Since 1987, the Holland Dance Festival has served as a vibrant platform where the international dance community converges to celebrate movement in all its diverse forms. From groundbreaking premieres to unforgettable performances by leading companies and iconic choreographers, each biennale edition enriches the ongoing dialogue between artists and audiences. The festival not only mirrors the evolution of global dance but also highlights movement as a universal language, one that connects people and cultures, transcends boundaries, and opens new worlds.
Over nearly four decades, legendary artists from around the globe have graced stages in The Hague, while Dutch talent has always held a prominent place. The festival has provided international icons with space to experiment, inspire, and push artistic limits. Across 20 editions, more than 450 choreographers and 350 companies and independent makers have participated, presenting nearly 400 productions in some 1,700 performances, and drawing over one million visitors. This has built a rich legacy and a unique archive of international creation, innovation, and memorable encounters.
The festival’s history, spanning 40 years of dance, innovation, and unforgettable moments, speaks volumes, yet its story continues with undiminished curiosity and energy. The 2026 jubilee edition promises fresh highlights, spectacular premieres, and exciting collaborations, blending established names with emerging voices and a strong social focus that reinforces its role as a unifying force in the dance world.
The 2026 program opens festively, with a full circle moment: launched in 1987 on the initiative of Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), the festival now begins its 20th jubilee edition with NDT at Amare in The Hague. This evening features a world premiere by Jan Martens (his first for NDT), accompanied by live music from the Dutch Ballet Orchestra, alongside the presentation of the prestigious Kylián Ring for the eleventh time – an award honoring exceptional dance artists who continually renew the imaginative power of dance in the Netherlands.
The acclaimed British hip-hop company Boy Blue, led by Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy, brings the Dutch premiere of Cycles, a production that blurs the boundaries between street and stage, resonating deeply with a new generation of audiences. Gauthier Dance presents a special edition of FireWorks showcasing ten new short works by international choreographers including Mauro Bigonzetti, Stijn Celis, and Benjamin Millepied, alongside four repertoire gems and a thrilling finale: Ravel’s Boléro performed on trampolines by Gauthier Dance Juniors. Artistic director Eric Gauthier excels at making dance accessible without sacrificing quality, delivering visually stunning, technically brilliant, and emotionally gripping performances.
Hofesh Shechter, one of today’s most exciting contemporary choreographers, delivers his signature style of sweeping, flock-like group movement that balances aggression and poetry, physicality and emotion, combining dance with his own percussive scores and theatrical elements. Following her breakout success at the 2024 festival, Italian dancer-choreographer Silvia Gribaudi returns with a larger platform at Theater aan het Spui; Grand Jeté is a joyful ode to perfect imperfection.
The festival closes with the Dutch premiere of An Untitled Love by Kyle Abraham, an energetic and intimate tribute infused with the R&B sounds of D’Angelo. Performed by A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, it transforms soulful music into a breathtaking visual experience.
In an era when the world can feel increasingly divided, dance offers a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, communicated not through words, but through heart and body. Through inclusive projects, dance education, and programs designed to get everyone moving, Holland Dance Festival demonstrates art’s profound ability to foster connection.
From 4 to 21 February 2026, the Holland Dance Festival will once again make history with a rich showcase of the most significant and groundbreaking international dance productions. Discover the full program HERE!
