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ONLY BE AMSTERDAMMER
Only Be Amsterdammer
Jams in Amsterdam
Improvisation of contact is a dance technique and style in which the dancers lean on each other using the mass of their bodies during the movement, respecting certain basic rules, but unleashing instinct and improvisation. It´s considered that during the early 1970s, the American dancer Steve Paxton was the first one in laying out the basics of this art, especially developing intense duos which lacked a musical background, in other words, a pair of dancers touching each other, falling, counter-weighing each other, standing up, caressing each other in a mutual balance which ends up being a mix of dance, theatre and a martial arts duel. The atmosphere which is created among the dancers, and with the crowd in general, is cooperative and equal. This accessible and slightly elitist atmosphere favours the celebration of informal encounters which receive the name ´jams´, and which the promoters of this style of dance usually celebrate around the world. Today I want to talk to you about a place in Amsterdam where you can attend both classes and weekly ´jams´: it´s the Studio 100 dance studio, located on Wittenstraat 100 (between Westerpark and the Jordaan). Every Saturday afternoon a large amount of dancers from different styles, origins and levels of experience (an advantage of improvisation is that there´s no need for a long technical learning curve before you begin to dance) gather there. From 2pm until 4pm they have a class (with a different teacher every week) to explain the bases of contact improvisation, suggest basic movements to start each dance and (most importantly) clarify some security notions to avoid injuries in the heat of...
East-west: Japan and japonism, exhibition in Amsterdam
Until January 15, 2012 the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam exhibit East-west: Japan and Japan-ism that ventures into the influence that Japanese artists of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries had in European painting and the art market of that time . The show will consist of 40 works, among which are some belonging to Vincent Van Gogh and other artists of the era who were influenced by these works of art. The arrival of Japanese paintings marked a turning point in European art due to the lovely images introduced in the imaginations of the artists of the time, besides the new use of certain of paintings ideas and engravings, such as the use of colors and pattern compositions that impacted many artists in Europe. Among the works on display are those made by Japanese artists Hiroshige and Utagawa Kunisada Utagawa and paintings by artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri Rivière, Felix Buhot and Vincent Van Gogh. The Utagawa School of painting was developed in Japan and was very popular until the mid-nineteenth century. This movement is described as the forerunner of the genre of Ukiyo-e imprinting . The founder was Toyokuni Utagawa or Toyoharu III, who was born in 1735 whose first artistic knowledge was acquired in the Kano School. However, in the course of his work he started to develop his own technique and color management, ultimately creating the school that made him famous beyond Japan and times. The earliest known works of Utagawa fall in the style of Suzuki Harunobu, with the application of certain technical features of the Utagawa school that give a graceful special...
Traveling with Kids in Amsterdam
Traveling with children is a special way to experience your holidays, not only because it means taking precautions and carry twice the luggage, but it also means knowing that there are alternatives for family to have fun, where to eat and recommendations regarding special activities in the city. So I´ll tell you how you can make an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam with your children. Amsterdam is a city for walking, but also, it is very comfortable to tour by bicycle. For you and your children to enjoy Amsterdam, Rent a Bike has the best service with and alternative tours. The museums are a good activity to share with children. The Anne Frank Museum is open daily between 9:00 and 21:00 hours and prices are different between adults and children. This museum is recommended for 7 year-old children or older. It is recommendable to previously explain them about the historical content is the museum. Another recommended museum to visit, because of its beauty and souvenir shop is the Van Gogh museum. This museum opens between 10:00 and 18:00 hours and the entrance is free of charge for children up to 12 years old. Artis Zoo is a fun and interesting place for children of all ages. There are nearly 700 animal species, among which are birds, mammals, fishes, insects and reptiles from around the world. The zoo, in addition to offer education services, works in a network with other zoos around the world to fight for the preservation of endangered species. At the entrance of the Artis Zoo there is a Planetarium. Here your children will enjoy watching and getting...Tangomania Amsterdam
On the last week of December, the final of Tangomania takes place in Amsterdam, with the best dancers in the world.
Amsterdam City Tours
At Amsterdam City Tours they organize all types of guided tours at a magnificent price.
The Boxer Rebellion in Amsterdam
On the 7th of December, the band The Boxer Rebellion will be playing at the Melkweg concert venue. The meeting with their fans in this city will be at 8pm and the tickets cost 30,80 euros per person. The Boxer Rebellion is a musical institution for all alternative rock and indie lovers. The were formed in 2001 by the American singer Nathan Nicholson, the Australian guitarist Todd Howe and the British drummer and bassist Piers Hewitt and Adam Harrison respectively. Despite that their music is considered an exponent of alternative rock, the influence of classic American rock is undeniable. They´re also influenced by fundamental bands of the last few decades, like Radiohead and sounds like britpop and indie rock. Their music is solid and has that charm of a well done piece of work, made with care, where distortions are in precise music tempos, reminding the spectators of the character of their interpretations. Their latest album, ´The Cold Still´, released on iTunes in February of this year, was mixed and produced by Ethan Johns at Real Worlds Studios. This success has launched them to stardom on a global scale, despite that it´s been 6 years of production of albums and singles. Maybe one of the reasons of their success is due to the mix of their rigorous musical work with the unmistakeable voice of Nicholson, who shines both in the studio and on stage. The story of this band is very interesting. Nicholson, after his mother´s death, went to London to meet Todd Howe, who he´d met through a musical network on the internet. This gave way to a band which...Bike City Amsterdam
Bike City is a bicycle rental shop without colours or advertising, through which you can mix with the locals in Amsterdam.
Starbikes Amsterdam
Starbikes is one of the most famous bicycle rental shops in Amsterdam. If you want to get to know the city in a different way, this is the place for you.
Taxi Bus Schiphol Amsterdam
Taxis, rental cars and small minibuses can be hired online at Taxi Bus Schiphol.
De Avond Markt Amsterdam
De Avond Markt in Amsterdam is a small supermarket which doesn´t close at night. Their specialities are bread and bakery products.
