activities - RotterdamStyle.com

Best salsa, bachata, kizomba, and konpa schools in Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten activities 19 March 2025

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.

Expedition Blijdorp: a new interactive zoo experience

Bryan van Putten activities 14 February 2025

ROTTERDAM, 14 February 2025 – Diergaarde Blijdorp introduces 'Expedition Blijdorp', an interactive experience that blends education with gamification. Visitors can explore the zoo in a new way through an app featuring challenges, stories, and tasks, both on-site and at home.

A new way to explore Blijdorp

Diergaarde Blijdorp has launched ‘Expedition Blijdorp’, the first interactive experience of its kind in a Dutch zoo. The initiative combines education with game elements, encouraging visitors to engage more deeply with the animals and their environment. Upon entering the zoo, visitors can access the app, which offers various routes, challenges, and activities that make the visit more dynamic.

Learning through play

Unlike a standard zoo visit, the app enhances the experience by incorporating digital challenges alongside real-life encounters with animals. Visitors can select an expedition that interests them and embark on an educational journey. By answering questions and completing challenges, they can collect badges, earn discounts, and unlock exclusive extras, such as accompanying zookeepers during their work.

Education at the core

Modern zoos increasingly prioritise education, helping visitors understand their role in protecting nature. ‘Expedition Blijdorp’ turns visitors into active explorers, introducing them to unique species and highlighting conservation efforts. The app offers personalised expeditions, encouraging users to progress through different levels—from ‘Explorer’ to ‘Enthusiast’ and ‘Expert’, ultimately reaching the status of ‘Protector’.

Continuing the adventure at home

The experience does not end at the zoo. Through the app, visitors can access exclusive content such as live webcam feeds and updates on conservation projects. They can also take part in hands-on activities, including building insect hotels or contributing to citizen science initiatives. This ensures that the expedition continues beyond the zoo visit.

Download the Blijdorp app

The Blijdorp app is available on both Google Play and the App Store. The default language is Dutch, but you can switch it to English by in the Account settings. Be sure to close and reopen the app for the language change to take effect.

Address and directions

The zoo is easily accessible by public transport, with Rotterdam Centraal Station just a short tram or bus ride away. Parking is available for visitors travelling by car.

Ice skating in Rotterdam - locations, information and prices

Bryan van Putten activities 07 February 2025

Whenever it begins to look a lot like Christmas, people flock to the ice skating rinks. Rotterdam has a couple of interesting options, such as a 400-meter ice rink in Kralingen, a romantic experience near Leuvehaven as well as 500m² of fun at Plaswijckpark.

Schaatsbaan Rotterdam (Kralingen)

Ice skating at Schaatsbaan Rotterdam in Kralingen

Schaatsbaan Rotterdam is the biggest ice skating experience in Rotterdam. On this magical ice rink in Kralingen, you skate around inside an atmospheric tunnel with rainbow lighting. The main ice rink is 400-meter ice long and has official International Skating Union dimensions. There's also a large 1600m² 'fun rink' as well as a separate curling track.

When to go skating at Schaatsbaan Rotterdam?

Schaatsbaan Rotterdam is open daily from 23 November 2024 to 1 March 2025.

Schaatsbaan Rotterdam also offers curling activities during the 2024/2025 season. You can participate in curling clinics, which are available until 1 March 2025. These clinics last 1 hour and are suitable for groups of at least 8 people, with prices starting from €25 per person (excluding VAT). For larger groups of 30 or more, there's also the option to organise a curling tournament lasting 1.5 hours, priced at €35 per person (excluding VAT).

There are a wide variety of prices, so check out the official website for more information. Schaatsbaan Rotterdam is 100% cashless, so you're only able to pay via debit card. Gloves are compulsory.

Location: Schaatsbaan Rotterdam

nhow Rotterdam's ice skating with a skyline view

Nhow Rotterdam's rooftop has been transformed into an ice rink, offering a winter skating experience with a view. Until 16 March, visitors can enjoy this seasonal attraction at nhow Rotterdam’s terrace

The rooftop terrace of nhow Rotterdam, located on the seventh floor, has been converted into an ice rink. Until 16 March 2025, visitors can skate while enjoying panoramic views of the Rotterdam skyline in a cosy winter setting. Warm drinks are available from Elvy Gastrobar.

The skating experience, named Skate Above the Skyline, features an environmentally friendly synthetic ice surface designed to mimic traditional ice skating. After skating, visitors can warm up with winter treats such as hot chocolate and Glühwein cocktails at Elvy Gastrobar.

