NDT

Op deze pagina vind je meer informatie over Nederlands Dans Theater als organisatie inclusief onze artistieke waarden, onze geschiedenis, gezelschappen, de mensen die er werken, vacatures, audities, onze maatschappelijke betrokkenheid en wie ons steunen. (note: intro in NL, rest in EN als voorbeeld - dit wordt uiteindelijk wel een NL pagina - suggestie: hier ankers in toevoegen zodat je snel op de goede plek bent)

Our story

Who we are

Founded in 1959 and based in The Hague, Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) is one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies. Research, creation, innovation, and talent development lie at the heart of everything we do.

As a house of creation, we bring together a wide range of dance artists and use dance as a language to connect and inspire people. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience how dance can move us, bring joy, and help us explore and better understand the world around us.

NDT is led by Artistic Director Emily Molnar and Managing Director Marc Pil. Through our two companies, NDT 1 and NDT 2, we continue to push artistic boundaries by working with both emerging and internationally renowned choreographers and artists. While honouring our rich history, we also help shape the future of contemporary dance and connect with audiences in the Netherlands and around the world. Every year, around 175,000 people experience NDT through live and online performances, education programmes that reach 31,000 children and young people, and digital platforms that connect us with audiences far beyond the theatre.

Learn more about our mission and vision

Since its founding in 1959, the company has built a rich repertoire, consisting of more than 620 works by esteemed choreographers as Jiří Kylián, Hans van Manen, Crystal Pite, Marco Goecke, Johan Inger, Ohad Naharin, Alexander Ekman, Gabriela Carrizo, Sol León & Paul Lightfoot, Hofesh Shechter, Christos Papadopoulos, Jan Martens, Edward Clug, Sharon Eyal & Gai Behar, and many others.

Since 2020, NDT has been led by Artistic Director Emily Molnar, who has brought a renewed creative energy to the company. Under her direction, over 30 new artistic voices have become part of NDT, leading to innovative works and meaningful collaborations. These include Figures in Extinction with associate choreographer Crystal Pite and Simon McBurney/Complicité, as well as the renewed version of Into the Hairy with S-E-D. In season 2025–2026, Molnar further expanded NDT’s group of associate choreographers. Alongside Marco Goecke and Crystal Pite, Marcos Morau, Jermaine Spivey, and Imre van Opstal & Marne van Opstal also joined the company.
Molnar also introduced the Dancer Pathway and Maker Pathway, which provide opportunities for dancers and emerging, mid-career, and established makers to expand their practice and contribute to the arts sector. Supporting talent development, research, training, and creation at every career stage.

Learn more about our makers

Our companies

NDT consists of two companies: NDT 1 and NDT 2. While both share the same artistic vision, each company has its own energy and distinct artistic voice.

NDT 1 is made up of extraordinary dancers aged 24 and over who are at the height of their professional careers. The world-famous company collaborates with internationally renowned choreographers and artists, often presenting larger-scale productions and ambitious performances. On stage, you experience not only exceptional dancers, but also how choreographic ideas evolve, deepen, and reach their fullest expression. As a house of creation, NDT 1 develops three diverse programmes each season, featuring more than ten works, including world premieres and revivals, before touring extensively throughout Europe, Asia, the United States, South America, and/or Australia.

NDT 2 was founded in 1978 by Jiří Kylián as a springboard for young talent and, over the years, has evolved into a professional company in its own right. NDT 2 focuses on exceptionally talented dancers aged 19 to 23 who are at the beginning of their professional careers. The company creates space for experimentation, artistic development, and both emerging and established choreographic voices. Watching NDT 2 perform means experiencing the energy of dancers who are growing, discovering, and challenging themselves. Each season, NDT 2 develops and presents two programmes featuring more than six works, including world premieres and revived repertoire, and tours throughout the Netherlands and internationally.

From The Hague, NDT works to help shape the future of contemporary dance, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

Learn more about our dancers

Talent development and education

As a leading dance company, we see it as our responsibility to share the power and joy of dance with the people and communities around us. We're also driven to support the future of dance and contribute to the continued development of the art form. Our Talent Development & Education department leads the education, participation, and talent development programmes that support this mission.

Our education programmes mainly focus on primary schools, for example through projects such as Dancer in the Classroom and dance apps. For secondary schools, we offer tailored educational programmes developed in close collaboration with teachers and schools. We also organise workshops and projects for children and youngsters living in asylum seeker centres, creating space for connection, creativity, and confidence.

Our talent development programmes support dancers and makers at both amateur and (pre-)professional level. These include projects such as the Young Talent Project (YTP), the NDT Summer Intensive, and the Maker Pathway.

Learn more about our activities