Summer Intensive 2026

After an amazing Open Night last Saturday, the young dance talents have now spread out across the world once again. They leave full of confidence, inspired by new insights and, last but certainly not least, with new friendships! We wish them all the very best and hope to see some of them again in the NDT studios in the future.

On this page, you’ll find the latest update, with lots of images from the Summer Intensive and reflections from three scholarship recipients.

Made possible by you!

Thanks to your gift to the NDT Summer Intensive, you have helped young, promising dancers take part in a programme that, for many, is an important step in their careers.

For some of these talented young dancers, taking part was not a given. Not because they lacked talent, motivation or ambition, but simply because the costs were too high. Thanks to your contribution, you have helped young dancers take part in intensive training, develop their artistic skills and gain valuable experience. They met NDT dancers, choreographers and staff, connections that are essential for their future.

We are very grateful for your support. Your commitment makes a direct difference to the participants of the NDT Summer Intensive and helps to nurture a new generation of contemporary dance talent.

Join us for the Summer Intensive one more time!

Tableau de la Troupe Summer Intensive 2026

Scholarship recipients gratefully look back

Love Kotiya feels blessed!

"I feel so lucky and blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of this intensive. Thank you so much again for this beautiful experience! ❤️

It was challenging, inspiring, and truly unforgettable. All the teachers were amazing, and I learned so much from each of them. As a contemporary dancer, discovering different approaches to ballet class,doing classes alongside company dancers, and exploring improvisation techniques opened a whole new world for me.

"I truly believe this experience is preparing me for something great."

Experiencing and learning the beautiful repertoire I had been dreaming of was such a privilege. Working on the new creation with Micaela challenged me in so many ways and helped me discover new layers as a dancer and artist.

These two weeks went by so fast, but I’m leaving with so much to digest and take with me. I feel even more inspired to become a versatile dancer, and I truly believe this experience is preparing me for something great 🤍✨"

Jhonata Teixeira's dream comes true!

"Participating in the NDT Summer Intensive has meant the world to me. I am leaving with a heavy heart because of all the beautiful things and memories I am taking with me. Everyone has been so kind, and the teachers have been amazing and very attentive to us.

I am so grateful for everything I have learned. These two weeks have been very exciting and challenging. I have never learned so much in such a short amount of time. This experience pushed me to grow as a dancer and inspired me to continue working hard towards my dreams.

"I have never learned so much in such a short amount of time."

Celebrating my birthday here also made me feel very special. The NDT team was so kind, and I will never forget everything I experienced and learned here.

Thank you to every single person who helped make this dream come true."

Sofia Santos was deeply inspired!

"Experiencing the NDT Summer Intensive is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Every single person, from the teachers to the participants, was not only exceptionally talented but also incredibly genuine and humble, which I found deeply inspiring.

"The classes encouraged me to look at dance from an new perspective."

Walking into Amare every day, surrounded by people who were genuinely excited to be there and shared the same passion for dance, was an unmatched feeling. Although the classes were very challenging, they encouraged me to look at dance from a new perspective, teaching me so much, both professionally and personally.

I feel incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to participate in this Intensive and hope to have the chance to return in the future."

Behind the scenes

A glimpse behind the scenes of the first week of the Summer Intensive. This compilation shows various moments during the rehearsals and gives an impression of the atmosphere, energy and dedication of the participants.

Summer Intensive 2026 - Behind the scenes

NDT Summer Intensive 2026 - First days - with words from Jermaine Spivey

NDT Summer Intensive 2026 - Interview Julius Waske

Programme

The two-week NDT Summer Intensive is aimed at (pre-)professional dancers. They are introduced to various dance styles and ways of working, with the aim of creating as comprehensive a dance experience as possible. The classes build on the students’ technical foundation, as well as their improvisation skills. They apply what they learn directly in various parts of the programme, including NDT repertoire and the opportunity to create new work.

At the same time participants develop their skills in partnering, solo work, group work and composition. In addition to the dance programme, they take part in activities such as panel discussions and meet choreographers, NDT dancers and staff members. These experiences help participants deepen their understanding of dance while building meaningful connections. Many friendships and creative collaborations continue long after the Summer Intensive has ended.

Expectations of scholarship recipients

Dancer Jhonata Teixeira looks forward to immersing in NDT

"My name is Jhonata, I am 23 years old and I come from Brazil. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the NDT Summer Intensive. Being selected for this program was very special for me and I am hoping to do the best of this opportunity.

"Without this support, participating in the Summer Intensive would not have been possible for me"

What excites me the most about this experience is the possibility of being immersed in the NDT environment, learning from the company’s artistic approach, exploring other ways of moving, and exchanging experiences with other dancers. I believe this will challenge me, inspire me, and help me grow both as an artist and as a person.

I am especially thankful for this scholarship because, without this support, participating in the Summer Intensive would not have been possible for me. This scholarship is allowing me to realize a dream and take an important step toward my future as a dancer. Thank you."

Dancer Sofia Santos is looking forward to the NDT repertoire

"The quality of the repertoire we will be performing and the artists who will be teaching it is something singular about this Intensive and undoubtedly one of the things I am most looking forward to. I also can't wait to meet all talented dancers who will be joining me and to learn from them throughout those two weeks. Whenever I enter a new environment, I feel incredibly inspired by the people around me, and that particularly excites me about this experience, as I know every dancer will be exceptional.

"Receiving this funding was an enormous relief"

It is understandable that training of this quality comes at a significant cost and is not always affordable for every dancer. Covering the full cost of this Intensive would have been a considerable financial burden for my family, so receiving this funding was an enormous relief. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to take part in this Intensive, and this financial support was essential in making it possible."

Love Kotiya saw dance in a different light thanks to NDT

"My name is Love Kotiya, and I am from India. I started ballet at the age of 15 after first dancing street styles and acrobatics. I never expected ballet to become my path, but it opened a completely new world for me and changed my life.

"That dream is now possible"

When I first saw Nederlands Dans Theater perform in London, it felt like magic. I left the theatre feeling like I had discovered a new way of seeing dance. Since then, I have dreamed of being part of that environment and learning from the artists around me.

Thanks to your generosity, that dream is now possible. I am excited to challenge myself, grow both as an artist and as a person, and learn from the inspiring dancers, choreographers, and teachers. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to keep building the future I have worked so hard for."

Emmitt Cawley on Talent Development for dancers

Maandag 27 juli: We zijn van start!

They’re ready to begin! Sixty talented young dancers from all over the world have embarked on two inspiring weeks of training, creative sessions, connection and exchange. They may still be finding their feet, but we know they’ll return home after the Summer Intensive full of confidence, fresh insights and unforgettable experiences. Below, three participants who received a full or partial scholarship share what they’re most looking forward to.