Amsterdam club De School announces reopening weekend

Amsterdam’s De School has announced details of its reopening this weekend, with the club welcoming dancers for the first time in two years on 9th and 10th September. 

Friday sees a line-up of DINA, Fafi Abdel Nour, Gabrielle Kwarteng, Merve, Nelly, Ngoni Egan (who recently contributed to DJ Mag’s Fresh Kicks mix series), and Spekki Webu in control of the venue, which runs from 11PM to 8AM. Meanwhile, Saturday’s opening hours are 10PM to 8AM, with reins handed to Ikonika, Infinity Division, Nkisi, and Rey Colino. A live set from Kosh (212), and a back-to-back from Mukuna and Jasmín are also confirmed. 

In the wake of strong criticism over discrimination, communication, and lack of diversity, De School has made widespread changes behind the scenes, with a new team, including the addition of operations director Erdal Kiran last summer, a fresh internal structure, house rules and code of conduct. 

“We do not condone aggression, assault, discrimination, exclusion, harassment, and/or physical or verbal or violence such as (but not limited to): ableism, antisemitism, (body)shaming, bullying, intimidation, islamophobia, racism, queerphobia, sexism, sexual misconduct and/or transphobia,” the club’s house rules read.

Guests visibly drunk, on drugs, rowdy or uncooperative will not be allowed inside, with groups of more than four people denied entry and an over-21 age restriction in place. You can read the full criteria here, including notes on footwear and the use of mobile phones. A full code of conduct can be found here, which specifies the need for staff and attendees to behave respectfully, politely, without assumption or judgement, openly, considerately and non-voyeuristically. 

Following a lengthy campaign and legal disputes with policymakers, in February this year Dutch clubs were given permission to reopen ‘without punishment’ despite Covid-19 restrictions officially planned to remain in place for another month.