Classical dance - ballet

In good company

Amsterdam is home to the Dutch National Ballet, the largest dance company in the Netherlands with nearly 80 dancers. Despite its name, the Dutch National Ballet is an international company with dancers who have performed with other prestigious companies such as the Mariinksy ballet in St. Petersburg, The Royal Ballet in London, the English National Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet and the New York City Ballet. The Dutch National Ballet gives more than 70 performances in Amsterdam alone each year, and is also a regular guest of important venues and festivals around the world.

Ex-dancer Ted Brandsen, has directed the Dutch National Ballet since the start of the 2003-2004 season. Ted also worked as an international freelance choreographer and as the artistic director of the West Australian Ballet, before returning to the Dutch National Ballet in 2001.

Moving Music

Of course, ballet is not only mesmerizing for the dancers - the music should be moving too. And the Holland Symfonia who accompanies the Dutch National Ballet does not disappoint. The orchestra is made up of  members of the Netherlands Ballet Orchestra and the North Holland Philharmonic Orchestra. They also accompany other dance companies in the Netherlands and hold independent concerts, where they are known for provocative programes.

Repertoire and Choreography

The Dutch National Ballet performs two or three ‘classics’ a year, ranging from successful existing productions (La Sylphide, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty), to new productions especially created for the company (Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Nutcracker and Mouse King).
The national ballet has also made an important contribution to the emergence and development of young Dutch choreographic talent. Resident choreographers have included Rudi van Dantzig, Hans van Manen and Toer van Schayk. Their work is internationally acclaimed and performed by companies all over the world. Choreographers from abroad are also regularly invited to make new works exclusively for the Dutch National Ballet.

In Fine Form

It’s not only the dancers who are graceful, the performances venues will prickle your aesthetic senses too. Here are a few of the favoured venues

Het Muziektheater
Muziektheater is home to the Dutch National Ballet, and the dancers train, practice and perform here. With a seating capacity of 1600, Amsterdam’s Muziektheater is one of the largest theatres in Europe. Its magnificent site on the River Amstel and excellent public facilities make it the perfect venue for a memorable evening out. The theatre boasts comfortable roomy seats, excellent sight-lines and spacious foyers with a variety of bars.
If you’d like to know what goes on behind that huge red curtain, why not join a guided tour held every Saturday at 12.00. To book call +31 20 551 80 54.

Carré
The Royal Theatre Carré is Amsterdam’s best-known theatre and its romantic location on the Amstel is certainly fit for a queen – or anyone who wants to feel like one. 

The Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam
Located on the popular Leidseplein, Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam is a unique building with an interesting history. Numerous lively restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood are perfect for before or after performance refreshments.

RAI Theatre
TheAmsterdam RAI Theatre is an attractive – if large - location, where 1,750 people can enjoy major shows such as pop and classical concerts, art and theatre performances.

Tickets please

For a full programme of events, and for tickets, visit the Amsterdam Uitburo Ticketshop. If you´d like to try your luck on the actual day of the performance, the Last Minute Ticketshop sells any unsold tickets for same-day performances at half the regular price.

More information

On the Amsterdam What's On part of this website, you’ll find more information about theatres and concert halls, as well as a full agenda for Amsterdam and other cities in the Netherlands.