Dutch Dance

In 1933 High school gym teacher Ethel Perry trained twelve students to perform Dutch folk dances. The dancers were called the “Dutch Villagers” and performed to the tune of “Where, Oh Where, Has My Little Dog Gone?” Originally the dancers’ costumes were delft blue with white organdy caps and aprons. Today’s dancers wear costumes patterned after the traditional dress of the Dutch provinces. Each costume is handmade by local seamstresses and carefully inspected before it can be worn in the Klompen Dance performances. There are over 1,100 Klompen Dancers, including 675 alumni and community dancers.

To view a complete listing of the 2008 Dutch Dance Schedule please click below.

By date
By location

The Dutch Dance Costume Closet was created because of the generous donation of an anonymous donor. We need the community’s support to help develop this wonderful new program.

DONATIONS!
The Dutch Dance Costume Closet
Make a donation to help assist a new Dutch Dancer, with financial hardships, get a Dutch Dance Costume. Any donation amount is accepted – no minimum or limit. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE and as a donor, you receive applicable federal and state tax benefits. Your donation will help make our vision a reality in providing students the opportunity to participate in one of Holland’s nationally recognized activities Dutch Dancing.

Please make checks payable to: The Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland Area Costume fund. Mail to: The Community Foundation, 70 West 8th St., Suite 100, Holland, MI 49423. Donations will be forwarded to the Tulip Time Festival Office by The Community Foundation.

The 2009 Dutch Dance Style Show is scheduled for January 15, 2009 with the snow date being January 22, 2009. Location and time will be announced closer to the event.

The style show will feature models presenting each costume featured in our Dutch Dance program. In addition, information about various costumes, cultural and geographical information, procedure for procuring a dancer approved costume, program guidelines and much more will be offered. This annual event is open to the public and free of charge.

Information for 2009 Alumni Dutch Dance will be posted as soon as it is available. Please check back in January or February 2009!

Our dancers perform at festivals, parades, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, as well as national and international events. To bring the Tulip Time Klompen Dancers to your special event, please contact: Judy Tuinenga, Dutch Dance Program Director, Tulip Time Festival, Inc., 238 South River Avenue, Holland, MI 49423, (616) 396-4221 ext. 114 or (800) 822-2770, judy [at] tuliptime [dot] com

Find Dancer Information, Costume Information, and Costume & Dance Instructor Information at www.DutchDance.org

The Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces, 7 of which are represented in costume by the dancers in our festival. Many people are curious as to how the costumes are made and their cost. Each one of the dancers costumes is hand made to fit that individual, at an average cost of $60-$100 for fabric. In addition, wooden shoes, and in some cases, specially crafted hats or other accessories must be purchased. If the dancer or a family member makes the costume, they will save money in seamstress fees which vary from $70-$85 per costume, depending on the complexity of the costume. Total costume costs, including seamstress fees, shoes and all accessories range from $180-$240 per costume.

Dancer costumes are cut from hand made patterns, available only from the Tulip Time costume directors. Before a dancer can perform, the costume is inspected to assure that it meets the standard for authenticity and construction.

For those adults who have always wanted to learn Dutch Dancing but never had the opportunity, The Tulip Time Community Dutch Dance program is for you! Practices are held twice weekly, in the evenings, from January through mid-March and weekly thereafter, until the festival. Please also keep in mind that attendance at the Dutch Dance Style Show is strongly recommended.

Practice has begun for the 2008 season. If you are interested for the 2009 Tulip Time Festival Community Dutch Dance program please fill out the Community Dutch Dance Form. The form can be filled out online or returned to our office at: Tulip Time Festival, Attn: Community Dutch Dance, 238 S. River Ave., Holland, MI 49423.

http://www.tuliptime.com/community-dutch-dance-form