Your first visit to NDT
Welcome to NDT
© Rahi Rezvani
Whether you visit the theatre regularly or are seeing a dance performance for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you to NDT.
You may be wondering what to expect from an evening at NDT, whether you need to know anything about dance, or how a performance works. On this page, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions, so you can feel well prepared for your (first) visit.
Tickets and locations
The Hague is our home, and many of our performances take place at Amare, our home theatre.We also tour to theatres across the Netherlands and perform internationally, both within Europe and around the world.
You can also watch NDT online through NDT Online. Some performances are livestreamed, while others are available to watch online for a limited time.This means you can enjoy an NDT performance wherever you are.
You can find all upcoming performances and locations in our calendar.
Tickets for our performances are sold by the theatres where we perform.
Each performance in our calendar includes a link to the theatre where it takes place. You can buy your tickets directly through that link.
If you have any questions about your booking or your ticket, please contact the theatre directly.
No. Tickets are sold by the theatres where we perform. Our calendar will take you directly to the correct ticket page.
Our calendar gives an overview of all upcoming performances in the Netherlands, around the world and online.
'ZŌ' - Ohad Naharin. Dancers: NDT 1. © Rahi Rezvani
New to contemporary dance?
Contemporary dance grew out of modern dance in the twentieth century. Unlike classical ballet, it has no fixed style or set of rules. Choreographers use movement in their own way and are inspired by many art forms, such as music, theatre, visual art and film.
Because of this, every performance is different. Some performances tell a story, while others focus on a feeling, an image or an idea.
At NDT, choreographers work with their own style and artistic vision. Together with our dancers, they keep exploring what dance can be. As a result, contemporary dance continues to evolve and develop.
There is no right or wrong way to experience dance. You do not need to understand exactly what a choreographer intended or what a performance means.
Everyone experiences a performance differently. You may connect with an image, a movement, the music or a certain atmosphere. A performance may raise questions, or it may make you feel something that you cannot immediately explain.
Try not to think too much during the performance. Just sit back, watch and let it wash over you. Often, it is only later that you realise what has stayed with you.A certain image may come back to mind once you are home, or a conversation afterwards may spark a new thought or feeling that you could not quite place before.
This personal experience is what makes a visit to a dance performance different for everyone.
Most NDT performances include several choreographies by two or three different choreographers. As a result, an evening at NDT is often varied and surprising.
Would you like to know more in advance? You can read the information on the performance page or look up a review.But don't let it stop you if you're not exactly sure what to expect. Discovering new styles and choreographers is one of the things that makes a visit to NDT special.
© Rahi Rezvani
Planning your visit
We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before the performance starts. This gives you time to have your ticket checked, leave your coat at the cloakroom, visit the restroom and take your seat.
Would you like to have a drink before the performance? The foyer opens 60 minutes before the start of the performance. Feel free to arrive a little earlier and start your evening in a relaxed way.
If you arrive after the performance has started, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to enter the auditorium. This is to avoid disrupting the performance for the dancers and other audience members.
If there is an interval, you can usually enter the auditorium after the break. Please speak to a member of theatre staff when you arrive. They will let you know what is possible.
At Amare, almost every seat has a good view of the stage. If you sit closer, you can see more details in the dancers’ movements and expressions. If you sit further back, you get a better view of the performance as a whole and the patterns on stage.
The balcony also offers an excellent view. Thanks to the design of the theatre, you still feel close to the performance, even from higher up.There really is no wrong place to experience an NDT performance.
No, there is no dress code at NDT. We encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
For many visitors, a night at the theatre is a special occasion, so it can be nice to pay a little extra attention to your outfit. But how you do that is entirely up to you. Whether you dress up or keep it casual, come as you are.
Our performances are not specifically created for young children. However, children are welcome to attend, as long as they are used to sitting still and watching a performance for a longer period of time.
To help parents and guardians decide whether a performance is suitable, we provide additional information for each production, including age guidance and details about themes that may be relevant to some visitors.You can find this information on the performance page under “Practical Information”.
Most performances use little or no spoken language. Sometimes text or singing is included, but movement always plays the main role.
You do not need to speak a specific language to enjoy an NDT performance. The stories, images and emotions are shared through dance and music.
© Rahi Rezvani
During the performance
No. Phone use is not allowed during the performance.
The light from a phone screen can distract both the audience and the dancers on stage. Please turn off your phone or put it on airplane mode and make sure the sound is turned off.
Even better, put your phone away in your coat pocket, bag or a locker. That way, you can fully enjoy the performance and help create a great experience for everyone in the theatre.
Photos and videos are not allowed during the performance. The light from a screen can distract the audience, the dancers and the technical crew, and can disturb the performance.
After the performance, during the applause, you are welcome to take a photo. If you would like to share it on social media, don't forget to tag us at @ndtdance.
You can also find professional photos of the performance in the online programme and on our website. These are great to share with friends and family and tell them about your visit.
It can be fun to talk about the performance and share your impressions with others. You will have plenty of time to do this during the interval and after the performance.
During the performance, we kindly ask you not to talk. Even quiet conversations can distract other audience members and the dancers on stage.
And don't worry, the occasional cough is completely normal.
