About Us
The Dance Europe Network connects the administrative and management leaders of European and Global dance and ballet companies, creating a space for dialogue, innovation and learning. Through annual and semi-annual meetings held in European cities, participants share experiences and are exposed to current expertise and new perspectives relevant to their work and their companies. While artistic excellence and vibrancy are at the heart of every dance company, our network is focused on those responsible for the strategic and operational structures essential to thriving organisations.
Partnering with generous host companies, the Dance Europe Network plans and produces regular gatherings and provides digital access to meeting presentations, research and applicable updates. By expanding professional networks and identifying common challenges, we aim to foster insight and practical knowledge for the administrative leaders of ballet and dance organisations, contributing to the long-term sustainability and impact of the dance ecosystem.
Our Mission
To bring together the administrative and management leaders of ballet and dance companies for dialogue, knowledge sharing and exploring issues shaping their work and the evolving dance sector.
Our Vision
A thriving global dance community where strong leadership, partnership, and shared expertise sustain and advance the art of ballet and dance.
Core Values
• Excellence, quality of art
• Networks
• International connection
• Current research
• Open dialogue
• Information and data sharing
• Confidentiality
• Learning
• Transparency
Our History
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2016 Amsterdam: Host Company Dutch National Opera and Ballet. Partnered with Opera Europa as a sub group of Spring Conference
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2017 Copenhagen: Host Company The Royal Danish Ballet. Partner, Dance USA
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2019 London: Host Company, The Royal Ballet. Partner, Dance USA
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2022 Amsterdam: Host Company, Dutch National Ballet
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2023 Paris: Host Company, Paris Opera and Ballet. Partner, National Ballet of Canada
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2024 Hamburg: Host Company, Hamburg Ballet
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2025 London: Host Companies, English National Ballet, Rambert, The Royal Ballet
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2026 Vienna: Host Company, Vienna State Ballet
The first tentative steps toward a network for European ballet and dance administrators took place in Amsterdam in June 2016. Founded by Valerie Wilder, an artistic and executive director of international dance companies, the initial meeting was held in Amsterdam, hosted by the Dutch National Opera and Ballet. For the leaders of the seventeen companies represented, the meeting provided an opportunity for inspiration and information sharing that had the potential to enhance their work and the art form in important ways. Meetings continued for several years, often in partnership with Dance USA.
In the June 2022 meeting, again in Amsterdam, the Dance Europe Network was launched. A core membership group emerged, supplemented by many associate attendees. Since then, meetings have taken place in London, Paris, Hamburg, and Vienna. Together with host companies, the Network organises gatherings that keep companies abreast of current research and topics of cutting edge value. In-person and virtual meetings provide opportunities for leaders to discuss key issues impacting their work, share advice, discover solutions and explore collaborations.