Holland Dance Festival

20th anniversary edition full of international dance

Holland Dance Festival showcases the universal character and enormous richness and diversity of dance. The festival strives for innovation without forgetting the history of dance. Dance icons are put in the spotlight and leading choreographies have a place in the festival. Of course, the art of dance cannot do without “new blood”, and the festival also provides a platform for new dancers and choreographers.

In February 2026, Holland Dance Festival will celebrate a special milestone: the 20th edition in the festival's 40-year history. From 4 to 21 February, the festival will present a rich and varied programme full of world premieres, Dutch premieres and work by leading international choreographers.

The festive opening will take place in Amare, The Hague, with a world premiere by choreographer Jan Martens, created especially for Nederlands Dans Theater.

Since its inception in 1987, on the initiative of Nederlands Dans Theater and the municipality of The Hague, Holland Dance Festival has grown into a festival of international allure. From the dance city of The Hague, the festival reaches a broad and diverse audience, both from the region and far beyond.

Rich history, big names

Twenty editions together form an impressive archive of international dance history. Over the years, greats such as Pina Bausch, William Forsythe, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Sylvie Guillem, and companies such as the New York City Ballet, Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, and Rennie Harris PureMovement have graced the stages of The Hague. A list of names that reads like a hall of fame of modern dance.