Nederlands Dans Theater II

Nederlands Dans Theater II
Name	Nederlands Dans Theater II
Founded	1978
Country	Netherlands
Company type	Contemporary dance ensemble
Artistic director	(see Notable Dancers and Choreographers)
Venue	Het Muziekgebouw, The Hague (historic home: The Hague; rehearsals: The Hague)

Nederlands Dans Theater II Nederlands Dans Theater II is the junior company of a leading contemporary dance ensemble based in the Netherlands, established to provide a bridge between conservatory training and professional careers. The troupe has been associated with major European festivals and institutions, touring internationally and fostering collaborations with choreographers from across Europe, North America, and Asia. It functions as both an incubator for emerging performers and a laboratory for fresh choreographic work linked to institutions, presenters, and funders.

History

Founded in 1978 as a separate formation to complement the senior company, the ensemble emerged during an era of innovation in contemporary dance in the Netherlands alongside companies such as Scapino Ballet Rotterdam and collectives influenced by figures like Hans van Manen and Jiří Kylián. Early institutional support came from municipal and national arts councils, while international exposure increased through appearances at festivals such as the Avignon Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Over decades the ensemble adapted to shifts in cultural policy in the Netherlands and changing circuits of presenters including the Sadler's Wells Theatre network and major European theatres. Management and repertoire strategies have reflected exchanges with choreographic centers in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and partnerships with conservatories like the Codarts Rotterdam and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague.

Artistic Profile and Repertoire

The ensemble’s repertoire emphasizes contemporary choreographic voices tied to modernist and postmodernist lineages associated with Pina Bausch, William Forsythe, and Mats Ek, while also commissioning works from rising artists connected to institutions such as the Dutch National Opera and the Berlin Staatsballett. Programming balances re-stagings of canonical pieces by creators like Jiří Kylián and Hans van Manen with premieres by choreographers affiliated with Tanztheater Wuppertal and North American contemporary scenes linked to Martha Graham-influenced practices. The company frequently integrates collaborations with composers and sound designers from ensembles such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and electronic music producers connected to ADE-type clubs, and has staged site-specific projects in cultural landmarks including the Rijksmuseum and the Zuiderpark.

Notable Dancers and Choreographers

Alumni have progressed to principal roles with companies like the Dutch National Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, and creative platforms in New York City and Tokyo. Choreographers who have shaped repertoire include names associated with major awards and houses: those who studied under or worked with Jiří Kylián, Crystal Pite, Alonzo King, Akram Khan, Sharon Eyal, and Jirí Kylián-influenced collaborators. Notable dancers moved on to roles in companies such as Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Ballet National de Marseille, and independent projects supported by foundations like the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds and the Fonds Podiumkunsten.

Educational and Training Programs

The company maintains formal training links with conservatoires including the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Codarts Rotterdam, and feeder programs associated with municipal cultural education departments in The Hague and Rotterdam. Its trainee scheme offers mentorship resembling apprenticeships found at institutions like the Juilliard School and the Vaganova Academy exchange initiatives, and collaborates with research labs in movement science at universities such as Leiden University and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Workshops and masterclasses are held with guest artists from institutions like Pina Bausch Tanztheater, English National Ballet, and choreographic platforms connected to the European Cultural Foundation.

Tours, Residencies, and Collaborations

Touring circuits have included seasons at venues like Lincoln Center, Théâtre du Châtelet, and touring festivals such as the Biennale di Venezia satellite programs. Residencies have been completed at creative hubs including ImPulsTanz in Vienna, the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York, and exchange residencies with the Singapore Arts Festival and the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company. Collaborative projects partner with orchestras such as the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, design studios that worked on productions for Björk and David Bowie-adjacent designers, and filmmakers who have screened work at festivals like Sundance Film Festival and Rotterdam Film Festival.

Awards and Recognition

The ensemble and its alumni have been recognized by awards and grants from entities including the Dutch Performing Arts Fund and prizes acknowledging choreography and performance presented at festivals like the BITEF and prizes linked to the Prix Benois de la Danse circuit. Company commissions and productions have been cited in coverage by outlets such as The Guardian, Le Monde, and De Volkskrant, and artists affiliated with the troupe have received fellowships from foundations including the Gieskes-Strijbis Fonds and honors in national cultural orders in countries where alumni advanced their careers.

Category:Contemporary dance companies Category:Dance in the Netherlands