GENERAL INFORMATION
Q: When and where is SDF 2023 taking place?
Summer Dance Forever 2023 is happening from the 22-28 of August 2023 at various locations around Amsterdam:
Paradiso Amsterdam
Internationaal Theatre Amsterdam (ITA)
Q: What is the program?
Summer Dance Forever consists of different event parts. It offers a wide range of dance battles in the categories of HipHop, House, Popping, Locking and Waacking, theatre performances, club nights, seminars and dance workshops. The program can be found here: https://www.summerdanceforever.com/program-summer-dance-forever-2023/
Q: Is there a festival app?
Yes. Summer Dance Forever has a mobile app that can be downloaded in the App-/ Google Play Store and is named Time Square.
Q: Is there barrier-free access for people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility to all event locations?
Yes, all the locations have barrier-free access. For more information please check the information provided on the websites of the venues:
Paradiso Amsterdam
Internationaal Theatre Amsterdam (ITA)
Q: How old do I have to be to attend the festival?
We try to welcome everyone from all age groups. Kids up to 8 years old have free entrance for the battles and preselections.
The minimum age to participate in the battle is 12. For the workshops we recommend an age of 12. Only the parties are 18+.
Q: Can I buy food during the Battles?
Yes, it is possible to buy food. In the basement of Paradiso food will be provided. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available.
Q: Where can I buy Summer Dance Forever merchandise during the festival?
The merchandise of Summer Dance Forever 2023 can be purchased during battles in Paradiso and during Theatre Forever in the theatres. It is all on a first come, first serve basis so make sure to be quick in buying your merchandise.
After the festival, this years left over merchandise can be purchased in the webshop, as well as merch from previous years.
Q: Do you have advice on what is the best way to get around at the festival?
Almost all of our festival locations are located in the Leidseplein area of Amsterdam and are easily accessible by foot. Amsterdam also offers a good infrastructure for cycling if you want to get to another location faster.
In case you want to get around by bike, we recommend renting an OV bike for just €4.45 per day. You will need a personal public transport chip card for this. Check out this page for more information: https://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets
Q: Can I volunteer at SummerDanceForever?
Absolutely. We are always looking for volunteers for the festival. If you are interested, please send an e-mail to volunteers@summerdanceforever.com with a CV and let us know what makes you the person we are looking for.
You can also find more information on our website: https://www.summerdanceforever.com/open-call-festival-volunteers/
Q: Are there any open job positions at SummerDanceForever that I can apply for?
At this point, we are not looking for any additional team members. If we are in need of someone, you can find information about it on the website.
MYSDF ACCOUNT
Q: How do I create a “MY SDF”account?
1. Go to the sign-up page
2. Enter your personal information or select to continue with your Facebook or Google Account
3. If you decide to create an account with your E-mail, you will receive an E-Mail from us. Verify your account through clicking the link attached. If you use Facebook or Google you do not need to verify your account through E-Mail
4. Now you are ready to purchase your tickets!
5. You will not receive your actual ticket right away, but you can download it through your account 5 days prior to the event.
Q: Why do I need to have an account to purchase a ticket?
To securely process your order, you must have a MySDF account. This way we can link your tickets to your profile and help you quickly with problems or questions about your order. It also helps us beat fraud and prevent ticket scalpers from buying large amounts of tickets. You can find all purchases in your account, including those from the past.
Q: What can I do with My SDF account?
You are able to purchase tickets for Summer Dance Forever without having to put in your personal information with every purchase.
It also is an easy way to find all your tickets and furthermore, to forward tickets to your friends and family.
Q: Where can I find my tickets?
Log-In or Sign-up through the “MY SDF ACCOUNT” button in the menu on our website. Once logged in, click on “My Tickets” and you are able to see all your purchased tickets.
Also note: Because of the waitlist system we use, the final tickets will downloadable 5 days prior to the event.
TICKETS & PACKAGES
Q: Where can I buy a ticket for SDF 2023 and what are the prices?
