August 4, 2025

We are thrilled to share some wonderful news: our dancer Jillis Roshanali has been nominated for the Young Swan 2025, the award for the most impressive youth dance performance of the year. He received this nomination for his role as Drosselmeijer in our hit production The Nutcracker (for everyone aged 6 to 106).

With his powerful performance, expressiveness, and technical mastery, Jillis not only captivated the audience but also left a strong impression on the jury. From the very moment he steps onto the stage, his flair is unmistakable. In his hands, Drosselmeijer transforms from a mysterious toymaker into a layered character: eccentric, humorous, distant, and touchingly human.

The jury wrote:

“The added quality that Jillis Roshanali brings to his strong technique has allowed him to rise above being simply part of an ensemble and establish himself as an impressive soloist in his role as Drosselmeijer. From the moment he appears, Roshanali shows remarkable expressiveness and flair in his solid technique and sets the story in motion. He turns Drosselmeijer into a multi-dimensional character: distant and eccentric, funny and also human. His charisma is palpable throughout the entire performance. In his role as Drosselmeijer, he brings the magic of theatre to life for young and old alike.”

The Young Swan is awarded each year during the Dutch Dance Festival Gala, which will take place on Friday 3 October 2025 in Maastricht.

We warmly congratulate Jillis on this special nomination and wish him the best of luck!

📸 Jillis Roshanali in The Nutcracker; Filibert Kraxner (choreography: Jeroen Verbruggen / Introdans)