Saturday, 6:30 a.m. The alarm rings. The thought of staying in bed crosses my mind instantly. But the desire of being part of a special celebration prevailed. The world had been marking Mandela’s 100th birthday throughout the week, and I was just about to join another party at a Secret Sunrise in Amsterdam.

After summoning up the strength to get out of bed, questions such as “Why don’t they organise secret sunsets instead?” and “What do people wear to these events?” started twirling in my head. Later that day I found out that sunsets are also part of the concept. 

The sun was already shinning when I left home. I love these beautiful summer mornings, where everything seems to glisten: the waterlilies in the canal, the bright green of the tree leaves, the smiles on the faces of those who, like me, have consciously (or sort of) chosen to wake up early on a Saturday. By the way, why were they already out so early, I wondered? The sun had risen, but the city was mostly asleep. 

A SECRET SUNRISE AT MANDELAHUISJE

After a half-hour bike ride, I arrived at the “secret” location, a few minutes shy of the starting time. By then, it was no longer a secret: we were all gathering at Mandelahuisje. Jamill Dors, founder and instructor at Secret Sunrise Amsterdam, was at the entrance, greeting everyone with a broad smile and handing out wireless headphones. They are an essential part of the experience.

As he later told me, “the headphones provide a sense of intimacy because you really get in your own bubble. You hear the music and a voice directly in your ears. Plus, they warrant communication through movement, because you can’t verbally communicate with others”. I would also add that the wireless headphones help to get rid of any kind if inhibitions: they allow participants to express themselves as if nobody were watching. 

But what is a Secret Sunrise (or Sunset) after all?

Before describing what Jamill calls “an energetic and joyful workout, where people can connect with one another and experience how it is to be a child again”, let’s revisit how this all began. In Jamill’s words, Secret Sunrise started as a project in South Africa. Two friends from Cape Town, who already ran No Danger Diaries, felt they could take a step further to connect people in their city. Since dance is a universal language, they came up with the idea of creating an uplifting form of exercise where people interact through body movements, following the directions of trained instructors. 

Secret Sunrise was founded three years ago and quickly grew into a large community of more than 15 thousand followers on Facebook. On the social network, their message is clear: Welcome to the guided dance which celebrates the morning sunrise. Instructors, silent headphones and the most epic way to start a day in the 21st century. The location remains secret until a few days before the event; a week, in the case of Amsterdam.

As to Secret Sunrise Amsterdam, it was born last year. With a group of 13 instructors, it holds events to the general public every six weeks. The next one is a secret sunset on 30th August, and the theme is Superheroes.

Dance for Madiba: joining a global celebration

This year, Secret Sunrise joined the festivities around the world to mark Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday. London, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Mauritius, Ibiza, Lowveld, Port Elizabeth, Bali and Amsterdam all danced for Madiba on 21st July.

Let the party begin at Mandelahuisje!

Words by Carla Vicente