The National Dance Theatre opened its doors on December 1st 2001. Over the past two decades, they have notched up more than 7,000 performances, attracting nearly one and a half million spectators, who could choose from a wide range of performances, from famous productions by major companies to the first stage appearances by emerging, up-and-coming dancers. Speaking of 20 years, now audiences will not only be entertained with outstanding performances but also a jubilee book, a film premiere, a tour of the building, backstage secrets, professional awards and many other surprises to mark the birthday.
For a whole season, National Dance
Theatre is celebrating two decades of Hungarian dance and
almost everyone who has been part of the National Dance Theatre since 1 December
2001 will be taking part in these jubilee events.
The celebrations started on 1 December,
the symbolic day of its founding, also be the first day that a jubilee
cultural album is released. The publication itself is a work of art, a worthy tribute to this specific genre, the art of dance. It’s spiced up
with wonderful photos, interesting interviews and descriptions.
On this day, not only printed but on-screen documents will also be featured. Speaking in the Language of Dance has just been broadcast on M5 TV. The documentary was shot within the walls of the National Dance Theatre with the participation of Hungarian dance ensembles, interpreting prominent local characters in the spirit of the Dance Theatre.
After the TV premiere, the documentary will be shown regularly at the National Dance Theatre during the anniversary season. In addition to the film screening, audiences will be able to take part in a backstage tour around this beautiful building at Millenáris Park, accompanied each time by a renowned dancer.
But don’t worry, the National Dance Theatre will have festive performances, too, as each month, one NTSZ 20 show will take place. On these evenings, several companies will appear on stage, one after the other, and audiences enjoying the performances that have contributed to the success of this institution. These include Dance Up!, Everybody Dance, Dancing is Everything to Us, Shall We Dance and Let’s Dance, all for one night only.
In addition to the
series of shows and activities prepared and staged for the public until
April 2022, the management at the National Dance Theatre has paid particular attention to members of the professional dance community in Hungary.
In light of this, at a press conference on 1 December, two industry awards were
presented by the director of the National Dance Theatre, Péter Ertl, who
established them for this 20th anniversary. The Dance Theatre Grand Prize went to a professional in recognition of the work they have done for the
theatre, while the Company
Award for the Dance Theatre Prize went to three employees of the
institution as voted by colleagues.
Not just a day, not just an event. Six months, lots and lots of special experiences. This is NTSZ 20, which will be about much more than just a prestigious Hungarian institution. A series of celebrations will take place honouring the entire dance community in Hungary – all organised by the National Dance Theatre.
Click here for more information about upcoming NTSZ 20 events.
