Amsterdam
Light on their toes
On its first visit to The Netherlands, the National Ballet of China performs this tragic tale of love and rivalry, based on the eponymous film by director Zhang Yimou.
RAISE THE RED LANTERN January 4, 6, 7,10; Muziektheater, Amstel 3; +31 20 6255455; www.muziektheater.nlEVENTS
REALISME 07 January 14-17
This art fair focuses on contemporary figurative and realistic art by Dutch and international artists.
PTA (Passenger Terminal Amsterdam), Piet Heinkade 27; +31 20 6264020; www.realismeamsterdam.com
JUMPING AMSTERDAM January 21-24
Some of the world’s top riders compete in show jumping and dressage events.
RAI, Europaplein 22; +31 20 5445720; www.jumpingamsterdam.nl
PARADISO KORENDAGEN January 23, 24
The annual ‘Choir Days’ weekend sees a plethora of amateur choirs perform within a former church building.
Paradiso, Weteringschans 6-8; +31 20 6264521; www.paradiso.nl
AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK January 27-31
Dutch and international fashion take to catwalks across the city.
Various locations; www.amsterdamfashionweek.com
EXHIBITIONS
NIET NORMAAL (NOT NORMAL)
Until March 7 Art and science come together to confront the question: what is normal?
Beurs van Berlage, Beursplein 1; www.nietnormaal.nl
HENDRICK AVERCAMP: THE LITTLE ICE AGE Until February 15
Fascinating, historic 17th-century winter landscapes by this Amsterdam-born painter.
Rijksmuseum, Jan Luykenstraat 1; +31 20 674700; www.rijksmuseum.nl
ALEXANDER RODCHENKO: REVOLUTION IN PHOTOGRAPHY Until March 17
More than 200 vintage photographs provide a unique overview of the world-famous Russian avant-garde artist Rodchenko (1891-1956).
Foam, Keizersgracht 609; +31 20 5516500; www.foam.nl
OMAN Until April 18
Around 300 top pieces from various museum collections. The exhibition dwells on Oman’s role as a seafaring nation and its central location on international trade routes, such as those of the Dutch East India Company.
De Nieuwe Kerk, Dam; +31 20 6386909; www.nieuwekerk.nl
RESTAURANT
ABYSSINIA
Spacious and relaxed, this African restaurant specialises in authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean (Abyssinian) dishes. Forego the cutlery and use an enjera (pancake) to pick up the chef’s spicy delights, such as doro wot (chicken stew). Complement the meal with honey wine or a selection of Mongozo beers.
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 190; +31 20 6830792; www.abyssinia.nl
GIGS
Heavy Trash January 17, Melkweg
Dropkick Murphys January 31, Heineken Music Hall
Ian Brown January 31, Paradiso
WEBSITES
www.dutchnews.nl
Daily Dutch news in English
www.specialbite.com
Cool and comprehensive restaurant reviews
www.underwateramsterdam.com
Events and info galore
www.amsterdam.info
Useful tourist information
www.lastminuteticketshop.nl
Half-price tickets to events
