Dutch Dance

One of Tulip Time's most entertaining and colorful spectacles! Authentically costumed dancers klomp and whirl their way through traditional dances.

Stroll through downtown Holland and be captivated by the lively sight of hundreds of dancers in traditional Dutch costumes and wooden shoes. From energetic third graders to seasoned adults, performers fill the streets with high kicks, twirls, and the timeless rhythms of Dutch folk dance. Each performance bursts with color, music, and contagious enthusiasm, making it impossible not to smile. This beloved tradition is a highlight of Tulip Time, honoring Holland’s cultural heritage and the vibrant spirit of the community. Find your spot along the curb, take in the festive atmosphere, and enjoy a show you won’t forget. 

Kinder Dutch Dance: Kinder Dance is a beloved Tulip Time tradition where over 125 local 3rd–5th graders perform a short Dutch folk dance in authentically recreated Dutch costumes and wooden shoes. These young dancers bring the joy and heritage of Holland, Michigan to life during parades and park performances throughout the festival. 

Middel Dutch Dance: Middel Dutch Dance features 6th–8th grade students from local schools, dressed in authentically recreated Dutch costumes and wooden shoes. These energetic performers share a beloved Tulip Time tradition as they perform a dance called Gretchen and Her Wooden Shoes, delighting audiences with lively steps and a joyful celebration of Holland’s heritage. 

High School & Alumni Dutch Dance: Generations of dancers take to the streets as high school students and alumni dancers from across the Holland area perform side by side. Dressed in authentically recreated Dutch costumes and wooden shoes, they carry on a tradition that has been a highlight of Tulip Time for more than 90 years, filling downtown with the lively kicks, twirls, and community pride.