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Ballet's Piet Mondrian Dies at 93
18 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Hans van Manen, a Dutch choreographer, died at age 93.
- He created over 150 avant-garde works for Dutch National Ballet.
- Van Manen fused classical ballet with modern styles, earning him nicknames.
Hans van Manen, a seminal figure in contemporary dance and former chief choreographer of the Dutch National Ballet, has died at 93. His innovative approach, merging classical ballet with avant-garde styles, redefined choreography for over five decades.
Van Manen created more than 150 works, earning distinctions like the 'Piet Mondrian of ballet' for his abstract style and concise storytelling. He was a resident choreographer for both Dutch National Ballet and Nederlands Dans Theater, with his pieces performed by major companies worldwide.
Born in 1932 near Amsterdam, van Manen's early life was marked by hardship, yet his passion for dance ignited at age seven. He continued to be an active presence in the dance world well into his nineties.
