The Dutch National Ballet (Dutch: Het Nationale Ballet) is the official and largest ballet company in the Netherlands.
History
The Dutch National Ballet was formed in 1961 when the Amsterdam Ballet and the Nederlands Ballet merged. The company has been directed by Sonia Gaskell (1961–1969), Rudi van Dantzig (1969–1991), Wayne Eagling (1991–2003) and is currently directed by Ted Brandsen. It attracts many international artists.
The company has been based at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet (formerly known as Het Muziektheater) in Amsterdam since 1986. It is a regular guest at major festivals across Europe, such as the Edinburgh Festival. The company is committed to new choreography and performs work from current and past resident choreographers: Rudi van Dantzig, Toer van Schayk, Hans van Manen, Maguy Marin and Édouard Lock.
On 13 September 2011, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala performance in the presence of Queen Beatrix.
Dancers
The Dutch National Ballet employs approximately 90 dancers. Below is a list of principals, soloists, grand sujets, and coryphées.