Dutch National Ballet: Yuanyuan Zhang promoted to Principal
- Ikuko
- Dec 22, 2024
- 1 min read
The Dutch National Ballet (Het Nationale Ballet) promoted Yuanyuan Zhang to Principal Dancer, the company said in a news release dated 22nd December 2024.
Ballet director Ted Brandsen announced her promotion immediately after the curtain down of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King the day before. She danced the role of Clara, which is Sugar Plum Fairy in the company’s production. She is casted for the same role in the show of the Christmas Eve.
The promotion seems effective immediately because it is already reflected on the Dutch National Ballet’s dancers page.
Originally from China, Yuanyuan joined Dutch National Ballet’s Junior Company in 2014 after winning a competition in South Africa. She became an élève, equivalent to an apprentice, in the following year and a member of corps de ballet of the main company in 2016. Since then, she was promoted through ranks steadily.
I was lucky enough to watch her joyful Kitri in October. Congratulations Yuanyuan!
