The Dutch National Ballet is an international company with talented dancers from 24 different countries, many of whom give regular guest performances with prestigious companies abroad. The Dutch National Ballet occupies a leading position in the cultural scene of the Netherlands and abroad. Over the years, the company has developed into one of the most respected ballet companies in the world.

With approximately 78 dancers, it is by far the largest dance company in the Netherlands. Every year, the company gives around 70 performances in Amsterdam and at least 25 performances in other theatres in the Netherlands and abroad.

The Dutch National Ballet was formed in 1961 through a merger between the Amsterdams Ballet and the Nederlands Ballet. The company has been directed successively by: Sonia Gaskell (1961 - 1969), Rudi van Dantzig (1969 - 1991), Wayne Eagling (1991 - 2003) and Ted Brandsen (from 2003).

The repertoire of the Dutch National Ballet is as unique as it is diverse; a wide panorama of the art of dance, focusing on tradition and innovation, and built on four cornerstones: classical, modern, contemporary works, and new repertoire – the lifeblood of a company.

Artistic Director: Ted Brandsen

The current Artistic Director Ted Brandsen was a dancer with the Dutch National Ballet. He was the Artistic Director of West Australian Ballet until 2002, after which he returned to the Dutch National Ballet, initially inthe position of Assistant Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer. In 2003, he was appointed Artistic Director.

Brandsen has introduced and developed a number of important artistic initiatives. These include taking an innovative look at the full-length repertoire, presenting leading repertoire more widely throughout the Netherlands and introducing new world-class choreographers.

In collaboration with the National Ballet Academy (NBA), he initiated a closer link between dance training and professional practice. He was the initiator of the founding of the Junior Company in 2013, as strong liaison with the NBA. In 2013 Ted Brandsen celebrated his tenth anniversary at the Dutch National Ballet as Artistic Director.

Program: Giselle

Giselle is the highlight of Romanticism. In 2009, the Dutch National Ballet presented this ballet in a new version, with a revitalised choreography to make it even more appealing to 21st-century audiences. It is one of the oldest surviving and most often danced ballets in the world, sometimes also referred to as 'the Hamlet of ballet'.

Respect for tradition is at the forefront of this new production by Rachel Beaujean (Head of Artistic Staff at the Dutch National Ballet) and Ricardo Bustamante (choreographer), with sets and costumes by Dutch designer Toer van Schayk. ‘The choreography and the composition of the dances are phenomenal. Giselle has no sell-by date. It is timeless, just like Rembrandt's Night Watch’, says Rachel Beaujean.

Alongside deception, revenge and forgiveness, pure love plays the main role in this production. Count Albrecht, the male protagonist, is sincere in his feelings for Giselle and overwhelmed by her love and beauty.

When Giselle dies of a broken heart after discovering that he is already engaged, Albrecht is left behind distraught with grief. Love vanquishes death.

Review

"Giselle is a ballet of immortal beauty, combining a spellbinding story with magical ballet technique."

- Het Financieele Dagblad

"This new Giselle will last the Dutch National Ballet for many years to come."

- De Telegraaf