Dutch National Ballet - NextSteps

Daring fusion

NextSteps features dynamic new dance pieces in which the classically trained dancers of Junior Company and the energetic performers of ISH Dance Collective create a bold fusion of hip hop and ballet. Previously, they achieved this with successful productions like Dorian and GRIMM, under the direction of Ernst Meisner (artistic director Junior Company) and Marco Gerris (artistic director ISH). Now, the performers themselves take centre stage as choreographers. The floor is theirs: what emerges when they are given complete creative freedom?

Dancers from each ensemble step forward to take on the role of choreographer, working with (and blending) both disciplines. Additionally, Ernst Meisner, Marco Gerris and NextSteps 2025 choreographer Liam McCall will select a promising creator from an Open Call, who will collaborate with Junior Company and ISH for the first time during NextSteps. In other words: one brief, multiple outcomes – all of which these talented young creators are eager to share with you.

A winning formula

The success of the hybrid dance style explored by NextSteps artists has already been proven through popular ballet-meets-hip-hop productions such as Narnia, GRIMM, and Dorian. The first generations of NextSteps choreographies also received an enthusiastic reception. For instance, Burden, created by ISH performer Lars de Vos, and Pparrallell by Liam McCall were later performed at the Dutch Dance Festival Gala. Burden was also presented at the International Draft Works Festival of The Royal Ballet in London.