The excitement was building. Posters were all over the city.
The publicity was not easy to miss.
Pursuant to several newspaper articles,
Article in the newspaper - Het Parool
local broadcast announcements and after months of preparation – it was finally time to perform.
Article in Amsterdam Krant
Heel Amsterdam Danst - Let Amsterdam Dance (in English) - is a project of the Dutch National Dance Ballet. It is part of the year long festivities to celebrate Amsterdam's 750th birthday on 27 October 2025. From every district of the city, 8 dance clubs were selected to perform a part of the modern dance called “In C”, from the famous choreographer, Sasha Waltz. The dancers chosen from each club felt honoured to represent their respective clubs. They also felt honoured to train weekly at the Stopera which houses not only the Dutch National Dance Ballet (NDC) but also the National Opera and the Dutch Symphony.
A few dancers at the Stopera
The dancers have been practicing for this event since late 2024.
From 25 May until 31 May 2025 - the Let Amsterdam Dance participants showcased their skills in their respective districts in the city. There were experienced and new dancers, young and old, with different dance styles from ballet, to hip-hop and ballroom. Their stage was the city and just like any other community, the dancers shared the space with each other for their performance of "In C". The Junior Company of the NDC also participated, along with other local artists for these events.
The district's Let’s Amsterdam Dance performances were hosted by Ernst Meisner of Dutch National Ballet and Loraine Pengel from Ish Academy.
The Presenters
On Thursday, 29 May 2025, it was time to watch my daughter's team perform 2 dances at the Museumplein (Museum Square) in the South of the city. The dance, "In C" is named after the music of the same name by Terry Riles.
Amsterdam Museumplein -17 minutes
The "In C" dance was mesmerizing and mysterious. The learnt individual movements are choreographed but every performance is improvised, therefore unique. Each choreographed movement has set guidelines. The dancers knew when to give or take space. Although out of their "comfort zone" - they did a great job and the applause indicated that.
The dancers still have something to look forward to. On June 15 2025, all districts will come together at the National Dance Ballet's, Stopera, for the grand finale to perform “In C”. Needless to say, the dancers are delighted that they will share the same stage with the esteemed National Dance Ballet at this famous location. For the dancers, it can be likened to walking on hallowed ground. The National Dance Ballet will have their own performances of "In C" at the end of June.
The second dance was hip-hop.
Amsterdam Museumplein - 3.41 minutes
The onlookers were roused by the vibrant and expressive performance - applauding and screaming in appreciation.
Thereafter, the audience was introduced to Russian Frame Up dance. It has intricate legwork with dynamic movements whilst wearing very high heels.
Amsterdam Museumplein - 0.16 minute
There was also rhythmic salsa
and thereafter, a passionate and artistic flamenco dance.
Soon it was time to go the Nieuwmarkt area of the City Center as my daughter's team was invited to perform the hip-hop dance there. As Nieuwmarkt is the home of China Town, it was not surprising that the first performance was a Chinese lion dance.
Thereafter, more mature dancers shared their interpretation of "In C".
The audience could also appreciate the classical and graceful ballet from the Junior Company.
The intimate tango, with its drama and precision,
was quite a contrast to the contemporary dance which electrified the audience.
Then finally, the hip-hop dance was received with uproars, cheers and whistles which seemed like a satisfying way to end a day of dance.
The last performances in both parts of the city, were not the end of the dancing however. Since everyone can dance - the city folks took to the podium at both Museumplein and Nieuwmarkt to have the final dance hence wrapping up a fun event.
Although the dark clouds loomed in the heavens throughout the day, the grey skies and iconic medieval buildings formed an atmospheric backdrop - as the "Amsterdammers" danced.
All photos and videos are my own or my daughter's except when sourced
