ROTTERDAM, 27 August 2025 – A new season of Cinemini kicks off this autumn at LantarenVenster, offering children in Rotterdam their very first cinematic experience in a playful and relaxed setting. The programme features short animated films and light-based installations tailored to toddlers and preschoolers.

Cinemini returns to LantarenVenster with film and play for young children

LantarenVenster will be hosting a new season of Cinemini, a film experience aimed at Rotterdam’s youngest residents. Beginning in September, short animated films will be screened on alternating Sunday mornings. The initiative is designed especially for toddlers, preschoolers and their parents or carers.

Each Cinemini screening takes place in a calm environment with dimmed lights, soft sound and space for movement. After the films, children are invited to explore a tactile light installation. Here, they can play and experiment with light, colour, shape and shadow — engaging creatively with the themes explored in the films.

The Cinemini film programme

Cinemini: Samen (7 + 21 September | 10:30)
This screening follows a group of friends on a mission to return a stone creature to its origin, exploring concepts like friendship and discovery along the way.

Cinemini: Weer en wind (5 + 19 October | 10:30)
This selection explores the unpredictability of Dutch weather. Children observe how seasons can shift dramatically — sometimes all in one day.

Cinemini: Dag en nacht (24 + 26 October | 10:30)
Nightfall transforms the world. As people sleep, other creatures awaken. The screening explores nocturnal life and the transition from darkness to dawn.

Cinemini: Draak Dries (2 + 16 November | 10:30)
Young dragon Dries wishes to fly, roar and breathe fire like the others. The story follows his attempts to find his place and grow into his strengths.

Cinemini: Op zoek (30 November + 14 December | 10:30)
This programme centres on the theme of searching — for a home, a missing pet, or even a misplaced sock. A playful exploration of curiosity and loss.

Cinemini: Mannetje Tak (21 + 29 December | 10:30)
Stick Man’s peaceful life is disrupted when he is mistaken for something else and swept away. A journey unfolds as he tries to return to his family in time for Christmas.

Cinemini: Bijzondere beesten (4 January | 10:30)
This screening invites viewers to see the world from the perspective of animals. Through four short films, viewers follow creatures as they swim, grow and explore.

Cinemini: Ondersteboven (11 January | 10:30)
Combining humour and philosophy, this screening plays with expectations — sometimes in the air, sometimes underground. A light-hearted examination of perspective.

Other family-friendly screenings and activities

Cinekid presenteert: The Invisible Ones (9+) (Sunday 31 August | 14:15)
A special screening for older children includes a short introductory film, followed by a creative workshop in the foyer. Children are invited to draw and take part in an interactive activity inspired by the theme of invisibility.

Cinekid 2025 (11–26 October)
During the autumn holiday, Rotterdam families can participate in the Cinekid Festival. The programme includes films and series for children aged 4–14, alongside workshops in the MediaLab. Children can take on the role of director and explore interactive digital installations.

Venue information

LantarenVenster is located on the Kop van Zuid in Rotterdam. The venue is easily accessible by tram, metro and bicycle. Parking is available in nearby garages, including the Q-Park underneath the Luxor Theatre. The riverside area offers scenic views and several cafés for families visiting before or after the screening.

ROTTERDAM, 30 June 2025 – The Euromast marks its 65th anniversary with a new immersive exhibition that reimagines Rotterdam’s history and skyline in vivid detail. From July, visitors will be introduced to an interactive journey that begins at ground level.

Euromast unveils ‘The Rise of Rotterdam’ on its 65th anniversary

The Euromast, a prominent structure in the Rotterdam skyline since 1960, is introducing a new visitor experience to coincide with its 65th anniversary. Entitled The Rise of Rotterdam, the interactive installation aims to offer visitors a deeper connection to the city through sound, visuals and storytelling.

Opening on 4 July 2025, the experience begins before guests even take the lift up the tower. Starting at the base of the Euromast, the exhibition guides visitors through two thematic sections: Rotterdam risen from the water and A colourful panorama.

From swamp to skyline

The first part, Rotterdam risen from the water, transports guests back to 1270. Set in a marshy and inhospitable landscape, visitors engage with the early origins of the city. Through projections, sound design and interactive displays, the founding of Rotterdam is brought to life, encouraging guests to actively explore how the settlement developed.

Following this, A colourful panorama highlights the city’s transformation into a modern metropolis. This section reflects on the construction of the Euromast during the 1960 Floriade and includes a dynamic presentation of Rotterdam’s architectural evolution.

The Euromast opens a new exhibition, The Rise of Rotterdam, offering visitors an immersive journey through the city’s past and present.

A new perspective on the city

Leonie Staat, general manager of the Euromast, explained that the aim was to provide an experience that added meaning to the visit. “We wanted to create something that makes you not just see, but also feel what Rotterdam is and where it comes from.”

