Just Dance

Marlou and William

William Bartels (62) lives in Pottenberg. Through Foundation Smile, he organises dance evenings and works as a DJ, playing nostalgic music in care homes. “I've been doing this for 16 years,” he says. “Every event is fun and always well attended, but this dance tent together with Dutch Dance Days is the highlight!” William dances with his wife Marlou (61) to his favourite song, Leeveke by Johnny Blenco and Beppie Kraft. The couple met 40 years ago on the dance floor of d'n Hiemel. Their advice? “Just give it a try and be brave,” says Marlou. “I used to be shy too.” William has one wish: “This event should return every year!”

Joyce and Elly

Joyce van der Bijl (56), a construction specialist from Voerendaal, dances with Elly van Domburg (73), a retired graphic designer from Mariaberg. They first met at Café Rosé in Maastricht city centre. A year later, they started dance lessons together at Bernaards Dance School. They enjoy all kinds of dance styles, from jive to the English waltz. Elly leads, while Joyce follows. Their favourite dance event in Maastricht was a Christmas party organised by Mixed Harmony in Wolder. What would they say to people who are afraid to dance? “Just try it!” says Joyce. “Don't worry too much about what other people think,” adds Elly.

“Don't worry too much about what other people think.”

Yala

Yala Claessens (28) is an influencer who lives in Bosscherveld. She has trained in many different dance styles but loves improvising, especially to Man! I Feel Like a Woman! by Shania Twain. “For me, dancing is freedom. It's a way to express myself and connect with the people around me.” Her favourite dance memory in Maastricht is from Bruis Festival near Muziekgieterij. Dancing barefoot in the grass, she ended up making new friends. Yala dreams of a lively public dance space by the River Maas, similar to Strandbar Mitte on Berlin's River Spree. Her advice for anyone who feels nervous about dancing? “Practice at home and go to places where people really come to dance, such as Club Tweak during Dutch Dance Days.”

Ilse and Jos

Ilse Volders (55), a teacher at Vista College, dances with Jos Schipper (61), a project manager at water company WML. They live just outside Maastricht, near Vaeshartelt. The couple met during swimming training sessions at Geusseltbad. Looking for a hobby they could enjoy together, they decided to try rock 'n' roll dancing. Now they dance every Friday evening with rock 'n' roll club Crrrazy Motion in Geleen. “We should have started ten years earlier!” says Jos. Their message for people who have never danced before? “Just do it! Come to Hanenhof. They'll teach you.”

“Just do it! If you can walk, you can dance.”

Riny and Lambert

Riny van Wessel (83) from Céramique dances with Lambert Pieters (81) from Daalhof. They met six years ago at a dance event organised by William Bartels. Today, they are on the dance floor together almost every Sunday. They enjoy both line dancing and ballroom dancing. “Those dance lessons from years ago finally come in handy,” Riny laughs. One of their favourite places to dance is Beats and Bars in Amby. Riny once went to a dance afternoon on her own, not knowing anyone there. Since then, she has met many new people, including Lambert. Their advice is simple: “If you can walk, you can dance.”

Annie and Bertie

Annie Heugen (73) from Wittevrouwenveld dances with Bertie Vleugels (70) from Heugemerveld. Annie has known DJ and organiser William Bartels for many years. Both women are familiar faces at dance afternoons in Maastricht and the surrounding area. Annie especially enjoys line dancing and tango, while Bertie prefers to “go with the flow”. Their favourite artists include Frans Theunisz, Ludy van Dijk, Beppie Kraft and Benny Neyman. They also enjoy music by Vicky Leandros, Neil Diamond and The Mavericks. What would they tell someone who is hesitant about dancing? “Just come and have a look,” they say. “The atmosphere is always friendly, and everyone is welcome.”