This is a review of the SOOP - a weekly swing dancing party that happens in Kompaszaal on Fridays starting at 9PM. This is not the review of the establishment that I would described as having great views from the balcony, minimalist interiors, friendly service.
Logistics: during the summer, the DJ music party is free; this is what I have attended. At other times, party goes to live music and has an admittance fees, presumably. The place is on the outskirts of the central Amsterdam; the Uber trips to and from the touristy areas will cost 10-14 Euros or less.
The dancing floor is pretty large, but subdivided into square-shaped areas by a set of columns. There was more than enough space with the summer DJ crowd (about 70 dancers), I expect thing to get more cozy when the live music is playing. The floor is pretty smooth and stone-looking with no grouts (plastic, I presume), your dance shoes will work well.
The music selection on the night I have visited was excellent, with proper balance of tempos and styles.
The crowd appears to be very skilled, more than half the follows I have danced with were way above my skill level, practically all of them were quite good with very few beginners. There were significantly more follows than leads, but not disastrously so, still, if you are an out-of-town follow, consider bringing your own lead.
Overall, a must-visit event for a swing dancer visiting Amsterdam. For a reasonably skilled lead, a chance to dance with some truly great followers. read more
