Goodbyes at NDT

Posted on July 22, 2020

Sol León and Paul Lightfoot are to say goodbye to Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT). In December 2018, Lightfoot announced he would step down from the role of artistic director of NDT as of the summer of 2020, after the 60th anniversary of the company. In this way he would switch to the role of artistic advisor / house choreographer, like his choreographic partner Sol León. During the recruitment process for the new artistic director, the supervisory board has, however, decided to end the position of house choreographer. Lightfoot will therefore leave NDT as of December 1. León will step down as of October 1. By remaining in position until December, Lightfoot will ensure a smooth transition to the new artistic director in the final months of 2020 and will be available for advice.

Pauline van der Meer Mohr, chairman of the supervisory board, said: “We are very grateful to Sol and Paul for what they have meant and still do for NDT. In 35 years, first as dancers and then as choreographers with nearly 60 ballets, they have left their artistic mark on the company. Through their work and commitment they have contributed greatly to the worldwide success of NDT. We wish Sol and Paul all the success with the steps in their careers and look forward to seeing their creations often on the NDT stage.”

León and Lightfoot said: “We are accepting and respect the change that the RvT is making for the NDT. A new direction without house choreographers. Therefore we will take distance for the foreseeable future after being 35 years inside the organisation. It has been an incredible journey and we wish the company continuing growth with its originality.” Lightfoot transfers the role of NDT’s artistic director to Canadian Emily Molnar, who will commence her tenure on August 15 at the start of the 2020-2021 theater season.

Pictured: Sol León and Paul Lightfoot. Photograph by Rahi Rezvani. 

Nicola Rayner

Nicola Rayner was editor of Dance Today from 2010 to 2015. She has written for a number of publications including The Guardian, The Independent and Time Out Buenos Aires, where she cut her teeth as a dance journalist working on the tango section. Today she continues to dance everything from ballroom to breakdance, with varying degrees of success. Her debut novel, The Girl Before You, was published last year in paperback, ebook and audiobook.