She added that The Rise of Rotterdam serves both as an ideal starting point for visitors and as a novel way for residents to reconnect with their city.

A chapter in Colourful Rotterdam

The new exhibition forms the first instalment of a broader concept called Colourful Rotterdam, a series of experiences designed to explore the city’s identity through the lens of its people, architecture, environment and character (lef). After engaging with The Rise of Rotterdam, guests continue their journey to the top via the Euroscoop or observation platform, now equipped with a new appreciation for the stories behind the skyline.

A new direction for the Euromast

This development is part of a larger shift in the Euromast’s role. No longer functioning solely as a viewpoint, it now serves as a multi-sensory introduction to the city. The exhibition is included in the standard admission ticket and aims to enrich the overall experience.

About the Euromast

Constructed in 1960 for the Floriade, the Euromast stands at 185 metres and offers panoramic views of Rotterdam and its port. Visitors can dine in the Brasserie, stay overnight in one of the elevated suites, or ascend to the top in the rotating Euroscoop lift. Operated by Magnicity since 2020, the tower also offers options for abseiling from 100 metres and hosts various events and corporate activities.

Visiting the Euromast

The Euromast is located at Parkhaven 20, in the western part of the city, close to Het Park and near the entrance to the Maas Tunnel. The area is well-served by public transport and has parking facilities nearby. It lies within walking distance of other attractions such as the Kunsthal and the Wereldmuseum.

ROTTERDAM, 15 August 2025 – Ticket sales for World Port Days 2025 excursions and cruises begin this Monday at 12:00. The annual maritime event returns with both free and bookable experiences in and around the Rotterdam harbour.

Tickets for World Port Days 2025 tours and cruises available from Monday

Ticket sales for excursions and boat tours during the 48th edition of Wereldhavendagen (World Port Days) will open on Monday, 18 August 2025 at 12:00. The event will take place on 5, 6 and 7 September, bringing visitors closer to the daily operations and transformation of Rotterdam’s world-renowned port.

Alongside the freely accessible public programme, a wide range of in-depth tours and harbour cruises will also be available, offering a closer look at both operational and historic aspects of the port. Tickets will be sold via the official website: www.wereldhavendagen.nl.

Experience the port from the water

A range of cruises will provide close views of the port and its floating show programme. MRD Marinesupport will offer front-row access, while the Saturday evening show can also be watched from the water aboard various vessels, including the Oceandiva Nova.

P&O Ferries will once again host two full-day harbour cruises, including onboard activities and the traditional “straatje keren” manoeuvre in front of the Erasmus Bridge. Cruises will also be available aboard historical vessels such as the Eendracht, Furie, Helena, and the sea tug Elbe.

Excursions into the working harbour

Visitors interested in the port’s inner workings can take part in excursions by bus or boat to companies normally closed to the public. These include the automated facilities of Impala, Reym, Huntsman, and APM Terminals.

Neighbouring port areas are also involved. The Bedrijvenfestival in Schiedam will highlight local industry, while Damen Shiprepair offers insights into Dutch shipbuilding. Visitors can also observe real-time maritime traffic coordination at the Botlek Traffic Centre or meet the boatmen of the KRVE. The new Portlantis experience centre will focus on the future of the port and its environmental ambitions.

Explore the port by bike or on foot

Several land-based tours have been planned for visitors who prefer to stay dry. These include bike and walking tours through areas such as Landtong Rozenburg, showcasing the greener side of the port.

Other walking tours explore the evolution of former harbour zones, such as the M4H district, which has become a hub for innovation and urban renewal. Additional stops include the Floating Farm, the foundations of the Erasmus Bridge, and culinary locations such as the Markthal, The Boat Bar, and Bar Stroom.

Connecting residents with the modern port

Sabine Bruijnincx, director of Wereldhavendagen, said: “Through our excursions and boat tours, we quite literally open the port’s gates. We show the reality of daily operations, introduce the people behind the port’s innovations, and highlight how the harbour impacts our daily lives.

“With the walking and cycling tours, our audience also discovers what the port is becoming – a place for recreation, or a former industrial site transforming into a liveable district. By giving people direct experiences, we aim to foster understanding and appreciation of what the port is and what it can become.”

Practical information

Ticket sales for all excursions and tours will start at 12:00 on Monday, 18 August 2025 via wereldhavendagen.nl. Tickets for P&O day cruises are already available via the dedicated excursion page.

Most of the World Port Days programme remains free of charge, including various events along the quays, maritime demonstrations on the river, the Food Festival Square, and the fireworks show on Saturday evening.  The full schedule of activities is available on the official website.

Directions and location

Wereldhavendagen takes place across Rotterdam’s central quays, with main activities centred around Willemsplein and the Erasmus Bridge. The area is accessible by metro (Leuvehaven station), tram (lines 7 and 25), and water taxi. Visitors arriving by train can walk from Rotterdam Blaak or take a tram from Rotterdam Centraal.

