Dates

15 June 2025

Location

Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Main Stage

Running time

TBA

Tickets

From € 15

Let Amsterdam Dance

Let Amsterdam Dance

Celebrate Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary with us during Let Amsterdam Dance! Over the coming months, experience the power of dance to bring people together, all across the city. From each of Amsterdam’s eight districts, a group of residents—of all ages and backgrounds, with or without dance experience—will learn a section of In C, a ballet by Sasha Waltz that blends improvisation with choreography. Each group will first present its own unique performance at a festive (and free!) event in their district. Then, on 15 June, all groups will unite for one spectacular final performance on the stage of Dutch National Opera & Ballet. So get your dancing shoes ready, because when all of Amsterdam dances, staying still won’t be an option!

Let Amsterdam Dance

In C

The renowned German choreographer Sasha Waltz created In C, based on Terry Riley’s composition of the same name, as a collection of movements that dancers can freely experiment with. This flexibility makes the piece ideal for performances by a wide range of dancers, from professionals to amateurs.

Giving and taking space 

Waltz’s choreography consists of 53 movement sequences, from which each group learns a selection. The choreography works like a game: dancers decide for themselves when to move, pause, or connect with others. This approach aligns perfectly with the central theme of Heel Amsterdam Danst: sharing space. Each participant has the freedom and responsibility to find their own place in the space, while ensuring they don’t take up someone else’s, and to create connections with others.

Documentary

A documentary is being made about this major participation project, at the initiative of National Opera & Ballet. In the film, several participants from the city districts are followed and interviewed. They talk about their experiences and share their thoughts on the theme of ‘sharing space’. The documentary thus offers insight into the diversity of the participants and their personal stories. The film will later be donated to the city as a lasting memory of Amsterdam’s community in 2025.

In C by Dutch National Ballet

After the grand finale of Let Amsterdam Dance on 15 June, In C will return to the stage for three additional performances by dancers of Dutch National Ballet and the Junior Company, on 25, 27, and 28 June at Dutch National Opera & Ballet. For more information and tickets, visit this page.

Participating dance schools and groups

These dance schools and groups are taking part in Let Amsterdam Dance.

Participating Dance Groups

Noord – Beatzone

Beatzone is a dance school offering a wide range of dance and singing lessons, led by Maud Mulder and Gelvin Straal. In addition to Beatzone’s regular students, many residents of Amsterdam-Noord participate. The ages of the participants vary greatly, making the collaboration particularly special. Rehearsals take place under the guidance of Zoë Greten at Beatzone, Noord location.

Beatzone logo

Oost – SDV AmsterDance

AmsterDance is the student dance association of Amsterdam, where students take dance lessons in all styles and levels. The association provides a space for students to meet and learn from each other. Even if you are already taking dance lessons, AmsterDance is the ideal place to meet fellow students with a passion for dance. This group rehearses weekly under the guidance of Florianne Dobrowolski at the University of Amsterdam.

AmsterDance logo

Zuid – Dans Dansen

Dans Dansen is a dance school led by Michèle Vernout. The school offers a wide range of classes at three different locations in Amsterdam. For Heel Amsterdam Danst, the school has selected a group of young girls to represent Dans Dansen. They rehearse weekly under the guidance of Marion Vijn in their studio.

Dans Dansen logo

West – Anatolian Dance Academy

The Anatolian Dance Academy is a dance company for Turkish folk dances in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, led by Mehmet Aktas and Turgay Onatli. It focuses on repertoire from all regions of Turkey. Turkey’s vast geographical, ethnic, and cultural diversity has produced a wealth of varied folk dances, which are taught at this school. The group rehearses under the guidance of Nita Liem at Sportgebouw Bibian Mentel.

Anatolian Dance Academy logo

Centrum – Dance Connects

Dance Connects, founded by Floortje Rous, believes in a connected society where everyone contributes and takes care of each other. Dance Connects brings together people of different ages (from 50 to 100+) through dance. This creates an environment where participants feel free to move and are challenged to continue learning and growing. This group rehearses under the guidance of Sam Bergsma in the studios of Dutch National Opera & Ballet.

Dance Connects logo

Nieuw-West – ICK

ICK is both a professional dance company, a production house, and a knowledge centre with its own developed dance methodology. Theater De Meervaart in Nieuw-West is its permanent home base. ICK has attracted participants with various backgrounds in dance to form a group together for Heel Amsterdam Danst. This group rehearses under the guidance of Marley Braaf at the ICK Space for Dance Arts.

ICK logo

Zuidoost – GLO Entertainment Live

GLO Entertainment Live is a dance school founded by Glenn Lodeweges, offering classes for both amateurs and professional dancers. Dancers of all ages are welcome, including the youngest children. For example, toddler classes are available that integrate education with dance, allowing children to move while also meeting their educational needs. The group rehearses under the guidance of Hanke Sjamsoedin in the GLO rehearsal space.

GLO Entertainment Live logo

Weesp – Vivendi Dance Collective

Vivendi Dance Collective is a salsa school founded by Miguel & Rianne, based on their shared vision of expression through (salsa) dance. The school offers lessons for dancers of all levels. The group rehearses under the guidance of Cecile van den Idsert at Vivendi’s own location.

Vivendi Dance Collective logo

Free performance near you

During the district performances, there’s much more to experience beyond the unique renditions of In C! Local artists and dancers from the Junior Company will also take part in these special events.

Sign up to receive updates about Let Amsterdam Dance and the district performances.

Credits

The original production In C was produced by Sasha Waltz & Guests and had its world premiere on 6 March 2021. The performance was created at Radialsystem. Sasha Waltz & Guests is funded by the Senate Department for Culture and Community in Berlin.

Concept, light and choreography  Sasha Waltz 
Music  Terry Riley 
Musical directors Fedor Teunisse, David Dramm
Percussion  Fedor Teunisse
Costume design  Jasmin Lepore
Lighting design  Olaf Danilsen
Concept and dramaturgy  Jochen Sandig
Repetiteurs  Sebastian Abarbanell, Alessandra Defazio

Musical accompaniment  
Dutch Ballet Orchestra
Ensemble from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam led by Richard Jansen
Musical coordination  Fedor Teunisse

 

The original production In C was created and performed by Davide Di Pretoro, Edivaldo Ernesto, Melissa Figueiredo, Hwanhee Hwang, Annapaola Leso, Michal Mualem, Zaratiana Randrianantenaina, Aladino Rivera Blanca, Orlando Rodriguez and Joel Suárez Gómez.

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Partners

Let Amsterdam Dance is made possible in part by the Cultural Participation Fund (Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie). The Cultural Participation Fund aims to encourage and increase participation in arts and culture.

This project is also supported by VSBfonds. VSBfonds supports initiatives that promote active participation in society through donations, practical knowledge, and networks. The fund strives to enhance self-reliance and mutual reliance in our country by supporting social and cultural projects and providing scholarships. This enables everyone to find their place in our diverse society and to grow, learn, and live together. Hence, the fund’s motto: ‘Everyone participates’.