The Swans, the annual ‘Oscars’ of the Dutch dance world, are presented by the VSCD, the Association of Theatres and Concert Halls, for the categories ‘most impressive dance achievement’ and ‘most impressive dance production’. All nominated companies, choreographers and dancers have been conspicuous the previous season for their exceptional artistic quality.

There is also a Golden Swan, which will be awarded to a person who made an important contribution to the Dutch dance world with his of her dance career. It's not possible to nominate people for the Golden Swan and it will not be awarded every year.

The Swans were announced on October 6th and 7th in Maastricht.

2017 Winners of The Swans:

Most impressive dance performance 2017: Imre van Opstal, for her part in Salt Womb by Nederlands Dans Theater (choreography Sharon Eyal & Gai Behar).

Most impressive dance production 2017: Midnight Raga by Nederlands Dans Theater (choreography Marco Goecke).

Golden Swan 2017: Ed Wubbe, artistic director of Scapino Ballet Rotterdam.

The VSCD awards have been awarded since 1983 and were since that time known as the Theaterdansprijzen [Theatre Dance Prizes]. In 2003 the awards became known as The Swans. The award itself is a beautiful bronze sculpture made by choreographer and visual artist Toer van Schayk. The Swan is intended to honour the achievements of dancers and companies and to bring those achievements to the attention of a wide public.