Ijsvrij Festival (Leuvehaven) - cancelled in 2024/2025

Ice skating at Ijsvrij in Rotterdam

Ijsvrij has a very romantic, roofed skating rink. According to Lonely Planet, in 2017 Ijsvrij Festival was one of the top three most beautiful ice skating rinks in Europe. According to event managers, visitors often compare the experience with ice skating in Central Park (New York). In 2019, it moves to a new - and more central - location at Plein 1940, between Beurs and Blaak. You'll be skating with the historic Leuvehaven as your backdrop with it's colourfully lit cranes.

When to go skating at Ijsvrij Festival?

Ijsvrij Festival is open from Saturday, 14 December 2019 through Sunday 12 January 2020. On weekdays, the rink is open from 12:00 to 20:00. On weekends, Ijsvrij you can visit from 10:00 to 20:00.

The Ijsvrij ice rink is 100% cashless, so you're only able to pin via debit card. Gloves are compulsory.

Check out Ijsvrij Festival's 2018/2019 trailer

Location: Ijsvrij Festival

Plaswijckpark's Schaatsbaan (Hillegersberg-Schiebroek)

Ice skating at Plaswijckpark in Rotterdam

Located at the Bergse Achterplas in Hillegersberg-Schiebroek, on the northern edge of Rotterdam, Plaswijckpark has been a small-scale recreation centre for over 95 years. To mark the occasion, a covered 500m² skating rink has been placed in the park. Plaswijckpark claims their ice skating rink is the only one in Rotterdam with real, ice-cold ice.

Discover the Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam 2025

Bryan van Putten activities 10 January 2025

ROTTERDAM, 10 January 2025 — The Nieuwe Instituut’s 2025 programme promises a dynamic year of exhibitions, international events, and Rotterdam-centric cultural initiatives. From explorations of global architectural icons to Rotterdam’s first design biennale, the museum offers a robust mix of events for residents and visitors alike.

A year of exhibitions at the Nieuwe Instituut

The Nieuwe Instituut’s 2025 programme highlights architecture, design, and digital culture, with both new and ongoing exhibitions. In May, an exhibition centred on the work of Chinese architect Ma Yansong will open. Ma, renowned for his innovative designs blending nature, emotion, and architecture, is also the creator of the striking rooftop tornado feature on Rotterdam’s Fenix Museum of Migration, set to open the same month. The exhibition will explore his studio MAD Architects’ critical response to modernism and how their work reflects traditional Chinese influences.

Later in the year, FUNGI: Anarchist Designers will challenge conventional perspectives on fungi. Rather than focusing on their value as resources for food or materials, the exhibition presents fungi as disruptors of societal norms, created through collaborations between artists and scientists. Curators Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing and Feifei Zhou invite visitors to reconsider fungi as catalysts for ecological and cultural dialogue.

For those interested in gardens and sustainability, the ongoing exhibition Tuinen van de Toekomst (Gardens of the Future) remains open until April. This presentation examines gardens as experimental spaces addressing climate change, biodiversity, and social justice through the work of renowned designers and artists. Additionally, the long-running Dutch, More or Less exhibition continues, showcasing over 70 installations, models, and designs by Dutch architects and designers, including Viktor&Rolf, MVRDV, and Hella Jongerius.

In June, the 20th edition of BNA Beste Gebouw van het Jaar (Best Building of the Year) will celebrate Dutch architectural innovation. This event will be accompanied by an exhibition featuring standout projects from the past two decades, offering a retrospective on how architecture has shaped the Dutch urban landscape.

Rotterdam’s first design biennale

From 19 February to 2 March 2025, Rotterdam will host its inaugural Design Biennale, transforming the city into a hub for collectible design. With over 15 locations participating, the event will feature exhibitions, talks, and workshops. The Nieuwe Instituut, as a key partner, will host several activities, including a symposium examining the role of design in shaping sustainable urban environments. The biennale showcases Rotterdam’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in the global design conversation.

Rotterdam’s role on the international stage

The Nieuwe Instituut will represent Rotterdam and the Netherlands in prominent global events throughout 2025. At the World Expo in Osaka, the institute is curating the cultural programme for the Dutch pavilion, focusing on the theme Common Ground. This theme highlights collaboration and cultural exchange, emphasising Rotterdam’s openness to global dialogue.

At the Venice Architecture Biennale, the Dutch pavilion will explore the intersections of architecture and social norms. Curator Amanda Pinatih and designer Gabriel Fontana will transform the iconic Rietveldpaviljoen into a ‘sports bar,’ using sports as a lens to examine issues such as gender and inclusivity.

During Milan Design Week, Rotterdam’s innovative spirit will shine through a year-long residency programme aimed at tackling sustainability challenges linked to large-scale events. Three designers will collaborate with local communities in Milan to explore solutions addressing over-tourism, pollution, and resource consumption.