Summer Dance Forever offers individual tickets as well as festival and workshop packages. All tickets and an overview of prices for the event can be found here:
https://www.summerdanceforever.com/tickets/
Please note that all tickets bought online include a service fee. This do not apply to door sales.
Q: Is it possible to buy a complete festival package and go to all the battles and theatre shows?
For Summer Dance Forever 2023: The Festival Package gives you entrance to these events: preselections, battles, theatre shows, parties and seminars. Only the workshops are not included. For some events, mainly the theatre performance in Internationaal Theatre Amsterdam (ITA) on Wednesday and the seminar, there is limited capacity and entrance is on a first come, first serve basis. There has always been plenty of capacity at the preselections, battles and the theatre shows in larger venues.
Q: I bought a ticket but I cannot find it anywhere?
Because of our new ticket system, your final tickets will only be downloadable 5 days before the event. You should nevertheless receive a confirmation of your purchase after buying your ticket!
All your tickets can be found through your “MySDF” account.
Q: Are the tickets for SDF 2023 refundable?
Tickets for Summer Dance Forever are non-refundable.
The workshops are non-refundable as well. If you cannot make it due to severe circumstances like severe bodily harm (with official proof) please reach out to info@summerdanceforever.com.
With this year we introduce the waiting list for popular program parts. Please find the FAQ section “Waiting List” or this post for more information on how it works.
We do not advise reselling tickets through platforms like Ticketswap, as there is no guarantee for your tickets.
Q: I have bought a festival package. Where can I exchange my ticket for a wristband?
If you have bought a SDF 2023 festival package you can exchange your printed or digital ticket for a wristband at the Paradiso Box office (Weteringschans 6-8) during the festival. The wristband will grant you entrance to all festival events besides the workshops.
The opening hours are:
Tuesday: 11:30 – 19:00
Wednesday: 10:30 -19:00
Thursday: 9:00 – 20:00
Friday: 11:30 – 21:00
Saturday: 16:30 -21:00
Sunday: 17:00 – 20:00
Q: In case of program cancellation, do I get a refund?
Yes. You will receive an E-Mail from us about how you are able to get a refund for that programme part.
Q: Can I leave Paradiso after battles and come back later to the club nights?
For people with a festival package and wristband, this is possible.
For people with a single ticket it is important to note that you need to stay within Paradiso after the battle to attend the party for free and furthermore can only attend the club night for free if it starts right after the battles.
Q: Can I buy tickets for my friends as well?
Yes, you can buy up to 8 tickets per event except for festival packages which are limited to 1 per person.
Q: I cannot download my tickets. What do I do?
Do not worry. Because of the waiting list system you will only be able to download your tickets 5 days prior to the event.
Q: Something didn’t go right with buying my ticket.
Try to find the answer to your question on the customer service page of See Tickets (former Paylogic). If you can’t figure out what went wrong, please take a screenshot and send it to info@summerdanceforever.com
WAITING LIST: BUYING OR RETURNING YOUR TICKET(S)
!THE WAITING LIST ONLY OPENS WHEN A PROGRAM IS SOLD OUT!
RETURNING YOUR TICKET(S)
Q: How do I return my tickets?
1. Go to the order overview in your MySDF account.
2. Select your order and then choose ‘Sell’.
3. Select which tickets you would like to resell and press ‘Confirm’.
As soon as someone signs up for the waiting list, you will receive the full amount back through the payment method you have chosen. The seller will be charged €1,50 per ticket for this service.
Q: I changed my mind and want to use the returned ticket myself. Is this possible?
As long as the person from the waiting list who was offered your ticket did not complete the payment before the payment deadline, you can withdraw the ticket from returning. You can do this within the order in your MySDF account by clicking on “Withdraw”. Your previously returned ticket now becomes available again in your account.
Please mind that reselling a ticket for a popular event can go rather fast.
Q: What happens if nobody’s registered on the waiting list?
Your return will only be processed if there is someone on the waiting list. In most cases there will be plenty waiting for a ticket for a sold out event. If you return a ticket and nobody’s registered on the waiting list, we will offer your ticket as soon as someone does.
As long as your ticket is not sold through our waiting list, you can withdraw your return to use the ticket yourself.
