Nederlandse Dansdagen

Nederlandse Dansdagen is the national festival dedicated to the breadth and diversity of dance in the Netherlands. Each year, the festival brings together artists, audiences and professionals to reflect on the current state of dance, celebrate artistic achievements and collectively explore future directions for the field. Rooted in Maastricht and connected to regional and international networks, the festival functions as both a public celebration and an influential platform for dialogue, exchange and development within the dance sector. The programme is structured around interconnected festival lines that highlight the diversity of practices within dance while creating space for reflection, participation and encounter.The central thematic focus in 2026 is Dance and Cultural Identity, exploring how movement expresses personal and collective histories, cultural heritage and contemporary social realities. Through performances, talks, exhibitions and the long-term project changeMakers Indonesia, the festival presents artists who reflect on identity through embodied knowledge and artistic practice. The theme responds to current societal questions around belonging, representation and cultural dialogue, positioning dance as a powerful medium for nuance and connection.The programme line Here & Now presents the current landscape of Dutch dance through premieres, award-winning works, emerging voices and established companies. The annual Dutch Dance Awards remain a central moment of recognition and visibility, celebrating artistic excellence and innovation. Alongside this, the festival highlights new talent, mid-career artists and the full chain of dance development, from education to professional practice.With ND PRO, the festival offers an extensive professionals programme that brings together artists, programmers, researchers and policymakers for exchange, knowledge-sharing and debate. The programme addresses urgent sector topics such as sustainability of artistic careers, internationalisation and the evolving role of dance within society.Participation and accessibility are key values of the festival. Through the programme line Danskracht, audiences are invited to actively engage with dance through workshops, community projects and participatory formats connecting dance to wellbeing, education and social cohesion. The festival extends beyond theatre spaces into public and social contexts, emphasising dance as a shared experience.Heritage is approached as a living archive, connecting historical works and artistic legacies with contemporary practices. In 2026, special attention is given to the influence of choreographer Hans van Manen, highlighting how dance history continues to shape current artistic developments.In addition to the main festival in Maastricht, regional editions in several Dutch cities expand the festival’s reach and strengthen local dance ecosystems, while national media partnerships increase visibility for dance across the country.By combining artistic presentation, professional exchange, participation and reflection, the Nederlandse Dansdagen positions dance as both an artistic and social force — creating space for encounter, dialogue and collective imagination about the future of dance.