Speech by Mayor Jan van Zanen at the opening of the India Dance Festival, 18 May 2022

Dear all,

How wonderful it is that today, here in Korzo theatre, we will see the opening of the India Dance Festival.

After two editions online – now happily live again, and online too.

The India Dance Festival is important to The Hague.

Both dance and the Hindustani culture have flourished in The Hague and continue to do so.

Given that The Hague, after all, may be described as the Hindustani capital of mainland Europe.

Many of The Hague’s residents of Hindu origin keep the Hindustani culture and Indian traditions alive.

The India Dance Festival is the only dance festival of its kind anywhere on the continent.

I can well imagine that you are pleased to be able to welcome guests again.

So that a wide audience can get to know Indian dance.

For enthusiasts this festival must be a feast of enjoyment once more.

There is nowhere better to celebrate the richness of Indian dance and culture than here, at the India Dance Festival.

With leading figures and new stars from home and abroad.

Quality is guaranteed.

But what else would you expect with a programme developed by the renowned choreographer, dancer and teacher Gauri Sharma Tripathi and Leo Spreksel:

Former artistic director of Korzo and holder of The Hague City Medal.

I wish you all a wonderful evening and a most successful India Dance Festival.