Q: Am I guaranteed to receive a refund?
No. You only receive a refund of your returned ticket if it’s purchased by someone else. If your ticket is not sold after the waiting list is closed, you receive an email that there was no transfer completed. Your ticket then remains valid and you can use it yourself or try to sell it through another channel.
To avoid that your ticket is not resold, we advice to return your ticket well before the date of the event.
Q: When does the waiting list close?
The waiting list closes on 19 August on 11.59 pm CEST. After this moment, it is not possible anymore to return tickets or pay for the approved transfers. Returns that are not transferred before said time, will remain property of the original purchaser.
BUYING A TICKET THROUGH THE WAITING LIST
Q: How do I sign up for the Waiting List?
1. Visit the program page on our website and click on the waiting list link.
2. Choose the ticket you would like to apply for. You can reserve only one ticket per program part or workshop per e-mail address. Log in or register for a MySDF account to complete your waiting list request. You will receive a confirmation e-mail from See Tickets (former Paylogic).
3. As soon as your requested ticket becomes available, you will receive an email with a request to complete your payment within 48 hours. If you do not complete payment within these 48 hours (8 hours if the festival starts within five days), your reservation will be cancelled and the ticket goes to the next person on the waiting list.
Q: When I sign up for a waiting list spot, do I have to pay the ticket right away?
No, you do not have to pay the ticket right away. Once your requested ticket becomes available, you will receive a payment request that you need to fulfill within 48 hours.
Q: Is it safe to purchase a ticket through the waiting list?
Yes, this is the safest way to purchase a ticket for our sold out event. The original buyer’s ticket will be made invalid and you will receive a ticket with a fresh bar code. This guarantees access to the event.
This is in contrast with other reseller platforms, at which it is not clear whether or not you’re the only person that purchased that specific ticket.
Q: How do I know my registration has been successful?
After completing your waiting list registration, our ticket partner Paylogic (See Tickets) sends out a confirmation email with your request’s details. Check your junk folder if you didn’t receive this message within an hour.
Q: What’s my spot?
We can’t tell you. As soon as it’s your turn, you’ll receive an e-mail from us. Please mind the waiting list is processed on a first come, first served base.
Q: Can I select multiple tickets for one program part or select a ticket for different program parts?
Yes you can. Please note though, that the waiting list system only allows you to select one ticket in total per request. If you require multiple tickets for either one program part or different program parts, you can place a separate waiting list request per ticket after completing the current one.
Q: Can I place (an) extra waiting list request(s) for my friend(s) through my account?
Yes, it is possible. In case you need to request multiple tickets for friends/family you can. Please note though, that the waiting list system only allows you to select one ticket in total per request. If you require additional tickets, you can place a separate waiting list request per ticket after completing the current one.
Q: Do I pay more/less for a ticket purchased through the waiting list?
No, you pay exactly the same for a ticket obtained through the waiting list as original buyers. Only the seller pays a small fee for the service.
Q: I can’t find any info about the waiting list on a program page.
If a waiting list has been opened for an event, this will be clearly mentioned on the programme page on our website.
Waiting lists will only be opened if a programme is sold out. It is also possible that no waiting list is opened at all.
Q: I’m too late paying for my order or my payment failed. What happens now?
If you didn’t complete your payment within the period mentioned in the email from Paylogic stating that a ticket became available for you, your spot on the waiting list’s being cancelled and the ticket is offered to the next one in line. Offered tickets can be sent at any time, so keep an eye out on your inbox, especially closer to the event date when reaction times are down to 8 hours.
If your payment fails, you have 30 minutes counting from the moment you started the initial payment to try again. To do this, please use the back-button on your screen, it is not possible to restart the process through the link in the confirmation email. Before starting your payment, make sure that you’ve got enough credit on your bank account or have an alternative payment method available.
Still want to join the event? You can register again for a spot on the waiting list after expiration of the ticket offer or payment.
BATTLES AND PRESELECTIONS
Q: I want to participate in one of the battles. Where can I get the information?
