Igone de Jongh

She joined the Dutch National Ballet in the same year, starting as an élève but quickly rising through ranks and reaching the highest level, principal, in 2003. She danced leading roles in Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and other classics. She also danced in many of Hans van Manen's choreographies and is often called his muse.   

Igone de Jongh has received various important awards. In 2002 she received the Aanmoedigingsprijs from the Stichting Dansersfonds ’79 and in 2003 the Alexandra Radius Prijs. During the 2016 Nederlandse Dansdagen she received the Gouden Zwaan award for her major contribution to Dutch dance and was appointed Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion. 

De Jongh bid farewell to the Dutch National Ballet in October 2019 and was received the Frans Banninck Cocq Penning after her last performance. She has continued her career as an independent dancer.