ROTTERDAM, 5 September 2023 – This weekend, WTC Rotterdam will participate in Open Monumenten Dag (Open Monuments Day) for the first time, offering a unique exhibition and guided tours to the public.

A weekend of exploration

More than 50 monuments in Rotterdam will be accessible to visitors on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September. Among them, WTC Rotterdam is making its debut in the event. The exhibition, titled 'Het monument van de toekomst' (The Monument of the Future), will be open from 11:00 to 17:00.

Guided tours by Ferrie Weeda

Ferrie Weeda, a historian and city guide in Rotterdam, will conduct three exclusive tours, showcasing various special locations within the monumental building. The tours are scheduled for 11:00, 12:00, and 13:00. Advanced registration is available, and eight spots per tour are open for walk-ins.

The evolution of trade in Rotterdam

Trade has been conducted in the city centre since 1598. Initially, a covered place known as the Beurs was established to protect traded grain from bad weather. Over the years, the Beurs moved to different locations within the city, eventually evolving into the WTC Rotterdam.

Transformation and sustainability

The building, which once served as a trading exchange, now houses approximately 100 offices. Since 2016, it has undergone significant revitalisation, designed by Architect Bierman Henket. Attention was paid to the original vision of J.F. Staal, who designed the building in the 1930s. Investments have also been made in sustainability, resulting in an A++ energy label.

A word from the managing director

Eveline Steenbergen, managing director of WTC Rotterdam, stated, "This place has significant historical value. The exhibition and tours demonstrate why this building is rightfully a Rijksmonument."

About WTC Rotterdam

Situated in the bustling city centre and the Central Business District, WTC Rotterdam has been owned by Bouwinvest since 2015. The building offers a range of facilities, including a congress centre, a hotel, and various dining options.

How to get there

WTC Rotterdam is centrally located in the heart of Rotterdam, making it easily accessible by public transport and car. The area is vibrant, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

The inaugural Royal Championships for Queen & King of the Court in beach volleyball have been launched in Rotterdam, marking a significant milestone for the sport. The event, which runs from 5 to 10 September, promises to be a global gathering of top talent in the beach volleyball world.

The event was first annnounced and inaugurated a couple of months back with a unique spectacle as five players from Beachvolleybal Team Nederland descended from the iconic Euromast, passing a beach volleyball among them. The Euromast served as the backdrop for the introduction of this first-ever world championship in the Queen & King of the Court discipline.

World-class talent descends on Rotterdam

Thirty of the world's best teams in beach volleyball for each gender will compete in Rotterdam. The qualification tournament will feature 15 teams for each gender, with five teams advancing to the main tournament, where another 15 teams will directly qualify. In total, 120 players from over 25 countries will vie for the titles of Queens and Kings of Rotterdam.

Unique format and multiple venues

The championship will be held at five different locations across the city. The Royal Stadium at Henegouwerplein serves as the event's hub, while four side-courts are located at Afrikaanderplein, Museumpark, Schuttersveld, and Beachclub Rotterdam. The side-courts are open to the public free of charge.

Tickets and special occasions

Tickets for the Royal Stadium matches are available for purchase on the official website.

Social impact and community involvement

In collaboration with Sportbedrijf Rotterdam and Rotterdam SportSupport, various side-events will be organized within the local communities. The Royal Stadium will remain at Henegouwerplein for over two weeks, hosting various sporting and cultural events.

Wilco Nijland, CEO of Sportworx, emphasized the sport's growth, stating, “Rotterdam is a wonderful place to host the first World Championship.” Peter Blangé, CEO of Rotterdam Topsport, welcomed the Queen & King of the Court community to the city, highlighting the event's unique setup across multiple city locations.

How to get there

Directions to Henegouwerplein

Henegouwerplein is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport or car. The area is vibrant, surrounded by shops, cafes, and cultural spots.

For two weekends this September, one of the arches in Rotterdam's Hofbogen will be transformed into an interactive pop-up experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a Ben & Jerry's Sundae pint and embark on a sensory expedition.

