Padel Chicks
From the Padel 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 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.
Padel Chicks
For the Padel Chicks, padel is much more than a sport. It is a reason to come together, catch up and challenge one another. Every week, they step onto the court with the same enthusiasm. Of course, they enjoy playing a great rally, but the social side afterwards is just as important.
De meeste Padel Chicks zijn geboren of opgegroeid in Den Haag. Een stad waar alles dichtbij is, met volop sportmogelijkheden en padelbanen midden in het groen. Juist dat maakt Den Haag voor hen de perfecte plek om samen te sporten.
What makes the group special is that play is always mixed up. Everyone rotates, giving each person the chance to share the court with different players. In this way, members get to know one another better and the club naturally grows into a close-knit community.
At Nederlands Dans Theater, everything revolves around collaboration. Dancers are constantly moving with and in response to one another. Just like padel, it requires trust, timing and enjoyment in what you create together.
© Ennya Larmit
Three Questions for the Padel Chicks
What makes the Padel Chicks a truly Hague club?
"Most of us live in The Hague and grew up here. We play sport together in our own city and each time we play with different people from the group. It really doesn't get more Hague than that."
What makes padel so enjoyable?
"You do not need years of experience to enjoy it. A bit of ball sense will take you a long way. If you want to improve, you can keep challenging yourself through lessons and matches."
What do you look forward to most each week?
"To see each other again. First, we enjoy a fiercely competitive match and then catch up afterwards. Although, of course, we also just want to win."
© Ennya Larmit
Did you know...?
Padel is always played in pairs. That means you are constantly meeting different people on the court.
Everyone is competitive. Long rallies and closely fought matches are what make the game so enjoyable.
The group chat is never quiet. Organising new matches, challenging one another or simply having a good catch-up. Even off the court, the group stays connected.
© Ennya Larmit
One More Question...
Nederlands Dans Theater brings people together through movement. How do you think padel does that?
"On the court, you move together and quickly meet other padel enthusiasts. You share the same hobby, and that creates an instant connection."
Who is the most competitive person in the group?
"All of us, really. Everyone enjoys a long rally and loves a good challenge."
And if the Padel Chicks were an NDT performance?
"'Rally of Souls' or perhaps even 'Padel de Deux'."
