Long standing careers in the dance world have ended and begun in the city of Amsterdam. Known for the cafes, restaurants, and the five star Amsterdam hotels, but not for traditional ballet, this city in the Netherlands has quite a history. In 1931, while performing in the Hague, a legend from Russia died from pneumonia. Weeks prior to Anna Pavlova celebrating her fiftieth birthday she took ill, the last dance she danced was ‘The Dying Swan’. However since then Amsterdam has become a leading force in the choreography and performance of traditional ballet. Since World War Two, dancers from all over the world have traveled here in search of the young and vibrant choreographic experience. With such talents as Toer van Schayk and Rudi van Dantzig it’s no wonder. From the last breath of the dying swan, to becoming one of the dance capitals of the world, the ballet of the Dutch is growing and becoming very well respected.
Three companies stand out for their spectacular performances and adherence to the tradition. The Dutch National Ballet, Scapino Ballet, and Dutch Dance Theater are three such companies. Companies that provided the beginnings, of the famous choreographers listed before, of some of the most respected works in the field. The DNB was created by Sonia Gaskell in 1961. The company was the result of the fusion of two different companies, and since there was really not much tradition, they had the opportunity to create different works as well as reinvent what had already been done. There was no Russian dance teacher smacking them with her cane, they were free to do as they wanted and as they felt. This company is funded by the government which provides them the opportunity to offer performances to the public for much less than it would cost to see a show of similar caliber.
Much more of an experimental and modern dance company, is the Dutch Dance Theater. The choreography of this company has deviated from traditional forms and is moving towards a more artistically creative vein. This is a company steeped in the past of its members, who have now moved on to become some of the most innovative and celebrated choreographers in this time of dance. The Scapino Ballet is the oldest Dutch company. Hans Snoek started this company in 1945, performing at first, for children only. Creative choreography and a passion for entertaining has gained this company the reputation as being the one responsible for a renewed interest in ballet as well as a renewed public interest. This company now performs for adults as well, and many of the past members have gone on to start their own companies, thus continuing the tradition of growth and experimentation in the world of dance in Amsterdam.
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