Early July Festivals Have Something for Everyone

One of the best reasons to visit Amsterdam in the summer is the calendar full of festivals. In the heart of the season, these early July events prove that the city welcomes entertainment and the arts in all their forms. Get out and join locals and fellow visitors at:

• July 1-12: Julidans -- The 18th edition of this international festival of dance draws world-renowned choreographers and up-and-coming talent. All that matters is that the performances are powerful, and that could mean physically, politically or personally. One thing's for sure, Julidans (Dutch for "July dance") stirs up traditional Swan Lake-style preconceptions of professional dance. A British-Bengali choreographer combines his modern group with the classically trained National Ballet of China in a piece inspired by airport happenings. Other highlights include more groups from Asia and Africa, as well as top Dutch companies.
  
  
• July 2-6: 5 Days Off -- Electronica fans, get ready for five days of suped-up, tech-heavy music to keep you dancing all night in one of the four venues. As the website is entirely in Dutch, check the July 3 issue of the Amsterdam Weekly for concert details.
  
  
• July 3-13: Over't IJ -- This festival of theater and music takes place across the large body of water behind Centraal Station, in a former industrial wharf. The unexpected location suits the unpolished, informal nature of the predominantly younger talent producing socially driven and interactive theater. Many performances are family friendly.

^{Pictured: Akram Khan / National Ballet of China perform 'Bahok'
© Liu Yang, with permission from Julidans}