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HOLLAND, MI -- Tulip Time is renowned for the colorful sight of millions of tulips, but the festival doesn’t really start until you hear the sound of hundreds of clogs clomping. This year the festival is celebrating 90 years of Dutch Dancing. In 1935, girls from Holland High School performed as “Klompen Dancers” at the sixth Tulip Time Festival.
The dance has become a cornerstone tradition and grown in size and stature. Last year there were more than 800 Dutch Dancers who performed throughout the festival. Dancers from third grade through adults are invited to to slip into their wooden shoes and join in the growing tradition.
RELATED: Tulip Time’s 2025 schedule starts a day early, tickets on sale This year Tulip Time is starting a day earlier on Friday, May 2. Additional Dutch Dancing performances were added to accommodate the growing number of dancers, and the crowd that surrounds them. The lineup includes traditional Dutch Dance performances, Dutch Dance Lessons, a Dutch Lunch and Style show.
New for the anniversary is De Familiedans or the family dance. This will be a Dutch Dance experience designed specifically for parents and children from baby to early elementary age. RELATED: ‘You can’t buy this on Amazon.
’ Holland’s Dutch Dancing costumes stay true to 19th century heritage Part of the allure of the performance is not just the dancers who painstakingly practice from January to April, but the costumes that adorn them. Dutch dancers wear costumes that are historically accurate and hand-sewn by local seamstresses . The outfits reflect eight provinces of the Netherlands, each telling a story.
Fishing towns have higher hems and a waterproof finish. Some regions have large floral patterns while others have dainty flowers on black fabric to mimic a stippling technique. Last year, 180 new costumes were made to accommodate new dancers.
Nothing about Dutch costumes is fast fashion. Each one takes 12 to 18 hours to create, depending on skill level. On average, costumes cost about $300.
The Tulip Time Festival aims to fund 400 costumes for local students through its Join the Dance Fund. More information on the 2025 Tulip Time festival can be found at TulipTime.com.
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