The Hague Freedom Meals is an annual Liberation Day initiative that brings people together to celebrate freedom, connection, and community. In 2026, the largest City Meal took place at Amare, where around 550 residents gathered to share a meal and experience a diverse cultural programme featuring music, dance, and live performances.
Alongside activities throughout the theatre and the surrounding square, the event encouraged dialogue, strengthened social connections, and celebrated the cultural diversity of The Hague in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
For this occasion, dancers and choreographers Vlada Kovalenko and Dmytro Borodai created an original contemporary dance work.
Title: Hold My Head Up
Choreography & Performance: Vlada Kovalenko and Dmytro Borodai
Music: YaYaYa – RY X
An ode to mutual support, love, and the power of human connection. The dance reflects the importance of care: supporting one another, being present, and listening through genuine dialogue.
The full artistic film of the performance can be viewed here: Instagram
The event formed part of a city-wide celebration that included more than 90 Freedom Meals across The Hague and served over 10,000 bowls of Freedom Soup, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate freedom and foster meaningful encounters throughout the city.
Photo: Anne Reitsma
Stichting The Ukrainian International Ballet
Bordewijklaan 7
2591 XR Den Haag
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 6 27 25 83 09
Email: info@uiballet.com
KvK: 93468709