For Summer Dance Forever 2023 and further: Anyone can participate in the preselections, you just need to buy a ticket and show up on time for registration. During the preselections the dancers are selected for the battle.
More information about the preselections can be found later on our website: https://www.summerdanceforever.com//program
Another way to participate is through online registration. More information will follow soon.
Q: How can I battle?
The only way to battle in Paradiso is if you make it through the online preselections. Registration can be done at the location.
- Buy a ticket for the preselection
- Register at the venue on the day of the preselection
- Show what you’ve got at preselection
- Get selected at the preselection (only selected dancers can battle)
- Bring it to the battle!
Also note: It is your decision whether you want to participate or not. In any case, you can just buy a ticket, sit in the audience and enjoy all the preselection and battles.
Q: Am I allowed to make videos and photos during the battles?
Although we really appreciate the effort of keeping the battle memories on your phone or camera, we kindly ask you to keep your fellow visitors in mind and keep your phone in your pocket. We’re photographing and filming everything for you and will make the footage available on our socials and YouTube Channel as soon as possible.
THEATRE FOREVER
Q: What is Theatre Forever?
A: As part of the festival, Summer Dance Forever presents the most thrilling and breath-taking hiphop theatre performances from around the globe. This is what we call Theatre Forever.
At Summer Dance Forever internationally acclaimed choreographers and companies present their latest pieces at the best cultural locations in Amsterdam, including the International Theatre Amsterdam and DeLaMar Theatre.
Q: Am I allowed to make videos and photos during the theatre performances?
Although we really appreciate the effort of keeping the performance memories on your phone or camera, we kindly ask you to keep your fellow visitors in mind and keep your phone in your pocket.
TRAVEL
Q: What is the closest airport?
The closest airport is Amsterdam Schiphol which is an international airport that can be reached from all over the world.
Q: What is the closest train station?
Amsterdam Centraal is the name of the central station. It can be reached by train from many places within Europe. Also trains can be a cheaper option in comparison to flying so maybe check your possibilities. The Dutch railway system operator is called NS. You can check connections on their website.
Q: How do I get to the festival from Schiphol Airport/Central Station?
The Schiphol train station is situated directly below the airport. To travel with NS (the Dutch Railways) you can either buy a single-use chipcard or an OV-chipkaart at the ticket machine. The OV-Chip card can also be used to travel with public transport in Amsterdam. We advise you to take the train to Amsterdam Centraal. From the central station the tram station “Leidseplein” can be reached with the following tram lines: 2 and 12
Q: How can I reach the festival by car?
Please note that the festival area is in a low traffic zone, and the city centre of Amsterdam does not offer very cheap parking. From ecological grounds, and for your convenience, we advise our visitors to use the extensive and well-functioning public transport network. If travelling by car is a necessity for you, these are some car parking options with the closest location to the event venues:
Parking De Hoofdstad: Prinsengracht 540, 1017 KK Amsterdam
APCOA Parking Prins & Keizer: Prinsengracht 927, 1017 HL Amsterdam
Parkeergarage Keizersgracht: Keizersgracht 485E, 1017 DL Amsterdam
ParkBee Kalverstraat: Singel 451C, 1012 WP Amsterdam
Please notice that the fees vary.
WORKSHOPS
Q: I would like to know some more about the dance workshops.
- Can anyone register?
- Is there an age limit?
- Is there any required experience?
A: Anyone can participate in the workshops, you only need to buy a ticket. The workshops are for serious dancers who want to work on their skills and techniques, this means that we advise to have some previous dance experience but you don’t have to have a certain level of experience. Also, we will offer Beginner workshops during the summer festival for which no previous experience is needed. There is no set age limit, but probably 12 years or older is a good mainstay.
Q: Is it possible for someone with little prior experience in dancing to take part in the workshops of Summer Dance Forever?
We will offer some Beginner workshops during the Summer edition. You can identify them by their “beginner” label next to their name.
Otherwise, the workshops are for serious dancers who want to work on their skills and techniques, this means that we advise to have some previous dance experience but you don’t have to have a certain level of experience. The teachers try to accommodate for different levels in the class.
