ontmoet jouw
instructeurs
Ha Ravers!
Mijn naam is Soof, jouw enthousiaste Shuffle Dance docent en oprichter van ARA.
Sinds 2015 is Shuffle Dance een groot deel van mijn leven. Deze bruisende dansstijl maakt al jarenlang deel uit van mijn dagelijkse routine.
In 2018 vond ik mijn mede Shufflers in Nederland, wat een nieuw hoofdstuk in mijn dansavontuur opende.
Bij de Amsterdam Ravers Academy vieren we niet alleen de unieke stijl van elke danser, maar ook de kracht van verbondenheid binnen onze gezellige dansgemeenschap. Welkom bij ARA!
MARJOLEIN: I had been looking for a hobby/sport for a long time. Dancing has always been an outlet for me. But because I had not practiced sports for a long time, the threshold to do something became higher and higher. I am 38 years old and I have often thought that I might be too old to learn. This thought has kept me from doing the things I like for a long time. Last year I started watching Shuffle Dance videos on Instagram and was inspired by a number of dancers. This made me decide to look for a dance school in the area. Eventually I found a few in Amsterdam. ARA immediately stood out! And so I decided to put on my brave (dancing) shoes! And I have to say... I should have done this much sooner!! Because ARA is really unique and different from what I have experienced at other dance schools. It goes so much further than just taking a dance class (learning to dance). Of course it is optional for everyone, but what I really like is that it is also about connection. This class is very diverse with different ages and different nationalities. I experience it as a cozy and warm, safe environment to learn and to meet new people. AR is a close community with dancers from all over the world. And it feels very special to me to be part of it. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, no distinction is made. You can always learn something from each other. It feels like a new family that I have gained! As far as the lessons are concerned, there is always a relaxed atmosphere. Soof is good at explaining, is patient and super funny, which also makes the atmosphere more relaxed. She puts you at ease and is interested in what we want to learn and applies that into the classes. During the freestyle sessions it can sometimes be difficult to get out of your comfort zone, but Soof and the class give me an absolutely safe feeling to experiment with this. One of my favorite lessons was about connection. This way I get to know my fellow students better by dancing assignments together. Then I saw that everyone has the same insecurities, which made me experience it less anxious. And the less I am in my head, the better the dancing goes. And then you become more and more creative and playful. Much recommended! I don't really live nearby (an hour from Amsterdam) so the days are often long with my work, the travel time and the dance lesson. When I am very tired it is sometimes tempting to want to cancel. But I try to take as many lessons as possible. Because it genuinely makes me a happier person and I notice it immediately in my mood when I have to miss lessons. Bad day or not: I ALWAYS go home with a happy feeling!! Mentally it gives me such a huge boost that I don't mind having to travel so far. People often ask me, wouldn't you like to dance closer? But then I'm very clear; I wouldn't want any other dance family!!! ❤️
LEV: I vividly remember my first class at Amsterdam Ravers Academy — I’m looking for the entrance to the studio and then I hear electronic music blasting out of the open door. I immediately know that this is the place. I come in and the lighting is dim and colorful, people are already stretching (I was a little late, sorry!). The whole atmosphere felt like a nightclub, and that was both exciting and intimidating because I haven’t been to a lot of raves myself. During the class, however, I didn’t feel lost or like I was falling behind. The people who I didn’t even get a chance to introduce myself to were helping out and giving tips and were generally being very nice, as if us dancing there together was enough for them to feel connected to me. As I kept attending classes, I got to know the people there more and more, and the initial feeling of being intimidated is long gone. I’ve seen everyone just being a relatable person, having personal ups and downs. I’ve seen what it takes for Soof, our teacher, to keep up this spirit, community, and energy, and I can’t take it for granted. She always finds a way to make the class interesting and she listens a lot to what we want. Every one of my fellow dance mates also contributes to making the classes special by giving their energy and bringing their personality. I’m so glad I found this community, and I hope there’s a long and exciting future for it :)
TATTY: Starting this dance class at almost 35 years old was a leap into the unknown for me. It was my first ever dance course, and I felt a mix of pride and nervousness walking in—excited to take that first step, but unsure about the level I'd encounter. From that very first class, something clicked. I've improved so much—physically and mentally. My coordination and rhythm have grown, but more than that, I’ve become more confident and socially open. I've learned so many steps I never imagined I could pull off! The connection with the teacher has been absolutely incredible. She genuinely cares—not just about helping us grow as dancers, but as individuals. Her energy creates a space where progress, fun, and support go hand-in-hand. ARA is more than just a dance class, it’s a beautiful, vibrant community where everyone lifts each other up. Shuffle dance turned out to be exactly what I needed. As someone navigating the stress of launching a business, class has become my sacred space to dance my worries away. It’s intense cardio, yes, but it's also a deep emotional release that I now can’t live without. What makes ARA so special is everything that surrounds it. Beyond classes, we come together for monthly meetups—indoors or outdoors, depending on the vibe—where we talk, laugh, share a joint if that’s your thing, and dance like no one’s watching. Everyone contributes to the playlist, creating a dream-like dance experience that’s personal and collective at the same time. This isn’t just a dance class. It’s joy. It's growth. It’s therapy in motion. It’s family.
MAAIKE: Years ago a colleague showed me a Shuffle dance video. It looked super nice but I thought I wouldn't be able to do it. Years later, when things weren't going well for me, Shuffle came my way again. I followed a workshop and noticed that it was tiring but also very fun to do. Since then I have been looking for Shuffle lessons and eventually ended up at Amsterdam Ravers Academy. Super nice atmosphere and very cool that great shuffle dancers from all over the world come to give workshops! I think choreography is the best part and despite the fact that the speed is still an area to improve on and I don't manage to come every week; I notice progress. Soof puts a lot of time, energy and love into it and that is noticeable in everything. In addition, it is also a nice community where I have the feeling that everyone is welcome. An open, cheerful atmosphere where everyone always puts their best foot forward.
VENUS: It's been about two and a half months now since I joined the Amsterdam Ravers Academy and I'm honestly not being dramatic when I say it's completely changed my life. The amount of incredible people I have connected with, the amount of joy I have experienced in every single class, meet-up, workshop, you name it. Every single experience that I have had the opportunity to have thanks to Soof and the incredible space she has facilitated for people to connect and grow together as dancers has been priceless and each time I leave her lessons, I do so with a heart full of joy and gratitude, feeling like I have unlocked a little bit more of the dancer I am aiming to be. If you are looking for more than just dance classes, if you are looking for a safe space to express, connect and create, a space where you can be fully yourself while learning the beautiful art of shuffling, then look no further. Come and be a part of the amazing Ravers' family, I'm sure you won't regret it. I mean it when I say that since the very first moment I stepped foot into the studio, I felt welcomed and embraced by everyone and that is why Soof's classes have undoubtedly become one of the highlights of my week. I look forward to sharing the dancefloor with you!
