Ted Brandsen: Knight in the Order of the Dutch Lion

On Thursday 30 June, director and choreographer Ted Brandsen was appointed Knight in the Order of the Dutch Lion. He received the award for his major contribution to Dutch National Ballet's international success. The award was presented to him by deputy mayor Touria Meliani. The Order of the Dutch Lion is one of the oldest and highest civilian (knightly) orders in the Netherlands. 

Ted Brandsen started out as a dancer with Dutch National Ballet, where he has worked as choreographer and director since 2003. Under his leadership, the company entered a new period of artistic glory and created many special, much-loved performances. As a result, Dutch National Ballet grew into the most important ballet company in the Netherlands, and one of the leading companies in the world. 

Brandsen was also a driving force behind the development of Dutch National Ballet Academy for young dance talent, and he took the initiative to found Dutch National Ballet's 'talent group', the Junior Company.

Stijn Schoonderwoerd, managing director of Dutch National Opera & Ballet, said: "The fact that Dutch National Ballet holds such an important position in the international ballet world today is largely thanks to Ted Brandsen. His leadership and vision ensure that the best choreographers and dancers want to work in Amsterdam and that the company is a welcome guest on the world's major stages. He works 24/7 to make the company better, with a great deal of attention for the human dimension and the well-being of the dancers and staff". 

Photo: Deputy Mayor Touria Meliani with Ted Brandsen | © Altin Kaftira