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.

2019 Winners of The Swans:

The Golden Swan, awarded once in the few years to a person who made an important contribution to the Dutch dance world, was awarded to choreographer Conny Janssen, artistic leader of "Conny Janssen danst".

The Swan for the most impressive dance production was awarded to choreographer Arno Schuitenmaker for his work "The Way You Sound Tonight".

The Swan for the most impressive dance performance was awarded to Redouan Ait Chitt for his role in REDO van Shailesh Bahoran/Illusionary Rockaz Company.

The prize for Young Audience Award, for the innovation of dance for an audience between 4 and 18 years, was awarded to choreographer Cecilia Moisio. She becomes the first choreographer to win a prize in two categories. In 2014 Moisio (1978, Finland) won her first Dutch Dance prize.
The prize of the Dutch Dance Days Maastricht is awarded to choreographer Connor Schumacher. Both prizes have a value of 10.000 euro for creating new work to be seen during the festival next year.

Conny Janssen Photo © & courtesy of Sjoerd Derine

Photo © & courtesy of Sjoerd Derine

(L-R) Connor Schumacher, Arno Schuitenmaker, Minister (Secretary of Cultural Affairs) Ingrid van Engelshoven, Connie Jansen, Cecilia Moisio, Redouan Ait Chitt. Photo © & courtesy of Sjoerd Derine