Around Town - Summer Highlights

I know, I KNOW.  It's been bloody AGES.  I have been running around at WARP SPEED plus doing lots of kidstuff.  Here are some highlights from the past few whirlwind weeks.  From here on out though, I will be reporting to you from SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK.  Have a FAB Summer!


(Above: The quintessential California Girl.  BTW: That's my beach in California i.e. Stinson Beach and I got married by that tree in Bolinas : )

Het Rozentheater

Dans-dansen @ Het Rozentheater
Michele Vernout opened her studio, Dans-dansen, last year in the Pijp.  I have been taking Zumba classes with Michele and participating in Zumba Parties. She has also been teaching children and adults of all ages (boys too) in various dance styles.  Her students performed at Het Rozentheater in Amsterdam and I photographed the entire event.  I was highly impressed with the sheer extent of the program. choreography and the great performances.  You can see my images at: MY GALLERY. 

Adam Fields

Adam Fields @ Comedy Theater de Nes - Rokin, Amsterdam
Adam Fields was the headliner last Saturday night at Comedy Theater de Nes, which is a charming venue and hosts International Comedy (= ALL ENGLISH!).  It was a rainy, rainy night and attendance was not at full capacity.  The opening acts were lackluster and a bit too focused on Dutch Bashing (a favorite pastime amongst expats), with the exception of the presenter who had us in tears in between acts.  By the time Adam came on he had to try to cheer a rather dull crowd (present company excluded).  Adam has a gentle way of persuading you into a laugh.  First a joke that allows a smile to emerge, then another causing serious chuckling, and finally, at the risk of serious embarrassment, you find yourself in full guffaw.  Check it.


Amsterdam Flamenco School @ Het Werkteater
Teresa Jaldon came to Holland and set up her own Flamenco School.  I have done a few workshops with Teresa and I have enjoyed it so much that I will be studying with her in the Fall.  Teresa put on a typical Spanish style end-of-year show at the Werkteater in Amsterdam with all of her students.  Particularly of note: Jose Soberone, who is an elegant and dramatic dancer.   Teresa is charming and engaging.  She has a lot of fire and makes dance FUN.  She also sings.  Flamenco anyone?

Jamie Woon

Karen Clark - Pilates in the Park
Karen Clark was a professional dancer and now gives Pilates classes at Studio Porcelijn in the Pijp.  A lot of dancers train with her.  I highly recommend this class for toning and stretching.  She calls her class Dynamic Flow.  An excellent way to keep the abs strong and Pilates can completely eliminate back pain if you are diligent.  Karen also teaches at the back end of the Vondelpark on Sundays.  An excellent way to get your ME time in before a busy family day.


Pitch Festival - Het Westergasfabriek
This is a relatively new Amsterdam summer event.  Het Westergasfabriek is a fantastic venue and there was a free an easy vibe all day, although I was only there for the Sunday afternoon.  We spent most of our time waiting for and then watching British singer-songwriter Jamie Woon, who had dedicated fans crowding the floor and swaying to his special sound.  Crystal Fighters and Little Dragon were also great fun.  See the lineup here PROGRAM and add it to your agenda for next year!

Tuschinski Theater (ceiling)

Pina, by Wim Wenders @ Pathe Tushinski
 Wim Wenders wanted to make a film about the reknowned Pina Bausch, but she died right before filming began.  Everyone was crushed, but they decided to continue filming anyway.  This movie is a touching tribute to Pina and her work, at times mesmermizing, at times utterly heart-wrenching as the dancers in her company express their grief and loss of such a profoundly talented woman.  Currently playing at the Pathe Tuschinski in Amsterdam. 




Walibi World
Need something fun to do with the kids?  I had never been to Walibi World, but had driven by it a thousand times back forth from the In-Laws.  We took a death-defying 23 children on an old yellow school bus for my son's 7th birthday party.  DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.  Seriously good fun though! Due to the forecast of beastly rain (but it didn't rain! it was sunny!) the park was practically empty so we were able to go on the rides, over and over and over again. 
 

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