Year-round attractions at the Nieuwe Instituut

The Nieuwe Instituut’s permanent features provide visitors with diverse experiences:

Huis Sonneveld: This 1930s modernist home offers insight into how a prominent Rotterdam family embraced modern architecture and design. Enhanced sensory elements allow visitors to explore the space through touch, sound, and scent.
New Store: A pop-up shop exploring regenerative retail practices, offering sustainable products designed by local creatives.
-1: A digital culture lab that combines exhibition and experimentation. This year’s programme focuses on ‘noise cancelling,’ featuring immersive art installations that explore sound and silence.
Toekomstmakers!: An interactive exhibit created with input from Rotterdam’s children, encouraging young visitors to envision and create their ideal futures.

Visitors can also enjoy the recently redesigned Nieuwe Tuin, an outdoor space fostering biodiversity and ecological management, or relax at the Nieuwe Café, which offers plant-based cuisine on one of Rotterdam’s most scenic terraces.

Directions to the Nieuwe Instituut

The Nieuwe Instituut is located at Museumpark 25, 3015 CB, Rotterdam. Situated in the heart of the city, it is easily accessible by public transport, including tram and metro services to the nearby Museumpark stop. For those arriving by car, parking facilities are available in the area.

Christmas Markets in and around Rotterdam

Anne Soetens activities 16 November 2024

If the dim daylight, the early dark and the general wetness of the season threaten your mood, Christmas markets in and around Rotterdam will definitely lift your spirits. The bright lights, homemade goods and Christmassy smells will tease you into enjoying the time leading up to Christmas.

Christmas markets have always been a vibrant part of the festive season in Rotterdam and its surroundings, offering a diverse and joyful experience. Let's explore some of the most enchanting Christmas markets you can visit in the area

Trompenburg Christmas Market

From 6 to 8 December 2024, the Trompenburg Gardens and Arboretum transform into a magical Christmas market. Amidst beautifully lit greenery, visitors can browse products from regional entrepreneurs, enjoy winter delights at the food trucks, and soak in the festive atmosphere on the terraces.

Green Christmas Market at Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum Rotterdam

The Maker Market

On 14 and 15 December 2024, the courtyard of the iconic Groothandelsgebouw, right next to Rotterdam Central, transforms into a vibrant market filled with festive stalls. This special Christmas edition of The Maker Market promises unique gifts from talented artisans and creative entrepreneurs, alongside locally brewed beers and live music to set the holiday mood.

Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt Kerst Editie

The Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt on Noordplein hosts special Christmas editions on 14 and 21 December 2024. All year round, the Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt is a vibrant farmers' market held bi-weekly in Rotterdam, showcasing locally produced food and sustainable goods. It is a popular spot for residents and visitors to explore a diverse range of fresh produce, artisan bread, cheeses, meat, flowers, and other regional delicacies. The market places a strong emphasis on sustainability, supporting small-scale farmers and producers from the Rotterdam region.

Deliplein Winterplein

Residents and entrepreneurs of Katendrecht are embracing the Christmas spirit with the launch of the first-ever ‘Deliplein Winterplein,’ running from Saturday 7 to Sunday 22 December 2024. This festive event features Christmas stalls, food, drinks, performances, and activities. The opening weekend (7-8 December) includes light displays, popcorn popping, marshmallow roasting, and oliebollen. With a packed weekly programme from Wednesday to Sunday, visitors can enjoy tree shopping, flea markets, pub quizzes, card tournaments, and dancing in the party tent, alongside workshops and clinics.

Vintage aan de Maas (OASE)

The sustainable market named Vintage aan de Maas at OASE on 14 December 2024 offers a mix of local, vintage, and handmade shops. It’s an opportunity to support local artisans and enjoy the cozy Christmas atmosphere, all for a nominal entry fee.

Charloise Winterfair

Join the cosy Charloisse Winterfair on Saturday, 14 December, from 11:30 to 19:00 at the field on Charloisse Kerksingel. The whole market is covered with tents, so you can stay warm and dry even if the weather isn’t ideal, surrounded by festive lights and decorations. Expect a variety of stalls, live music, Christmas bingo, and even a special visit from Santa himself!

Traditional Scandinavian Christmas Markets

Experience Scandinavian Christmas traditions at various churches in Rotterdam. The Norwegian Seamen's Church, Danish Seamen's Church, Finnish House, and Swedish Church host markets with their respective country’s specialities. From cosy knit sweaters and Moomin mugs to fika with cinnamon buns, these markets offer an array of local snacks, handmade products, and traditional decorations.

