Amsterdam Dance Centre
About
Meet the
Office
Marie-José Swart
When I was only 3 years old, my mom told me I already knew: I want to be a ballet dancer. Right after my 16th birthday I moved away from my home town Groningen to study at the Scapino Dance Academy in Amsterdam. After my graduation I danced for 4 years at Jazz Extension Dance Theater and danced my first musical (rock opera) ‘Ik Jan Cremer’ in 1985.
In 1986 I was granted with a three months scholarship from the Dutch government to study more jazz dance in New York, I stayed there for 2 years! Back in Europe I toured all over as a guest teacher, danced in several musicals and choreographed for artists and musical productions (among them the musical ‘Chicago’ with the ballet of Flanders) I settled in Amsterdam in 1992 because of a sincere injury and decided to start my own dance studio a bit earlier than I had planned out for myself eventually.
My thrive was to create a dance studio where the professional jazz dancer would be able to get there daily training and also be able to take classes from the best teachers and choreographers from all over the world. The studio should operate like the dance studio’s in New York, as an open class institute. This business model was new in the Netherlands. In preparation it took me almost 3 years to start the studio but on January 16th in 1995 Amsterdam Dance Centre was born.
I am very proud that ADC developed over the years to be the leading- and most solid open dance studio in the Netherlands and is known, in the dance community all over the world. It’s a jewel for everybody who loves dance and for the city of Amsterdam.
You can reach me..
You can still find me in the office almost on a daily base where I work with my wonderful and inspiring team who give big asset to the growth- and daily matters of the ADC.
“Music for my soul, but dance stole my heart”
Sarita
My name is Sarita, most people know me as Saar, I am 36 years old and live in Amsterdam with my son and fiancé and graduated from the HBO Lucia Marthas Institute. I have danced for years and also taught a lot. Some will know me from that because I have taught the youth at ADC at both locations for the past 11.5 years with great pleasure. Now it is time for something new and I got the great opportunity to work behind the scenes for ADC and especially for the youth department. This in combination with a full-time toddler at home and odd jobs is a perfect combination for me. I am really looking forward to it and hope to meet you soon.
Wake me up at night for..
My loved ones!
You can reach me for..
Everything around the youth program.
At..
jeugd@amsterdamdancecentre.nl
“When you have a dream, you grab it and never let it go“
Bert-Jan van de Kooi
My sister started dancing and when I saw that as a six year old boy I asked my mother why I wasn’t allowed to dance. She didn’t stop to think that I would want that too. I then took my first dance class as soon as possible and I never stopped! A few years later I already knew that I wanted to continue with this and before I knew it I ended up dancing all week to train, with the aim of going to the dance academy.
The style I started with was jazz/ballet oriented, after which modern dance became an increasing passion.
Wake me up at night for..
To be honest, you just don’t have to wake me up at night. During the day I am a cheerful person, but not a morning person. So if you wake me up I won’t be happy. My sleep is sacred! So don’t call me! 😉
You can reach me for..
Questions. Sending/helping everyone as best as possible by solution-oriented/friendliness. The best thing about my job is the contact with the staff and the customer on the floor.
At..
Balie@amsterdamdancecentre.nl
“It always works out, even when it doesn’t work out”
Michelle de Bruin
As a child I was always dancing Jazz Ballet. I loved the endshows and I took several classes a week. My passion for dance grew and I was accepted for a dance education. After this, I wanted to combine my passion for dance with my passion voor media, so I studied creative business. I love to combine these two passions, which I now do as a part of the ADC team since 2023.
Wake me up at night for..
Traveling! Preferably to the sun, but im also a big fan of snow!
You can reach me for..
Everything around online communication and graphic design. Mailings, social media, posters or the website. The diversity of my work is what drives me.
At..
Michelle@amsterdamdancecentre.nl
“Why be moody when you can shake your booty?“
Amsterdam Dance Centre
Dancing is the best and most beautiful thing in life. For this reason, the Amsterdam Dance Center (ADC) was created. The best teachers have been teaching with us since 1995, led by Marie-José. We want to introduce you to our way of teaching, inspiring and challenging. This way you can choose how much you follow, from which teachers, at which times in many different styles.
We believe in the power of dance as a universal language that connects and inspires people. In the middle of Amsterdam it is also easy to reach by public transport. After all these years, we have developed into a leading center for dance education and creative expression.
All dance lovers are welcome with us. Whether you are just starting to dance, or have been taking lessons for years. We have classes for all ages and abilities, so everyone can discover, develop and express their passion. Whether you are a beginner dancer, an experienced professional who will refine your skills or are simply looking for a fun and healthy way to exercise, we have you covered.
Do you dream of a career in the professional dance world or are you looking for fun, passion and community, ADC is where your dance journey begins. We need you to be a part of our dynamic and energetic community and discover the joy and power of dance with us.
Dance with us, push your limits and develop memories that will last a lifetime.
We are Amsterdam Dance Center and on this page we also present you the team behind the scenes!
