Let Amsterdam Dance
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
Free performances in the city
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
Perfomances in Amsterdam South
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.
Performances in the City Center
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
It all looks very energetic, I would be happy sitting on the side soaking up the atmosphere. Hope your daughter enjoyed the day too
My daughter had a blast - she is crazy about dancing.
Lol I understand - that is exactly what I did. I really loved the energetic and coordinated performances. Like you would have, I also enjoyed "soaking up the atmosphere" and being at the various city locations. We had delicious chinese food thereafter. 😀
Wowwww...just wow..I love the hip pop dance a lot...😀
I kept replaying it over and over. The whole dance was Indeed epic and no doubt the audience were totally entertained . This is beautiful 😍
!LUV
Aww that is nice to hear. I have also played the videos numerous times - but of course I am a proud mom. I can imagine that the hip-hop is more favoured as modern dance is an acquired taste. It was something new for the team - I think they did a great job.
The audience were very appreciate and as you saw - the performances got them in a dancing mood.
beautiful way to bring the city together through dance, saw the dance clips, great job however, missing some bhangra and classical Indian dance lol
Yes indeed - thank you. Having the city dance together is certainly a great initiative for community building.
Haha I am sure there was Indian dancing too - but in another district. I only visit 2 of the 7.
Muy hermoso de verdad
Gracias
This is such a wonderful performance by the dancers; everyone did pretty well, from the In C, to the hip hop, ballet, and the like.
I'm certain everyone had a wonderful experience at the Let Amsterdam Dance; that's even obvious with the last video and how people stepped on the stage to have a great time with their loved ones.
You are correct Vickoly - it was so fun to see strangers and loved ones having fun after the perfomances. The tone was set by the dancers and the threat of rain did not dampen anyone's mood.
It was truly and fun event and it is good to hear that you "enjoyed" it.
Whenever such events take place in a city, the interest of the people there is very high, and the people who participate in it put in a lot of effort and a lot of time.
That was indeed the case - the dancers trained and worked very hard.
Awwn... Beautiful tradition. 750th years of celebration. Amsterdam is really ancient and old. Loved the collaboration of all 8 dancing club from different district. Loved the dance. Thank you for sharing.
THankks for dropping by @udezee. It is great to celebrate milestone and I am happy that my daughter is a part of it. I am happy that you enjoy the videos. My daughter can enjoy this blog in years to come.
Must be nice to see some fo the dance from the various dancers genre isn't it?
Yes indeed - it was truly entertaining and fun to watch. I liked all the genres and was introduced to the Russian dance which is a relativity new art form.
Wow. This must be a grand style dance festival. 750 years is such a long one to celebrate.
I love the opening stage of the first video. That was so perfect. They greatly rehearsed that part well and I was just smiling as they walk around making it more fun even before the main show began. It was so coordinated 👏👏 very mesmerising.
Then the hip hop was lit. On fire 🔥 🔥🔥 they are so great. The songs were perfect and I enjoyed watching.
That was a hell of a training they put up there and their efforts played out.
It is nice that you enjoyed the first video - this modern dance is unusual but I really enjoyed it as well. Great observation -thank you. Indeed the girls had to work very hard as modern dance is not their genre. I am very proud of all of them. Their efforts paid off .The choreography and the improvised presentation is indeed mesmerizing. I held up my smartphone for at least 18 minutes but I eagerly watched the dance to see what the next moves would be.
The hip-hop was also special and maybe more relatable to more people as it is so full of energy. Thanks for your thoughtful comment. @princessbusayo
A proud moment to always go back to and watch again. It's my pleasure leaving a comment and I sincerely enjoyed every show.
Wow, those were really smooth movies and I think I enjoy the Amsterdam Museumplein performance. Those moves are smooth, just like I watch in many dance movies.
Too bad, I am a terrible dancer... The main event would definitely be superb.
I think dancing is self expression - we do it our own way - so you might be a better dancenthan you can imagine. Yes indeed - the main event will be lovely.
I'm trying to work out which is your daughter in the first dance 😄
The dance was a bit odd at the beginning but it a good way to get people hooked on in anticipation of the next move. And I love how everyone let loose and started dancing in the end
Haha I can see why that would be challenging. 😀 Normally I do not post photos of my family but her dance videos are a record for the future.
Yes "In C" is a bit odd indeed but it has grown on me - now I consider it to be a special and unique modern dance. It is such a long dance - the choreographer and dancers had to ensure that we remain interested.
The "square" continued dancing for quite a while - it was fun to watch.