27th Dutch Ballet Gala on 24 November 2025
On Monday 24 November 2025, the 27th edition of the Dutch Ballet Gala of Stichting Dansersfonds ’79 will take place at the DeLaMar Theater in Amsterdam. The foundation was established in 1979 by Alexandra Radius and Han Ebbelaar. During the evening, the annual Dansersfonds Prizes will be presented; among this year’s recipients are Nicolas Rapaic and Sven de Wilde.
During this festive gala evening, the top of the Dutch dance world joins on one stage. Dutch National Ballet performs Dystopian Lenses by Luca Abdel-Nour and Tweezaam by Wubkje Kuindersma. The Junior Company presents Sonder by Zoë Greten and dances the second movement of Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto together with the Dutch National Ballet Academy. In addition, Nederlands Dans Theater performs Woke Up Blind by Marco Goecke, Introdans presents excerpts from Jeroen Verbruggen’s The Nutcracker and David Parsons’ Caught, and Scapino Ballet Rotterdam performs a duet from Nanine Linning’s Anima Obscura. Conny Janssen Danst also contributes to the programme with the duet from Oktober. This year’s Gala is dedicated to Roel Voorintholt, artistic director of Introdans, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to Dutch dance.
Dansersfonds Prizes 2025
Nicolas Rapaic, former soloist with Dutch National Ballet and still regularly seen in character roles with the company, receives a Special Prize for his remarkable interpretation of the title role in Dutch National Ballet’s production of Don Quixote. The jury explains: “With his portrayal of the wandering knight Don Quixote in Ratmansky’s production of the same name, Nicolas Rapaic has surpassed himself. Instead of presenting a caricature, he infuses the role with poetry and romance. Always tasteful and exquisitely subtle – never distracting from the dance, but enriching the whole.”
One of the Incentive Awards goes to Sven de Wilde, corps de ballet dancer with Dutch National Ballet. The jury praises his elegant style, refined technique and sincere approach to every role: “During his time with the Junior Company of Dutch National Ballet, which Sven joined in 2021, his eagerness to learn and quick understanding immediately stood out. His breakthrough came in early 2023 with the pas de quatre from The Sleeping Beauty. He is now dancing with Dutch National Ballet, where he has continued to develop his versatility and stage presence.”
In addition to Nicolas Rapaic and Sven de Wilde, Demi Verheezen and Mark van Drunick – both affiliated with Introdans – were also honoured, receiving a Special Prize and an Incentive Award respectively.
About Stichting Dansersfonds ’79
Stichting Dansersfonds ’79 was founded by Alexandra Radius and Han Ebbelaar to support and promote Dutch dance talent. The foundation awards grants to young dancers, presents annual Encouragement Prizes, and honours exceptional achievements with Special Prizes and Prizes of Merit. The annual Dutch Ballet Gala is an important means of raising funds for these activities.
