Hans van Manen

Hans van Manen (1932-2025) was a renowned Dutch choreographer recognized as one of the leading figures in contemporary ballet. Celebrated for his abstract style and concise storytelling through dance, he was often likened to Piet Mondrian for his minimalist approach and to Harold Pinter for his narrative depth. Throughout his career, van Manen advocated for the purity of dance as an art form, famously stating, 'Dance expresses dance and nothing more.' His influential works have left an indelible mark on the world of dance, and his contributions are still celebrated in the international ballet community. He passed away at the age of 93, as announced by the Dutch National Opera and Ballet.