Ten years ago, even the initiators – Ted Brandsen and former artistic director of the Dutch National Ballet Academy Christopher Powney – could never have imagined just how successful the Junior Company would be. The ensemble is in great demand at ballet venues in the Netherlands and abroad. Dancers from all over the world try to secure a place in the group, and more than forty of those who were successful have now moved up to join Dutch National Ballet’s main company.

Especially for this anniversary programme, the British-Cameroonian choreographer Joseph Toonga is making Echoes of Memories, his first work for the Juniors. Toonga’s roots are in the hiphop scene, but he has also created works for leading contemporary dance groups, the Royal Ballet School and The Royal Ballet. His productions are characterised not only by his very individual style, but also by the personal stories he incorporates into them.

Young Creative Associate Wubkje Kuindersma is also creating a new work for Ten, in collaboration with a young promising composer, who is still to be announced. The third world premiere in Ten is by the Canadian dancer and choreographer Kirsten Wicklund, in which the Juniors will perform alongside singers from Dutch National Opera Studio – which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this season.

Another addition to the Junior Company’s repertoire is Toccata, by Krzysztof Pastor, director of Polish National Ballet and former dancer and resident choreographer with Dutch National Ballet. It is an athletic work, which allows the Juniors to display their versatile talent.