David Dawson Associate Artist Dutch National Ballet “My work with Dutch National Ballet has been the most important of my career. For thirty years, I’ve been privileged and proud to be part of this very special company, first as a dancer, then as a choreographer. This is the company that has shaped and supported me, and it’s where I discovered myself and learnt how to dream. It’s my home and my family. It’s been a journey of dance, with a company where I created many of my most important ballets, where treasured friendships were formed and where magical moments were shared. Ted Brandsen gave me the opportunity to become the artist I am today. His personal belief in my work and his dedication to my development has been essential to my creative life and I’ll be forever grateful for his never-ending encouragement and love.” Alexei Ratmansky Artist in Residence New York City Ballet and Associate Artist Dutch National Ballet “I first worked with Dutch National Ballet in 2008, at the invitation of Ted Brandsen, and since then I’ve watched in admiration as he’s confidently realised his vision for the company. Ted has carefully built up a repertoire that has established Dutch National Ballet as one of the world centres of neoclassical ballet. Today, thanks to Ted’s inspiring leadership, the company is open to experiment, while preserving its own identity: intellectual, elegant and modern. This identity is also very human, partly due to Hans van Manen’s focus on the dancers’ inner world. And it’s great that the dancers, led by Ted, share my belief in the power of classical dance. The eight ballets I’ve staged over sixteen years of working together have allowed me to establish a special professional and personal bond with the artists and staff. So I’m happy to become part of Dutch National Ballet in my new position as Associate Artist.” Krzysztof Pastor Artistic Director Polish National Ballet “The Netherlands, Amsterdam and Dutch National Ballet hold a very special place in my heart and memories. They’re filled with my experiences as a dancer and later as a choreographer, and with significant encounters – amongst others with Ted Brandsen, who took his first steps as a choreographer at the same time as me. In 2016, I made one of the most challenging decisions of my professional life and ended my collaboration with Dutch National Ballet as a choreographer. As one of the most creative ballet companies in the world, it continually fosters emerging choreographic talent, and these choreographers need space to fulfil their artistic potential. So I decided to make way for them. I’m delighted to be working once again with this wonderful company, which has reached unprecedented artistic excellence under Ted’s directorship. I can’t wait to be reunited with the friends and colleagues who’ve always been so important to me. Time has come full circle.” Dance as a lasting bond Choreographers David Dawson (1972), Krzysztof Pastor (1956) and Alexei Ratmansky (1968) reflect on their special connection with Dutch National Ballet and with artistic director Ted Brandsen. Three of their works come together in the programme Masters of Movement. Three choreographers, one shared history Text: Rosalie Overing and Lune Visser 100 Ballet
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