Q: I noticed some teachers have more than one class during the week. Will they be teaching different things each class, or will it be the same information?
Each class will be a little different, as the teachers also adapt the class to the dancers who are taking it. Often we see dancers taking more than one class by the same teacher, to keep learning from the same teacher and developing their skills.
NEWSLETTER
Q: Can you please get me on the mailing list?
A: You can subscribe to our newsletter right here! Due to European law you have to subscribe yourself, we can not add you to our mailling list.
INVITATION FOR VISA
Q: I need an invitation for a visa application, can you send me an invitation?
A: In 2023 we can send you an invitation to the festival. Please send your full name, date of birth, passport number and nationality to info@summerdanceforever.com in order to receiver an invitation. Please note that all expenses concerning your trip: travel costs, expenses for accommodation, food and tickets for the festival are at your own cost. Also, please send us a couple of links to your dance clips.
COVID-19 MEASURES
Last updated: 06–04-2022 – 17:34 PM
As soon as the Dutch government announces new measures, this page will be updated with the latest developments.
At this moment The Netherlands have dropped all COVID-19 related restrictions. You can visit venues without showing a corona entry ticket, and wearing a facemask in public areas is no longer required. But for the safety of others, if you have symptoms that suggest you may have COVID-19, remain inside wherever you are staying and arrange to get yourself tested. Don’t forget to check the restrictions in your own country concerning traveling to The Netherlands as well.
TRAVELING TO THE NETHERLANDS
Travel well prepared and know what you need to arrange before you travel to the Netherlands (even when you’re already vaccinated): reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl/en
How to get a self test?
In every supermarket and drugstore you can buy a self test. Every self test contains a description on how to use it correctly. For trustworthy results make sure to follow the description precisely.
Follow the basic rules
Follow the basic rules during your stay in the Netherlands to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
– Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
– If you have symptoms that suggest you may have COVID-19, remain inside wherever you are staying and arrange to be tested. Get self tested or call 0800-1202 or +31 850 659 063 to arrange an appointment.
These basic rules also apply even if you have been vaccinated.
TESTS
Q: Do I need to get tested to go to the battles, shows or workshops?
A: No, you don’t have to get tested for the entrance of the battles, shows and workshops. But if you have any symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, we are kindly asking you to use a self test. This is for the safety of others and everybody at the festival.
Q: Will you be offering (free) self-tests or rapid antigen tests?
A: No, we do not offer tests. You can buy a self test at any supermarket and drugstore.
Q: Do I still have to get tested if I am (fully) vaccinated?
A: If you have any symptoms that suggest you may have COVID-19, you should get tested even though you are (fully) vaccinated.
Q: How much does it cost to get a self test?
A: The cost of one single self test is between three and four euros. In every supermarket and drugstore you can buy a self test. Every self test contains a description on how to use it correctly. For trustworthy results make sure to follow the description precisely.
Q: What if I test positive using a self test?
If the result of your self-test is positive, you should get tested by the municipal health service (GGD) as soon as possible and go into self quarantine. To make an appointment with the GGD, use this link. Please inform the people you have been with the last couple of days, so they can get tested as well.
Q: What are the measures in this country?
A: Currently, only the basic measures apply in The Netherlands. These are:
-Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
-If you have COVID-19 symptoms: stay at home and do a self-test or get tested by the municipal health service (GGD) as soon as possible. Even if you’ve been vaccinated.
-Ensure a good flow of fresh air indoors (which is the case in all the venues we organize the festival).
Check out the website of the Dutch government for more information. With these measures Summer Dance Forever follows the guidelines of the Dutch government. If you are unsure whether you need to self-quarantine, do the Quarantine Check.
TRAVELING TO THE NETHERLANDS
Travel well prepared and know what you need to arrange before you travel to the Netherlands (even when you’re already vaccinated): reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl/en
Q: If I am coming from a foreign country, do I need to have a negative PCR test to travel to The Netherlands?
A: This depends on the country where you’re from. Check this website of the Dutch government for more information. For some countries there is an EU entry ban if you are not fully vaccinated.
