NOS News•
Choreographer Hans van Manen has died at the age of 93. This is reported by the National Ballet, with which he was associated for many years. He is internationally regarded as one of the great masters of contemporary ballet.
Van Manen made more than 150 choreographies, including television ballets. His work is performed by the three major Dutch ballet companies, the National Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater and Introdans, and by more than a hundred dance companies worldwide.
Ted Brandsen, director of the National Ballet, calls him one of the greatest artists our country has produced. “His contribution to the development of the art of dance in the Netherlands and far beyond is of unprecedented importance.” He praises his vision on ballet and calls him an important cultural ambassador of the Netherlands.
His work is recognizable, with a clear structure and subtle simplicity. “Less is more” was one of his mottoes.
Van Manen was born in Amstelveen (then Nieuwer-Amstel) and received his first ballet lessons in the 1940s. He danced with various companies.
In 1955 he made his debut with his first choreography. He worked alternately for the National Ballet and the Dutch Dance Theater.
