Haagse Directe
From the boxing club to the dance floor. This summer, we meet clubs across The Hague that, each in their own way, show what makes this city so special.
At Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), we believe that movement can be found everywhere. On stage, but also in sports halls, community centres, clubhouses and in the places where people come together every week. That is why, this summer, we are visiting clubs across The Hague. We listen to their stories, learn about their traditions and celebrate the city we call home together.
Boxing training for everyone
For more than 25 years, Haagse Directe has been a household name in The Hague. At the boxing gym on Newtonstraat, recreational boxers and competitive fighters train side by side. Beginners work alongside experienced athletes, and people of all ages and backgrounds share the same space. Not to beat one another, but to grow stronger together.
At Haagse Directe, boxing is about more than just technique. Respect, discipline and perseverance are just as important. Everyone starts somewhere, and everyone helps each other move forward. It is precisely this spirit that makes the club so characteristic of The Hague.
At NDT, discipline and dedication also play a vital role. Just as boxers work on their technique in every training session, our dancers strive each day to find the perfect balance between strength, control and expression. At first glance, boxing and dance may seem like opposites, but both demand complete focus, trust in one another and the courage to keep challenging yourself time and time again.
© Ennya Larmit
Three questions for Haagse Directe
What makes Haagse Directe truly representative of The Hague?
"Everyone trains together here. From beginners to competitive boxers, and from students to business owners. Age, background and profession do not matter. Everyone is welcome."
What surprises people most when they first walk through the door?
"How open and friendly the atmosphere is. Many people expect a tough boxing gym, but instead discover a place where mutual respect is at the heart of everything we do."
Discover Haagse Directe
Would you like to experience what it is like to train at Haagse Directe? Everyone is welcome to join a session and experience the club's atmosphere for https://www.haagsedirecte.nl/
Did you know...
Haagse Directe was founded in 2000 by a group of boxers who wanted to continue building their own club together. Since then, the association has grown into one of the largest boxing clubs in the region.
Since 2006, the former library on Newtonstraat has been the club’s home. There, recreational and competitive boxers train side by side every week.
Everyone can take part. Beginners receive extra guidance, and children can also be introduced to the sport.
