Dutch National Ballet: Riho Sakamoto returns, promotions and joiners

Riho Sakamoto has returned to the Dutch National Ballet for the 2025-2026 season as Principal after a stint with Staatsballett Berlin (Berlin State Ballet) for the last season.

On 11th August 2025, Riho shared a movie clip on her Instagram Story showing the traditional new season gathering of dancers in the foyer of the Dutch National Opera and Ballet theatre in Amsterdam and her receiving flowers from Artistic Director Ted Brandsen. Her return has been reflected on the company's Dancers page.

Welcome back!

I have asked the Dutch National Ballet's press office about promotions, joiners and leavers about a week ago but I have not heard back from them. So here are some promotions and joiners I noticed on the Dancers page. Joiners are indicated. Apologies in advance if I miss some people.

New Soloists: Vsevolod Maievskyi (joiner), Conor Walmsley

New Grand sujets: Khayla Fitzpatrick, Laura Tosar Romero (joiner), Leo Hepler, Sebia Plantefève-Castryck, Lore Zonderman, Luca Abdel-Nour, Manu Kumar

New corps de ballet members : Marta Zabirynnyk (Joiner although her name appeared on the page in the last season); Bo-Ann Zehl, Patrik Benák, Vincent Fell and Francesco Venturi were promoted from the company's élève level.

Congratulations!

Elisabeth Tonev has left the Dutch National Ballet to join Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, Germany, as Principal as in the announcement in July.

I will update readers as soon as the press office replies.

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Updated on 12th August 2025 to add that Elisabeth Tonev has left.

As of 15th August 2025, the press office has never replied. Please let me know if you spot my mistakes.