Since its inception in 1996, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has become one of the most influential events in the dance music industry. It provides a platform for professionals in this industry and a cultural highlight for fans worldwide. Cultural sociologists Rens Wilderom and Alex van Venrooij investigated how dance became big in the Netherlands and England, rather than in the United States, where it has its origins.

Disco Sucks

Dance music began in the underground scenes of Chicago and Detroit in the early 1980s. Many dance producers came from disadvantaged groups in society, such as people of colour and the queer community. Despite the creativity within the dance movement, dance remained mostly underground in America. 'House, techno and disco were not given a fair chance in the music world. There was a "Disco Sucks" movement that organised Disco Demolition Night, with racist and homophobic motives. As a result, dance did not break through in the United States,' Wilderom explains.

Attractive underground status

In the US, dance remained in the background, but in the UK and the Netherlands, the music genre did catch on. Dance's underground status in the US made it attractive to UK promoters. The authenticity of the music attracted attention and made it popular within the UK, and the Netherlands soon followed. 'In the Netherlands, promoters and festival organisers had valuable contacts within the media. The first house parties became an instant success. The Volkskrant newspaper, for instance, devoted a full-page article to it. This was unthinkable in the US.'

By the mid-1990s, dance had firmly established itself in the Dutch charts. 'Around 1995, dance music reached its commercial peak in the Netherlands. Festivals were bigger than ever, and the government helped to organise them.

Global meeting point

The first edition of Amsterdam Dance Event was organised in 1996. It is a conference, festival and global meeting place for electronic music lovers all in one. It brings artists, promoters and fans together to share ideas, showcase new talent and explore the latest trends. 'ADE is similar to the Cannes Film Festival,' Wilderom enthuses. 'It draws a lot of attention and unites people from all over the world with the same passion. ADE has helped professionalise the dance industry in a way that would never have been possible otherwise.'

This year's Amsterdam Dance Event is taking place from 16 to 20 October.