Discover the best schools for learning salsa, bachata, kizomba, and konpa in Rotterdam, along with a brief historical context of these vibrant dance styles.

Why learn Latin and Caribbean dances in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city that offers an amazing dance scene. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the social dance community, improve your fitness, or simply have fun, these dance schools are the perfect place to start.

Not only will you learn new dance styles, but you’ll also meet a diverse group of people who share your passion for Latin and Caribbean music and culture. Many of these schools also organise events, giving you the opportunity to practice your moves and socialise.

From LatinXpress at Grounds every first Saturday of the month to Latincafe Dox at Nieuwe Luxor every third Wednesday of the month, or Mama Juana and Striktly every week at Stadhuisplein, there's always something happening to keep you moving. Additionally, the dance schools themselves often organise enjoyable dance nights for their students.

This article will guide you through the top schools for each dance style, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your dancing journey. If you're not sure what these dances (Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba etc.) are, scroll below for an explanation. 

Top SBK dance schools in Rotterdam

Here are some of the top Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and Konpa dance schools in Rotterdam, offering lessons in various styles:

Typical Tropical

• Styles offered: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba​
• Description: Known for its fun and inclusive environment, Typical Tropical provides energetic classes suitable for all levels. The classes include regular 10-week courses as well as more intense accelerated 5-week courses.​

Salsability

• Styles offered: Salsa on2, Bachata​
• Description: Salsability is renowned for its dedicated instructors and comprehensive curriculum, helping students refine their techniques and develop their dance skills in both salsa and bachata.​

MamboMike

• Styles offered: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba​
• Description: Led by the charismatic Mike, this school provides personalised attention, ensuring students reach their full potential in salsa, bachata, and kizomba.​

El YoYo

• Styles offered: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba​
• Description: El YoYo offers a more intimate setting with a close-knit community of dancers and passionate instructors, making it ideal for those seeking a supportive learning environment.​

Bachata Passion

• Styles offered: Bachata, Kizomba​
• Description: Specialising in bachata, Bachata Passion lives up to its name by offering expert instruction and a deep passion for the dance. They also provide kizomba classes, adding to their diverse offerings.​

Konpassion

• Styles offered: Konpa​
• Description: As one of the primary schools in Rotterdam offering konpa lessons, Konpassion is paving the way for this exciting dance style to flourish in the city.

What is salsa?

Salsa is an energetic, rhythm-driven dance with roots in Latin America and the Caribbean, influenced by Cuban son, mambo, and jazz. Rotterdam's vibrant salsa community embraces various styles:

• Salsa on1 (LA style): The most popular variation in Rotterdam, danced on the first beat, known for flashy turns and dynamic footwork.
• Salsa on2 (New York style): Danced on the second beat, offering smoother movements and a strong emphasis on musicality.
• Cuban salsa (Casino): Characterised by circular, playful motions, spontaneous combinations, and influences from Afro-Cuban dances.

What is bachata?

Originating from the Dominican Republic, bachata is recognised for its romantic rhythms, emotional melodies, and intimate connection between partners. Popular variations include:

• Dominican bachata: Traditional form emphasising intricate footwork, rhythmic hip movements, and authentic Dominican musicality.
• Sensual bachata: Modern variation with fluid body rolls, isolations, and closer physical connection.
• Fusion bachata: Offered by schools like Typical Tropical, this hybrid course combines Dominican and Sensual styles, allowing dancers to enjoy the complete spectrum of bachata movements.

What is kizomba?

Kizomba emerged from Angola, blending traditional semba with zouk and Caribbean influences, creating a smooth, close, and sensual dance. Recently, kizomba has evolved into multiple styles:

• Traditional kizomba: Known for smoothness, subtle footwork, and a deep connection with the music and partner.
• Urban Kiz: A modern adaptation incorporating linear movements, sharper steps, and influences from hip-hop and tango.
• Kizomba Fusion: Blends traditional kizomba, urban kiz, tarraxinha, and even tango or bachata elements, offering dancers versatility and creative freedom.

What is konpa?

Konpa (also spelled kompa or compas) originates from Haiti, characterised by its rhythmic patterns, melodic grooves, and flowing partner movements. It's known for:

• Gouyad: A distinctive, sensual, rhythmic body roll and hip movement fundamental to konpa dancing.
• Smooth footwork: Emphasis on elegant, rhythmic steps, maintaining a constant flow between partners, reflecting konpa’s laid-back yet passionate style.

Bonus tip: tango in Rotterdam

For those seeking something truly different, why not immerse yourself in the world of Argentine tango? Rotterdam is home to two exceptional tango schools:

Cuartito Azul: A welcoming environment with expert instructors, Cuartito Azul will have you gliding across the dance floor in no time.

Alma de Tango: With a focus on authentic Argentine tango, this school offers a comprehensive curriculum to help you master the elegance and passion of this timeless dance.