Dutch National Ballet's Masters of Movement: mixed results

Giorgi Potskhishvili and Jessica Xuan in David Dawson’s Empire Noir

Salome Leverashvili and Conor Walmsley in David Dawson’s Empire Noir

Dancers from Dutch National Ballet in Alexei Ratmansky’s Solitude

Young Gyu Choi in Alexei Ratmansky’s Solitude

Jessica Xuan and Jan Spunda in Krzysztof Pastor’s Refraction

Hà Nhi Trân and Robin Park in Krzysztof Pastor’s Refraction

By Mark Vicente, 14 June 2026

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“Dawson has thrown in everything and the kitchen sink for the dancers to get their teeth into”

Reviewed at Dutch National Opera and Ballet, Amsterdam on 11 June 2026

Empire Noir (David Dawson)

Refraction (World premiere) (Krzysztof Pastor)

Solitude (Alexei Ratmansky)

Dutch National Ballet

Nathan Brock, Conductor

John Otto, Set Designer

Yumiko Takeshima, Costume Designer

Bert Dalhuysen, Lighting Designer

Dutch National Ballet Orchestra

NBJ's Ballet Coffret is a feast of modern classics

Naomi Mori, 5th February

National Ballet of Japan's Ballet Coffret showcased the versatility of the company with modern classical works including Dawson's A Million Kisses to my Skin, van Manen's 5 Tangos and Balanchine's Theme and Variations.

****1

ENB: R:Evolution showcases tenacity, legacy and talent

Deborah Weiss, 1st October

English National Ballet opens its season at Sadler’s Wells with a quadruple bill showcasing the versatility, virtuosity and endless capabilities of the company throughout the ranks.

****1

Ballet Nights makes an impressive and unforgettable Scottish debut

Kathy Elgin, 4th July

Ballet Nights is more than an evening of party pieces: it showcases emerging talent alongside older favourites and, in the case of this first Scottish outing, has an eye to local tradition.

****1

Ballett am Rhein are unrecognisable in season opener

Vikki Jane Vile, 27th October

It’s all change at the Ballett am Rhein with new Chief Choreographer, Bridget Breiner, and Ballet Director, Raphaël Coumes-Marquet taking over from Demis Volpi for the 24/25 season.

****1

Scottish Ballet: David Dawson's Swan Lake is supremely moving

Kathy Elgin, 4th April

Dawson’s stripped-down production throws the impetus immediately on his choreography, whilst keeping the bones of the story clearly in sight.

****1

Fearless and captivating, Dancing Dutch is a romp of a programme

Vikki Jane Vile, 31st March

Dancing Dutch for Dutch National Ballet comprises four different works, not all by Dutch choreographers, which show off the depth and breadth of a company in great shape.

****1

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Mark Vicente

Mark Vicente hails from Montreal, Canada and has lived in Amsterdam for the last 10 years. He has over 30 years of experience in the arts and entertainment industry. Mark graduated from Canada’s National Ballet School and was in the corps de ballet with The National Ballet of Canada. He also performed in the Toronto production of Disney’s The Lion King and spent two seasons at The Stratford Festival of Canada. Presently, Mark is completing his MA in Comparative Cultural Analysis at the University of Amsterdam. His Substack, Lives After Dark, focuses on creative fiction and reflective essays on Amsterdam’s nightlife scene.

Dutch National Ballet's Masters of Movement: a mixed programme of mixed results