Principal dancers of Dutch National Ballet highly rated by international dance critics ‘tanz’ magazine

25 August 2025

Principal dancers Olga Smirnova, Giorgi Potskhishvili and Jacopo Tissi of Dutch National Ballet have been mentioned by the renowned German dance magazine ‘tanz’ as ‘Dancer of the Year’ for the international 2024–2025 dance season. Both Olga Smirnova and Giorgi Potskhishvili even received a double mention from the international panel of critics.

Dutch National Ballet itself is also included in the annual overview: according to ‘tanz’, the company ranks among the five most outstanding dance companies of the past season.

For the annual overview, ‘tanz’ invites thirty-six international dance critics to present their personal selections in categories such as best dancer, choreographer, production and newcomer of the 2024–2025 season.

A male ballet dancer in red and white costume kneels dramatically with his arms raised, while fellow dancers in historical costumes watch in the background.
Giorgi Potskhishvili in Don Quichot (2024) | Photo: Altin Kaftira
Two ballet dancers in light blue costumes perform a graceful duet, with the female dancer in an arabesque supported by the male dancer.
Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi in Other Dances (2025) | Photo: Altin Kaftira

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