Really!? Yes, Gel has been around for 40 years! Depending on how you count: originated as an idea in 1983, lessons and membership meeting from 1984 and officially registered with the Chamber of Commerce in 1985. In any case: time for an extra big party!

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!

After an intensive search, the YadaYada was chosen, a beautiful, large party location with free parking. On Saturday November 30, 2024, we would love to celebrate 40 years of Gel there. For a whole day. With swinging music from various European bands and DJs. With a nice large dance floor. With all kinds of nice extras. With the students and the other members, with all other dancers from the Netherlands and surrounding areas, but also with everyone who has ever danced at Gel.

Call all your old dance buddies

That must have been thousands of people! Do you know someone like that, or do you know someone who knows someone like that… make sure they book now!
With your help it will be one big fun Gel reunion. Spread the word! Via Instagram and Facebook and Messenger and WhatsApp and LinkedIn and text messages and email and just calling and the gossip circuit and notes at the AH and… :-)

Location

It is on the HEMbrug site in the south of Zaandam. This is a monumental industrial estate from 1897, which forms the heart of the UNESCO world heritage site the “Defence of Amsterdam”. Bullets used to be made in these rooms before the Second World War. Today, the HEMbrug site is a lively cultural breeding ground.

We rent “the YadaYada”, consisting of a large market hall and a room called “the cathedral” because of its height and appearance. When you enter, you are immediately impressed by the rustic atmosphere and craftsmanship. The YadaYada is earthy and chic at the same time. A wonderful place for our anniversary.

The floor throughout the building is ideal for dancing. It looks like it is made of concrete, but there is a smooth, tight layer over it. You can easily dance here with all kinds of shoes and soles. A perfect location!

There is a huge parking lot in front of the door for hundreds of cars. Those who come by car can rest assured: plenty of room, free!

Program

What’s on the programme? We can already announce a lot!

There are no fewer than four super cool bands playing:

• The Devil’s Cut Combo; very nice guys from England with a complete show, they even bring their own table lamp! Do you remember the 2023 Rock ‘n Borrel?
• Cherry Casino and the Gamblers; the band with a world reputation for their dynamic live shows with authentic and danceable rock ‘n roll! Did you see them in the Zonnehuis in 2010?
• Die Boogie Banausen; an energetic bunch of guys from Germany, who turned the dance floor upside down! Do you know them from The Heat in 2019, Rock That Swing 2024 or another festival?
• Torello’s Jive Bugs; anyone who has been coming to Gel for a while will certainly know them! The nine of them, these experienced rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts, ensure that you won’t be able to sit still, no matter if your feet are tired.

In between, two internationally acclaimed DJs play their great records:

• DJ Swinging Rockin’ Daddy; having grown up at Gel, Edwin now ensures a full dance floor in half of Europe, with varied and exciting songs! He also brings the indestructible smile on his face.
• DJ JayCee; not only as a dancer, teacher and writer, but also and especially as a DJ, Jean Christophe is making waves at the major Swing and Rock ‘n Roll festivals! It’s an honor to receive him at Gel.

Workshops? Stands? Shows? Snacks? Of course! But we will report that later…

The exact schedule for Saturday, November 30 will also come later, in any case keep the whole day free: from two (2:00 PM) to half past two (1:30 AM) there will be music, entertainment and fun. In other words, an All-Dayer: really Gel XL!

Tickets

Such a large location costs a lot of money, so the entrance fee is a bit higher than normal. To this end, we organize a whole day full of music from cool bands and DJs, plenty of room to dance (and catch up) and fun extras. Not a member of Gel? Then you pay €35 in advance. Unfortunately, our loyal members also pay something: €15. These early bird prices are valid until October 1. Ticket sales are now open to everyone!

You can also reserve a meal for only €18. You can choose from lasagna and pasta salad; both can also be vegetarian. With salad and bread.

See you in november!