Dutch National Ballet hosts first Positioning Ballet Forum for Future Artistic Directors
From 7 to 9 November, Dutch National Ballet hosted the first Positioning Ballet Forum for Future Artistic Directors. During this international conference, 35 aspiring artistic leaders came together to reflect on leadership in ballet today. The Forum took place at Dutch National Opera & Ballet.
The Forum – the largest of its kind – was an initiative of the directors of the Positioning Ballet Foundation, Ted Brandsen (also Artistic Director of Dutch National Ballet) and Assis Carreiro, former Artistic Director of Royal Ballet Flanders and director of international arts and cultural projects. The event offered the artistic leaders of the future the opportunity to delve deeper in the role of Artistic Director, through discussions on the realities of this role and the multitude of challenges and responsibilities that come with it. The discussions were produced and facilitated by Ted Brandsen and Assis Carreiro.
Select group
The 35 participants, representing 14 different countries, were selected from 75 applications received from around the world. This strong interest reflects the growing demand for leadership training, support and development within the international ballet and dance community.
Guest speakers
In addition to the participants, the Forum welcomed a diverse panel of guest speakers, including high-profile performance psychologist Dr. Tom, who works with the English FA and Rugby Union, and the British Olympic team, and systematic organizational consultant and leadership coach Christina Barandun. Furthermore, Peggy Olislaegers, Dutch National Ballet’s Associate on Research and Development moderated a conversation with Emily Molnar, Artistic Director of Nederlands Dans Theater, and Samuel Wuersten, Artistic and Executive Director of Holland Dance Festival and internationally renowned dance educator.
Positioning Ballet
Positioning Ballet was launched in 2017 by Ted Brandsen as a follow-up to the Rural Retreats think tanks initiated by Assis Carreiro in 2003. The aim was to create a platform for exchange for Artistic Directors of ballet and dance companies worldwide, providing a private space to share issues, challenges, successes and concerns – both with their peers and with external experts from the worlds of business, sport and the broader arts and cultural sectors.
In 2024, the Positioning Ballet Foundation was formally established, creating a network that supports artistic leadership for Artistic Directors of ballet and dance institutions around the world.
Next edition
The next Positioning Ballet conference – for leaders of ballet companies, ballet schools and junior companies – will take place in Helsinki from 5 to 7 June 2026 , in collaboration with the Finnish National Ballet and the Helsinki International Ballet Competition Association.