The Ben & Jerry's Chunky Experience

The pop-up, open for the last two weekends of September, offers a unique journey through the layers of a Ben & Jerry's Sundae pint. The experience includes a 360° photo booth and an immersive audiovisual presentation, among other features. Ice cream, naturally, will also be a part of the event.

New Sundae Flavours

Earlier this year, new Sundae flavours were introduced, featuring a variety of textures and tastes. These ice creams are made with fair trade ingredients, such as vanilla and Open Chain cocoa. The ice cream is produced in Hellendoorn, where Ben & Jerry's cows are located.

Practical Information

How to get there

The Ben & Jerry's Chunky Experience is located at Raampoortstraat 16 in the Hofbogen area of Rotterdam. The venue will be open on Friday, 15 September from 16:00-21:00, Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 September from 12:00-21:00, and again on Friday, 22 September from 16:00-21:00, Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 September from 12:00-21:00. Admission is free.

  

As autumn leaves begin to fall, the doors of Typical Tropical dance school in Rotterdam are swung open once again. A new season of salsa, bachata, and kizomba dance classes is set to commence, offering a vibrant escape from the chill of the coming months.

Key details for the upcoming season

The new season spans from Monday, 4 September to Sunday, 12 November. Each course will consist of 10 lessons, each lasting 60 minutes. The cost for individual participation is set at €110, while couples can enrol for €210. Lessons are conducted by experienced instructors who provide clear and relaxed guidance, ensuring a quality learning experience.

Trial lessons and pricing nuances

Trial lessons (proeflessen) are available only during the first week of classes, priced at €7.50 per person or €15 for couples. It should be noted that a trial lesson does not guarantee a spot in the course. If one decides to join the course from the second week onwards after taking a trial lesson, the full course fee will be applicable until the end of the second week. Starting from the third week, the regular price will be reduced weekly by €10. Missed classes can be made up on another day, and the school also hosts events to help students practice what they've learned.

Trial lessons schedule week 1

There's a course for every level, spread out across the entire week. The times and dates don't change after the trial week. The schedule is as follows:

Monday
Bachata Fusion Beginners 2
Salsa Intermediate 2
Bachata Fusion Beginners 3
Salsa Intermediate 1
Bachata Fusion Intermediate
Salsa Beginners 1
Bachata Fusion Beginners 1
Salsa Beginners 3

Tuesday
Bachata Fusion Beginners 2
Salsa Intermediate 1
Bachata Dominican Improvers
Salsa Beginners 1
Bachata Fusion Advanced 1
Salsa Beginners 3
Bachata Dominican Essentials
Salsa Advanced 2

Wednesday
Salsa Beginners 1
Salsa Beginners 2
Salsa Intermediate 3
Bachata Dominican Essentials
Salsa Beginners 2
Bachata Dominican Improvers
Salsa Technique

Thursday
Bachata Dominican Semi-Advanced
Salsa Beginners 1
Bachata Dominican Advanced
Salsa Beginners 2
Bachata Dominican asters
Salsa Advanced 1

Friday
Kizomba Fusion Beginners 2
Kizomba Fusion Beginners 1
Bachata Fusion beginners 1

Sunday
Kizomba Fusion Beginners 1
Kizomba Fusion Improvers
Bachata Fusion Intermediate 1
Bachata Fusion Beginners 3
Salsa Beginners 1
Bachata Fusion Beginners 1
Salsa Beginners 2
Bachata Fusion Beginners 2

How to secure your spot in the dance classes

For those eager to immerse themselves in the rhythms of salsa, bachata, or kizomba, enrolment is a straightforward process. To secure a spot in the upcoming season, visit the Typical Tropical's Registration Page. The page features an embedded schedule at the bottom, detailing all available classes, making it easier for you to choose the one that fits your schedule.

Directions to Typical Tropical Rotterdam

Located in the heart of Rotterdam, Typical Tropical is easily accessible by both public transport and car. The area is known for its vibrant culture and bustling activity, making it a fitting location for a dance school of this calibre.