Rotterdam will host several Scandinavian Christmas markets in 2024. Here’s a list of the ones to explore:

Norwegian Christmas Market at the Norwegian Church on Westzeedijk 300: Open on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 November, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November, and Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November.
Christmas Shop at the Finnish House on ‘s-Gravendijkwal 64: Running from Thursday 21 November to Sunday 24 November and again from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 1 December.
Market at the Danish Seamen's Church on Coolhaven 1. The Danish Christmas Market at the Dansk Sømandskirke (Danish Seamen's Church) in Rotterdam offers a true taste of Danish “hygge”. Expect traditional Danish food, drink, music, and design, immersing visitors in Scandinavian Christmas cheer. Open on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 November, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November.
Swedish Christmas Market at the Scots International Church on Schiedamse Vest. Experience the magic of the holiday season with delicious Swedish treats, unique Christmas gifts, and a warm, festive atmosphere. Open on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November.

Each market offers a unique Scandinavian holiday experience!

German Christmas market

The traditional Christmas market at the German Evangelical Church at ‘s-Gravendijkwal 65 in Rotterdam is back again this year. On Saturday, 23 November, from 10:00 to 16:00, you can enjoy a variety of treats, including homemade cakes, Lebkuchen, Bratwurst, Glühwein, soup, and much more. Christmas gifts, decorations, handicrafts, and festive prizes in the lottery await you.

Additional markets in the surrounding areas

Dickens Christmas Fair Schiedam (14 December 2024): A large Christmas market in the Van Hogendorpkwartier featuring many stalls and festive decorations.

WinterFeest Barendrecht (14 December 9, 2024): A festive celebration in Barendrecht with numerous activities for children, including a carousel and Christmas karaoke.

Warme Wintermarkt Gouda (8 December 2024): Held at the creative hub GOUDasfalt, this market offers unique gifts, winter treats, and a gift exchange wall.

Dordtse december markt (Dordrecht) (14-15 December 2024): In the charming Grotekerksbuurt and Groenmarkt located in the historic heart of Dordrecht, you'll find over 50 Christmas stalls offering unique, handcrafted gifts and artisanal products. Enjoy delicious treats from food trucks set up in the beautiful garden of the Grote Kerk, surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Grote Kerk and the city hall.

Weekend Kerstmarkt Maassluis (14-15 December 2024): Numerous Christmas stalls will be set up at Bloemhofje, the Markt, and Marelplein. Both days will feature street theatre, music, singing, dancing, a carousel, and other entertainment in the beautiful city centre.

Kerstmarkt Spijkenisse (21 December 2024): Spijkenisse will host a German-themed Christmas market on Saturday from 11:00 to 21:00 in the Zijlstraat near the Dorpskerk, styled as an Anton Pieck-inspired lane. Visitors can expect more than fifty stalls (some with wooden fronts), a stage with live performances throughout the day, tasty treats like mulled wine and hot chocolate, illuminated tractors, a merry-go-round, and festive appearances by Santa, a reindeer, and a snowman. If it goes well, the organisers plan to make it much bigger next year.

Winter Market Poortugaal (30 November 2024): On Saturday, 30th November, Poortugaal will host a winter market, or “winterbraderie.” This festive event will feature an indoor Christmas market at the Brinkhoeve, along with an amaryllis sale. There will be a special visit from Sinterklaas and his helpers between 12:00 and 13:30, adding to the seasonal excitement. Visitors can enjoy Dickens-themed entertainment, various attractions for children, and photo opportunities with Santa. Additionally, there will be live music performances by Elly Bezemer & friends, setting a warm and inviting atmosphere. The winter market will be open from 10:00 to 16:00.

Christmas Market Rhoon (14 December 2024)- On Saturday, 14th December, Rhoon will host a Christmas market spread across three locations: Julianastraat, Strawinskyplein, and Dorpsdijk. The market will feature 40 stalls, providing a variety of festive goods and treats. Open from 10:00 to 20:00, the event also includes an ice-skating rink and a curling track, making it a family-friendly day out with activities for all ages. Additionally, there will be live performances throughout the day to add to the festive atmosphere.

Christmas Market culture in Rotterdam

Generally speaking, Rotterdammers are not actually famous for their Christmas markets. It’s more the little communities within the communities that have brought them from their home countries and are not willing to give up their Christmas-market-tradition just because they have relocated. So, the ones in Rotterdam are often connected to churches. But if that makes you itch; nobody will say the slightest if you are an atheist and still turn up.

There are also the ones in Rotterdam's surrounding areas. These are held at castles, country houses and the like, but not without a bit of a hiccup: they often tend to charge hefty entrance fees and are mainly aimed at ladies above 50. There’s one close to Rotterdam that comes close to Christmas markets as known in other countries and is ideal for friends and families, but you’ll have to get out of the city.

Potentially happening or not happening in 2024:

Winter Fair Ahoy

From 14 to 17 December 2023, the Winter Fair at Ahoy Rotterdam is a large indoor Christmas market. With over 200 exhibitors, you can shop for festive decorations, food, fashion, and more. The fair also offers daily performances, fashion shows, and workshops for all ages.