Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) is one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies, under artistic guidance of Paul Lightfoot. The Dutch troupe is based in The Hague, but performs for over 115.000 visitors in Europe as well as in the USA, Asia and Australia. Since its foundation in 1959, this rebellious pioneering company has built a rich repertoire of over 600 ballets, by master choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Hans van Manen, renowned house choreographers Sol León and Paul Lightfoot, associate choreographers Crystal Pite and Marco Goecke and high-profiled guests such as Johan Inger, Medhi Walerski, Alexander Ekman, Gabriela Carrizo, Franck Chartier, Hofesh Shechter, Edward Clug, and Sharon Eyal & Gai Behar.
The main company NDT 1 consists of 28 phenomenal dancers from all over the world, varying in age between 24 and 38 years old. Though sometimes greatly differing in educational backgrounds promoting distinguishing styles, each one of the dancers excels in their solo qualities. The performers are renowned for their virtuosity, astonishing technique and unparalleled expression. In 1978, NDT founded a second division. During a three year trajectory, NDT 2 prepares sixteen classically trained dancers for the world top, possibly for a position with NDT 1. Both companies are celebrated as two of the world’s sleekest, most distinctive dance ensembles. NDT 2’s varied repertoire consists of work by established choreographers as well as upcoming talents, such as Jiří Pokorný, current NDT 1 dancers Imre van Opstal and Marne van Opstal. One of the objectives of NDT 2, is to acquaint the dancers with a lexicon of dance languages. By working together with upcoming choreographers the dancers are provided with the opportunity to experiment with a multitude of styles that often require an interdisciplinary approach by involving visual art, music composition, and innovative light and set designs, all the while developing new talent. At NDT’s home base in The Hague, all this comes together daily in surroundings that are regarded as a breeding ground, constantly moving ahead to make a significant contribution to the future of dance.
Talent development and Education
The Dutch Master’s Foundation plays a significant role in generating funds to support two prominent pillars within the company; Talent Development and Education. DMF enables NDT to carry out projects like NDT Summer Intensive- a two week long summer school for young emerging dance talent, Kids Days, free school performances, workshops and secondary- and primary school education activities.
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