Amsterdam Dance Event: A Ballet Edition
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in electronic music and cultural events. This year, as the festival gears up for its 2026 edition, it introduces a captivating and unexpected highlight: a full ballet production. The esteemed Dutch National Ballet and ISH Dance Collective are joining forces to present Swan Lake Remixed for ADE, an innovative reimagining of the classic ballet. Set to unfold at the Gashouder, this performance promises to blend the elegance of classical dance with the vibrant energy of hip-hop and electronic music, setting a new standard for festival entertainment.
A Unique Interpretation of a Timeless Classic
Centered around the original themes of Swan Lake—longing, freedom, temptation, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness—this production repositions the narrative for a contemporary festival audience. By situating the emotional depth and complexity of the ballet within the thrilling atmosphere of Gashouder, the creative team challenges the traditional confines of theater. The objective? To see whether concepts of identity and self-determination resonate differently in a festival context, illuminated by dynamic concert lighting, as opposed to the classic opera house.
A Collaboration of Creative Forces
This premiere performance is not merely a singular event; it showcases an intriguing collaboration of talent. The stage will feature dancers from both the Dutch National Ballet and its Junior Company alongside artists from ISH Dance Collective, enhanced by a selection of guest dancers. The production’s one-time-only performance format is emblematic of the ADE’s approach—each event in the ADE Icon Series is a standalone experience, meticulously crafted to elevate the festival week.
A Legacy of Cross-Pollination
This collaboration isn’t unprecedented. Previous works like GRIMM and Dorian successfully fused ballet and street dance, illustrating how these distinct styles can coexist and complement each other. Both the Dutch National Ballet and ISH Dance Collective have a history of defying boundaries, and Swan Lake Remixed builds upon this legacy, further exploring how different dance techniques can converse on the same stage.
Marking Milestones in Dance
The timing of Swan Lake Remixed for ADE is intentional and significant. The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership between Dutch National Ballet and ISH Dance Collective, while also serving as a prelude to the 150th anniversary of Tchaikovsky’s original Swan Lake in 2027. Additionally, XSAGA, the concept and production agency behind this performance, is celebrating 25 years in the industry, signifying that this event is deeply intertwined with multiple milestones in the dance community.
The Creative Team Behind the Magic
At the helm of this extraordinary production are director Ernst Meisner of Dutch National Ballet and Marco Gerris, artistic director of ISH Dance Collective. Their vision is supported by renowned composer Rik Ronner, who is responsible for the score, while Ben Kreukniet handles the lighting and video design. Costume design is in the capable hands of Oliver Haller. The cast is led by principal dancers Salome Leverashvili, Timothy van Poucke, and Giorgi Potskhishvili, who will perform alongside a diverse ensemble of 35 dancers from the Dutch National Ballet and 12 from ISH Dance Collective, complemented by five guest performers.
Event Details
Mark your calendars: Swan Lake Remixed for ADE is set to take place at the Gashouder in Amsterdam on Wednesday, October 21. Doors will open at 18:00, with the performance commencing at 19:00. The runtime is approximately one hour, and tickets are priced at €54, inclusive of service fees. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, August 19, at 12:00 through this link.
This groundbreaking production exemplifies not just the artistic collaboration between ballet and electronic music, but also the spirit of innovation that characterizes the Amsterdam Dance Event. It’s an invitation to witness a bold new interpretation of a beloved classic, promising an unforgettable experience for both dance aficionados and festival-goers alike.
Cover image credit: Michel Schnater
