2026 Dutch Dozen Performances

The Dutch Dozen was formed in 1947, and continues to be a highlight of the festival each year. A group of 12 young ladies and 12 young men, all in high school, provide a colorful, light-hearted and melodious journey through Old Holland, with most of the choreographed singing in Dutch. Dutch Dozen members wear traditional Volendam costumes, and the ladies wear signature orange klompen, or wooden shoes.

An audience favorite is traditionally “Daar bij de Molen” (“There by the Windmill”), which is performed on a darkened stage with the aid of black lights shining on the orange klompen and hand-made sleeves in the shape of the blades of a windmill. A they sing, a pair of girls standing back-to-back move their extended arms up and down in opposite directions, creating the illusion of moving windmill blades. Pictured above.

You’ll also find the members of the Dutch Dozen performing with the senior Dutch Dancers during Straat Feest and riding De Schutter boat float during the Volksparade.