Peggy Olislaegers Appointed Associate On Research and Development of Dutch National Ballet

Dutch National Ballet has appointed Peggy Olislaegers as Associate on Research & Development. In creating and filling this position, Dutch National Ballet is the first ballet company in the world to appoint an Associate on Research & Development.

Director Ted Brandsen says about the new position and the appointment of Olislaegers: "How can the art of ballet remain relevant for audiences in the 21st century? The appointment of Peggy Olislaegers gives an impulse to this question, and gives further shape to Dutch National Ballet's responsibility to continue to innovate the art form of ballet".

Peggy Olislaegers: "The art of ballet, which is rich in tradition, is continually changing. I am very enthusiastic to join Dutch National Ballet in looking to the future and working on innovation in all its different aspects. In doing so, I will also draw on my knowledge and network from other dance practices".

Ted Brandsen and Peggy Olislaegers worked intensively together for the first time in 2017, during the first edition of the international ballet conference initiated by Dutch National Ballet, Positioning Ballet, which Olislaegers helped set up and also led. Since then, Olislaegers has been involved in innovative projects within Dutch National Ballet as an external expert.

In recent years, Peggy Olislaegers has become one of the most influential dance dramaturges in Europe. She made her name during her directorship of the Dutch Dance Festival (2010-2016), through innovative European projects like Act Your Age, Performing Gender and Pivot Dance, and she has advised makers and institutes in the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Belgium.

As an independent dance professional, she currently plays a major role in the international dance world. She is in great demand as a moderator of both internal and public discussions on important developments and innovations in dance.

Her broad knowledge of dance, acquired in the field and in daily practice, is highly spoken of. This is reflected in the wide range of companies and choreographers with whom she works. For instance, since 2015 she has been Artistic Associate of the renowned modern dance company Rambert (UK) and also works with Balletto di Roma (Italy), Nanine Linning (Germany) and Alessandro Sciarroni (Italy). Peggy Olislaegers also works with various makers and companies in the hiphop scene, such as Tony Adigun (UK) and Alida Dors (NL).

Her vision of creativity, dialogue and leadership is also seen outside the dance world. For instance, she gives regular leadership training sessions with Professor Marielle Heijltjes, (UMIO/Maastricht University).

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