Q: If I am coming from a foreign country, does that mean I have to go in quarantine?
A: This depends on the country where you’re from. Check this website of the Dutch government for the measures per country. For some countries there is an EU entry ban if you are not fully vaccinated.
TICKETS
Q: In what case will I get a refund from my ticket?
A: You can get a refund if the Dutch government tightens the measures whereby the festival cannot proceed as planned. If this happens we will give you a choice between pushing your ticket to next year, getting a refund or getting a voucher which you can spend on future tickets.
Q: What happens to my ticket if at the last minute it appears that I have corona, have to wait for the results of a coronatest or am in quarantine for another reason?
A: Please stay home if you have corona, have to wait for the results of a coronatest or are in quarantine for another reason, to make sure you don’t infect all the other festival visitors. Unfortunately, you will not get a refund if you can’t come to the festival because you have corona.
Q: What happens to my ticket if the measures in my country get tightened which means I cannot travel or enter The Netherlands?
A: If you are not allowed to travel, if the Netherlands does not allow foreigners to enter or if there’s an entry ban for your country, you unfortunately will not get a refund. Please check this website for more information. You can get a refund if the Dutch government tightens the measures whereby the festival cannot proceed as planned.
Q: What happens to my ticket if the measures in my country get tightened which means that I have to go in quarantine when I return?
A: When you can travel to The Netherlands, but there’s a quarantine obligation when you’re traveling back, you can take this into account. We encourage everyone to stick to the regulations in The Netherlands and in your own country. If you decide not to come, it’s not possible to return your ticket or get a refund.
Q: What happens to my ticket if the Dutch government tightens the measures which causes Summer Dance Forever to not follow through as planned?
A: There are three possibilities: the validity of your ticket will be moved to next year, you can get a voucher or you can get your money back.
Q: Can I sell my ticket to someone else if I can’t attend the event anymore?
A: We always advise against resale. We can’t guarantee that the resold ticket will give access to the event. In addition to that, we can’t give the person that buys your ticket any updates on the last regulations of the government.
Q: Can I buy a ticket at the door or only online?
A: Yes, you can buy tickets at the door as well, as long as it is not sold out. But please keep in mind that tickets at the door are more expensive than when you purchase them online! And some events do sell out beforehand!
Q: Do I need to show my ID at the door?
A: No, you don’t have to show your ID at the door.
OTHER
Q: When must I stay at home?
A: Have you been experiencing any of the following symptoms in the last 24 hours:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Temperature above 38 degrees
- Shortness of breath
- Do you have a positive self test?
- Do you have a positive GGD test?
- Are you currently in quarantine due to being in contact with a corona-patient?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, do not attend any of the events.
If you have any questions about coronavirus, you can call the public information number 0800-1351 (or +31 20 205 1351 from outside the Netherlands) between 8.00 and 20.00.
Q: Do I need to self-quarantaine if the person I live with has tested positive?
A: If someone you live with has coronavirus, you do not need to self-quarantine if you received your booster vaccination at least 1 week ago, if you have recovered from corona in the year 2022. But only if you do not have any symptoms. If you want to know if you need to self-quarantine, do the Quarantine Check on quarantainecheck.rijksoverheid.nl.
Q: Is the 1,5 meter distance and wearing a mouth mask mandatory?
A: The 1,5 meter distance and wearing a mouth mask is no longer mandatory since the 23rd of March. This also applies for public transport, it is no longer mandatory to wear a mouth mask. Even though these measures are no longer valid, you can always choose to wear a mouth mask for your own safety. Also, take each other into account. If someone chooses to wear a face mask, ask for you to get self tested before a meeting or keep distance, respect those choices from others.
Q: Will the event be seated?
A: Partially. The theatre shows will be seated, battles and club nights will not be seated.
Q: What are the corona measures for the battles in Paradiso?
A: You can check the current corona measures in Paradiso on their website.
Q: What are the corona measures for the theatre shows in the ITA?
A: You can check the current corona measures in ITA on their website.
Q: What are the corona measures for the theatre show and seminar in the OBA?
A: You can check the current corona measures in OBA on their website.
