Dutch National Ballet

Gala

Various choreographers

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Dates

2 July 2026

Location

Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Main Stage

Running time

TBA

Tickets

From € 105

Visual: some programme books of ballet programmes under the artistic direction of Ted Brandsen

A sparkling dance party in honour of director Ted Brandsen

Dutch National Ballet’s Gala is undoubtedly one of the most popular and festive evening of the dance season. This year, the Gala will be even more lavish than ever, as we’re saying farewell to artistic director Ted Brandsen after more than twenty years, in an exclusive, one-off programme. Experience this unique evening and be surprised by a programme dedicated entirely to his remarkable career and contribution to Dutch National Ballet.

A Gala with international allure

Since the first large-scale Gala edition in 2011, the event has grown into a major highlight of the season. Not only ballet lovers but also prominent figures from the worlds of film, television and theatre make their appearance on the red carpet. This year, the Gala takes on a special significance, celebrating Ted Brandsen’s achievements and artistic vision. Since his appointment in 2003, he has led the company with dedication and ambition, guiding it to the world’s top—a success that will be fittingly honoured on this festive evening.

More than 250 dancers on stage

As always, the entire company will take part in the Gala, with a focus on the stars of the ensemble. The evening will open with the traditional Grand Défilé, in which more than 250 dancers—from the Junior Company and Dutch National Ballet to the students of the Dutch National Ballet Academy—make their entrance together. After the performance, the celebration continues in the foyers of Dutch National Opera & Ballet, where you can meet the dancers and choreographers—and even hit the dance floor yourself to the DJ’s music.

Ticket sales start

Ticket sales for the Gala start on 28 August 2025 at 12 noon. Don’t want to miss this on-sale moment? Sign up for our ticket alert and receive a notification when ticket sales open.

Performance information

Surprise programme with afterparty

Dress code: black tie

Musical accompaniment Dutch Ballet Orchestra conducted by Ermanno Florio

Order tickets

Ticket sales for the Gala start on 28 August 2025 at 12 noon. Don’t want to miss this on-sale moment? Sign up for our ticket alert and receive a notification when ticket sales open.

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Photo: Hans van den Bogaard

Dutch Ballet Orchestra

Dutch Ballet Orchestra is the leading orchestra for dance in the Netherlands. In every performance, the orchestra searches for inspiring synergy between music and dance, in order to give the audience a magical experience. From classical ballet to modern masterpieces, and from music education to talent development, Dutch Ballet Orchestra inspires the movement in dance.

Dutch Ballet Orchestra

From 1 August 2024, the Flemish conductor Koen Kessels (1961) is the new music director of Dutch National Ballet, and artistic director and principal conductor of Dutch Ballet Orchestra. He took over the baton from Matthew Rowe, who has fulfilled this special dual position since 2013 and who will be returning as principal guest conductor.

Since its inception in 1965, the orchestra has been the proud musical partner of Dutch National Ballet and Nederlands Dans Theater. One important mission of Dutch Ballet Orchestra is investing in the youngest generation of dancers and musicians.

In 2023, for instance, the orchestra issued an open call for young composers, in collaboration with Dutch National Ballet, resulting in a new work that was presented in the Junior Company’s touring programme, Ten. The orchestra has also been working for some years already with the Dutch National Ballet Academy. For example, the orchestra members provide the music for the end-of-year performances Dancers of Tomorrow.

Dutch Ballet Orchestra has also collaborated regularly on innovative – and award-winning – family and school productions. Creatures, in partnership with ISH Dance Collective, won the international Young Audiences Music Award and the production Hansel and Gretel, received various Musical Awards.

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