaujean, who are jointly responsible for Dutch National Ballet’s artistic direction. Under their leadership, the company rose to become one of the top 10 dance companies in the world. Furthermore, Brandsen has created several successful new productions for Dutch National Ballet, while Beaujean has enriched the company’s repertoire with her prominent interpretations of famous classics.

All the principals in one evening

The gala is unique in that you can see all the principal dancers of Dutch National Ballet in the same evening. There are also performances by international guest stars. This season, they include the Russian dancer Daniil Simkin, who is a principal guest artist with both American Ballet Theatre and Staatsballett Berlin. Supported by the other dancers of Dutch National Ballet and the Junior Company, they present an exclusive surprise programme, comprising famous pas de deux, teasers from new creations and highlights from Dutch National Ballet’s repertoire.

Grand Défilé

By tradition, the gala opens with a Grand Défilé, which presents all the company dancers, alongside the students and youngest pupils of the Dutch National Ballet Academy. After the performance, the gala party continues in the foyers of Dutch National Opera & Ballet, attended by dancers and choreographers.