June 30, 2025

Family production The Nutcracker most visited show of the season

On Saturday, June 28, the final Introdans performance of the season took place: End of Season 2025, attended by our patron Princess Margriet. Introdans looks back with pride on a highly successful 2024–2025 theatre season, with both artistic and audience acclaim, nationally and internationally.

For over fifty years, Introdans has preserved dance heritage, nurtured new talent, and developed inclusive dance projects — always with a strong focus on quality. This season was no exception, offering a rich and varied programme that touched and inspired over 75,000 visitors of all ages. Audience favourite was the family production The Nutcracker, which sold out theatres across the country with an average occupancy rate of 99% and was also performed for schools.

Beyond the stage, Introdans performed at festivals and events such as Zwarte Cross, Bridge to Liberation, Paaspop, What You See Festival, Piano Biënnale, and Nederlandse Dansdagen.

The company also organised around 300 educational activities — workshops, behind-the-scenes events, and dance weeks — reaching thousands of participants: school pupils, vulnerable and mobile elderly, people distanced from the labour market, local residents, and individuals with psychological conditions.

“Together with partners in education and social work, we use the power of dance to reach these groups. Dance becomes much more than just physical movement. It brings social connection, boosts self-confidence, and gives people the courage to express themselves. The impact of our interaction projects is immense, and we look forward to continuing them next season,” says managing director Marieke van ‘t Hoff.

Internationally, a highlight was the premiere of the inclusive choreography UNUM in Japan at World Expo 2025, attended by the King.

The season opened in September 2024 with the programme HEROES, the first time Introdans embedded its inclusive working method into a large-scale touring production. Four unique choreographies — each a tribute to different kinds of heroism. In Iungo by Adriaan Luteijn, two guest dancers shared the stage with company dancers, their physical realities giving rise to an entirely new movement language. Press and audiences responded with great enthusiasm.

This season’s absolute highlight was The Nutcracker — the biggest production Introdans has ever created. Jeroen Verbruggen’s contemporary take on the classic ballet became a hit, receiving major media attention and praise across the board.

In spring 2025, the spotlight shifted to minimalist dance with the large-stage production ICOON by Lucinda Childs, and the small-to-mid scale production TYPHOON, a co-production with the recently deceased choreographer Krisztina de Châtel. Minimalist dance with maximum impact.

The season closed with six End of Season performances in our home region, including a special farewell for dancer Vérine Bouwman, who ended her 20-year career with Introdans and received a Royal Honour from the mayor of Wijchen, her hometown.

“We’re overwhelmed by the heartwarming response from our audiences. The Nutcracker was certainly a highlight in terms of attendance and reviews, but all of our productions and projects have played an equally important role in reaching and empowering people,” says Roel Voorintholt, artistic director.

“We look forward to the new season with great anticipation. Once again, we’re presenting unique performances and fresh dance experiences, starting with Less is More — a low-stimulus programme I curated to offer calm and reflection in today’s hectic world.”