Dordrecht is fully in the spotlight this week, and not just because of the traffic on the road or the reports on the Mauritsweg and Nassauweg. Anyone who knows me a little knows that I always look beyond the issues of the day. Behind the historical facades of Holland's oldest city, something much more beautiful is brewing: a revival of the dance floor that we haven't seen this intense for a while.
The 80s come alive in the Energiehuis
If you thought the 80s only lived on the radio, you're wrong. In my thirty years in the dance world, I've seen trends come and go, but the energy of the 80s continues to have an irresistible appeal. Specifically, this means that pop venue Bibelot, located in the iconic Energiehuis at Noordendijk 148, is currently the place to be for everyone who wants to let their feet do the talking.
This coming Saturday, January 24, 2026, the New Wave Dance Night is on the agenda. The best part of all? Entry is completely free. This is one of those evenings where you can taste the authentic atmosphere of the past, with music from bands like The Cure and Depeche Mode. For those who prefer to plan a bit further ahead: on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the popular evening '80's Classics' returns to the Power Stage. For a modest amount of about € 5.88, you'll be swinging to Michael Jackson and Prince all evening.
Why we need those 80's beats so badly
From my experience as a dancer, I can tell you that the rhythms from that time are technically very interesting. Unlike the often tight, digital beats of today, there is a certain 'swing' in the synth-pop and disco from the 80s that invites larger movements. You can see that dancers in Dordrecht really take that space. It's not just swaying back and forth; there is real work being done on that floor.
I still remember the time when we hit the discotheques with teased hair and shoulder pads. What we see now in Dordrecht is a modern translation of that passion. The audience is mixed, from people who experienced the time themselves to a new generation rediscovering the musicality of back then.
Salsa in Dordrecht: A warm welcome
Besides the retro vibes in Bibelot, the Latin scene in Dordrecht is also incredibly active. While the city might feel a bit chilly outside, it only gets warmer inside the local dance schools. For example, SalsaSamen has just finished a series of trial lessons, but the real highlight is yet to come.
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, they are organizing their 'Salsa2Gether Party'. This is an event where the threshold is low and the passion is high. In practice, you see exactly what dancing does to a city: it brings people together, regardless of background or level. It is that connection that I always strive for at Miss Salsa as well. It's not about the perfect step, but about the fun you experience together.
What we can learn from the Dordrecht dance floor
What strikes me about the current trend in Dordrecht is the shift towards small-scale, high-quality events. We don't always have to go to the large mass events in Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The atmosphere in the Energiehuis or at a local Salsa night is often much more intimate and sincere.
- Prepare: Make sure you are on time for the free nights; full in Dordrecht really is full.
- Clothing: Although the 80s nights invite dress-up parties, in the end, it's about your freedom of movement. Choose shoes that are not only beautiful but that you can actually last on for those three or four hours.
- Technique: Use the New Wave nights to experiment with your own style. There is no fixed choreography, what gives you the ultimate freedom.
Dordrecht proves once again that a city with history is also a city with a future in the field of dance. Whether you choose the nostalgia of the 80s or the exciting rhythms of Salsa, the city offers plenty of reasons this winter to swap the couch for the dance floor. Source: AD.nl
I'll see you there, on the floor!