A2 Dance

 Fifty year ago, Netherlands Dance Theatre created a middle path between classical ballet and modern dance, creating a ‘ modern ballet ’ style and approach that spread across Europe.

What Came Before?  Sonia Gaskell introduced Ballet to the Netherlands, her company which became Het Nationale Ballet follows the same traditions as classical Ballet Companies e.g.  Soloists, Principals, First Soloists etc  Hans Van Manen, Benjamin Harkarvy were two dancers from her company, to leave and create Netherland Dance Theatre

Het National Ballet  Trained in Ballet with some modern influence  Performs the classics of old (Ballets Russes)  The company follow traditional Ballet hierarchy Netherlands Dance Theatre  Trained in Graham and Ballet  Performs brand new works  No hierarchy in company  Everyone is encouraged to choreograph

Pioneers of Europe  Ballet and American modern dance combined to create a hybrid style.  Glen Tetley invited over to re-stage Pierrot Lunaire  Hans Van Manen and Harkarvy become artistic directors (1959 – 1970)  Jiri Kylian becomes artistic director (1975 – 1999)

NDT 1  30 Dancers founded in 1959  All have soloist ability  Works are created by world renowned choreographers (Tetley)  The adult company

NDT 2  16 Dancers (17 – 22yo) founded in 1978  All have strong classical training  Feeder company to NDT 1  Dancers get to mature during this stage  Now as recognised as NDT 1 for their talent

NDT 3  An initiative set up by Kylian in 1991  For dancers over the age of 40  First of it’s kind in the world  Funding meant that it was disbanded in 2006, but the aim is to continue with it in future