About Damoves
Damoves started as a small dance school for toddlers and kleuters but has now become a well-known name in Amsterdam. The studio was founded by Carly Verkerk. Together with a team of enthusiastic teachers, she creates a fun and safe space where young children can be introduced to dance and unfold into confident young individuals.
Because Amsterdam Moves
In addition to the toddler and kleuter dance classes, we also offer classes for babies and children together with their parents, as well as courses related to birth and the early years of your child’s life. You can also take your own pilates, yoga, or bootcamp class with us and enjoy a One Day or a Mini Retreat.
History
Carly Verkerk followed her training at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, and specialized herself in classical ballet. She continued her education at the Theatre School in Amsterdam, where she graduated in Jazz and Musical Dance. Carly then danced professionally in Paris with Rick Odums’ company, ‘Les Ballets Jazz.’
After five years, she returned to Amsterdam and worked with toddlers at the Willemsparkje daycare in Oud-Zuid. Inspired by this age group, combined with her passion for dance, she founded Dans Peuter Dans 18 years ago, followed by Dans Kleuter Dans for kleuters a few years later. These were eventually merged into DAMOVES.
She explored teaching parents and children through a Contakids course in the Algarve and participated in an intensive Mother&Daughter retreat in Ibiza. These experiences laid the foundation for creating Parent&Child classes and Mini Retreats, which are now a permanent part of the Damoves’ schedule.
“With around 45 classes at two locations, our team of 8 teachers passionately teaches classes for children aged 2 to 6 years old. With the opening of the new dance studio at the Bosboom Toussaintstraat, with two studios, we engage young parents even more with the dance studio. It’s a beautiful, light space in a lovely street.”
Philosophy
Children are still so pure in their emotions. That is why every class is a new adventure.
Young children love being in the spotlight, while some may find that a little more challenging. But especially when that shy child after a few weeks learns to embrace their body and overcome their hesitation, something magical happens – something I, as a dance teacher, can never get enough of… The child is rewarded with a huge round of applause from the group, you can almost see the child grow right in front of your eyes! The teachers work together with the child on building confidence, preparing them to face the ‘big world’ outside with strength and self-assurance.
Every day I wonder -both at home and in the dance school- “Aren’t we actually missing great opportunities if we don’t listen to which direction our child wants to go?”
For years I’ve had the desire to involve parents more in the dance studio. As a mother of two girls, now 8 and 12 years old (and yes, they have also taken class with us!), I understand how busy life can be.
A place where you can spend an hour together, reconnect, and find the peace to truly deepen your connection, I often missed that when my children were younger. So, I decided to create that space myself for parents who, like me, also need it.
The parent&child classes we offer are a perfect example of deepening the bond between parents and their child(ren). Being together, pausing for a moment, and experiencing true quality time. These are moments to never forget.
A busy city, a full agenda and a place where you can come to yourself. At Damoves you can move, not just physically, but emotionally you will also be moved. We once began by teaching the children, but now we also want to inspire you!
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Studio Rental
Would you like to rent Studio Damoves for peaceful activities like mini-retreats, Pilates or yoga classes, acting lessons, classical ballet or photography? Then give us a call at 020-3031178 or send an email to office@damoves.nl