The Founder of the Eindhoven Salsa
Scene: The Official Story of Nicky Verbeek
The flourishing Latin American dance scene in Eindhoven and the surrounding areas has a rich and international history. While unique dance concepts are still enjoyed today, the foundation was laid by one specific pioneer: Nicky Verbeek. Together with DJ Reagan Nahorst, he founded the organization agency V&N; Productions. Operating from legendary venues and his own Dance and Party Center Chicano’s, he brought color, rhythm, and passion to the City of Light and far beyond. This is the official history of a dance legend.
The Birth and International Journey of the 'Baile de la Rosa'(1996)
On May 12, 1996, Nicky made history with the very first edition of the salsa matinee Baile de la Rosa at the Entertainment Center 'De Ark' in Eindhoven-Strijp. Nicky devised a concept that was as charming as it wasre volutionary: the ladies asked the gentlemen to dance, and in return, the gentlemen presented a fresh rose afterwards. With 500 to 600 roses waiting each week, this concept became a massive success. The concept quickly grew beyond the city limits. It moved to Zaal de Harmonie and later to Nicky's own independent prime location: Chicano's at Mauritsstraat 12 in Eindhoven. V&N; Productions even took the formula across national borders. Together with DJ Ralf, the Baile de la Rosa was introduced in Düsseldorf, Germany. DJ Ralf managed this concept there for years with great success at various dance venues and twice a year during an exclusive, highly attended Salsa Boat over the Rhine. In 2006, under the banner of SalsaAmante, Nicky even brought the concept to the Golden Cliff House in Pattaya, Thailand. Today, this beautiful tradition is still proudly continued in Eindhoven by Edith and Servando of Dansschool Salsapati.
Large-Scale City Festivals on the Lichtplein
As an organizer and presenter, Nicky put Eindhoven on the international map. V&N; Productions booked major live music bands and artists and organized the large-scale Salsa Festival 'De Witte Dame goes Latin' on the Lichtplein three times. The absolute highlight took place on September 19, 1998, when Nicky, as the presenter, had the incredible feeling of announcing his own idols in front of thousands of ecstatically dancing people: the world-famous salsa formation Africando from Senegal, flanked by the 13-piece formation MaSalsa. As a true connector, Nicky also offered space on this grand stage for fellow dance schools, such as the show group Salsa Ambiente, to promote themselves to the large audience.
From 10 to 600 Students: The Growth of an Empire
Nicky's strength lay in recognizing and elevating talent. During the time at Zaal de Harmonie, he started a collaboration with Rosita Sola, who at the time gave salsa lessons at her own small location to a modest group of about 10 students. Under Nicky's wings and following the move to Chicano's on the Mauritsstraat, this initiative grew into the absolute premier class: with over 500 to 600 active students, it became the largest dance school in this field in Eindhoven.
Tropical Carnival with 'Los Chicano's' (2001)
In addition to salsa, Nicky also played a role in the development of Eindhoven's carnival life. He founded the Caribbean carnival association Los Chicano's.
The premise was distinctly different from the traditional carnival image: a tropical and swinging program in which salsa, merengue, and tumba took center stage.
In November 2001, according to his own historical account, Nicky introduced a first for Lampegat: a Caribbean royal couple, consisting of King Rai Cliffano and Queen Reina Elena.
The royal couple was dressed in flamboyant, colorful attire with robes and feathers. The entrance was designed as a festive, Caribbean presentation.
King Rai Cliffano and Queen Reina Elena during a festive presentation by Los Chicano's. The photo shows the colorful clothing with feathers and the Caribbean appearance of the royal couple.
During that period, Los Chicano's visited several carnival associations. During these visits, the entrance was made in a distinctly Caribbean and swinging manner. According to Nicky, the host associations were pleasantly surprised by the colorful and energetic way in which Los Chicano's presented itself.
Los Chicano's also participated in the carnival parade in Eindhoven. The group marched through the streets with a striking and colorful carnival float featuring the King and Queen.
The salsa dance group led the way. Behind them followed colorful board members and other members of Los Chicano's. Together, they formed a striking procession that showcased the association's Caribbean atmosphere in the Eindhoven parade.
The colorful group, the dancers, and the eye-catching float attracted a great deal of attention from the public. According to Nicky, their participation in the parade was immediately crowned with the prize for the 'best organized group'.
LOS CHICANO'S IN THE EINDHOVEN CARNAVAL PARADE
Salsa • Merengue • Tumba • colorful costumes • King and Queen • carnival float
An Indelible Legacy
In 2003, Nicky handed over the Chicano's business to Rosita Sola, who kept it inextricably linked to Mauritsstraat 12 until 2006. Although venues change hands and internet archives are fleeting, the impact of Nicky Verbeek is indelible. Every time a rose is handed over on a dance floor in the Netherlands, Germany, or Thailand, or when tropical sounds echo through Eindhoven, the life's work of this pioneer lives on.
Nicky Verbeek: The man who made Eindhoven, the Rhine, and the world swing.
King Rai Cliffano and Queen Reina Elena