Nederlandse Dansdagen 2026: A breath of fresh air, a new direction, and dancing throughout the Netherlands
De Nederlandse Dansdagen (ND) marks a new chapter. With a new duo at the helm, the festival is opting for a sharper profile and a broader national presence. In 2026, ND will expand with regional editions in Tilburg, Enschede, and Zwolle. At the same time, the festival is strengthening its role as a platform and guiding compass for the dance field. Here, it not only presents, but also explores, questions, and builds the future of dance.
A new chapter with Claudia en Lobke
2026 marks a special moment for the Dutch Dance Festival (hereinafter ND). For the first time, the festival will be entirely led by Claudia Laenen and Lobke Nabuurs. They took over from Ronald Wintjens last year and have since been building an organization that is ready for the future.
The vision is clear: ND wants to be not just a stage, but also a platform and a substantive compass for the dance sector in the Netherlands. "We are making targeted choices to further deepen our role within society and the dance sector," say the new co-directors. At a time when the world and the cultural landscape are rapidly changing, they consciously choose to view ND not just as a program, but as a vital moment for exchange and meaning. The festival is a place where creators, audiences, and professionals meet and where diverse perspectives become visible, audible, and tangible. This means more attention to polyphony, a broader programming team, and a festival that is accessible to everyone: physically, mentally, and in communication.
Dance as a social force
The Dutch Dance Festival remains an open and inviting public festival, celebrating the richness of Dutch dance and prioritizing encounters and experiences.
"At the same time, we are opting for greater focus and deeper content. We are strengthening our role as a stage and platform where diverse voices converge and where the future of dance is actively shaped," say Claudia and Lobke.
In 2026, the focus line Dance and Cultural Identity will be central, including the ChangeMakers Indonesia project. This focus offers space for creators who use dance to bring different cultural perspectives into the dance landscape and society.
Into the country: Tilburg, Enschede and Zwolle
One of the most striking innovations is the festival's national reach. After a successful first regional edition in Enschede last year, the Dutch Dance Festival will expand further in 2026. With satellite editions in collaboration with the Wilminktheater (Enschede), Zwolle Theaters (Zwolle), and Tilburg Dansstad (Tilburg), ND will strengthen the local dance scene and bring Dutch dance to an even wider audience.
This year, the Dutch Dance Festival will take place from October 2nd to 8th, 2026.
Regio-edities:
Dansdagen Tilburg: 9 t/m 11 oktober 2026
Dansdagen Enschede: 16 t/m 18 oktober 2026
Dansdagen Zwolle: 23 t/m 25 oktober 2026