An Elevator Passion & Phat Elephant ADE experience in a nutshell

A week has passed and Amsterdam is slowly recovering from Amsterdam Dance Event. The yellow and black ADE flags have been taken down, however, the sweet memories of the week remain in the back of everyone's mind.

Here's a little summary of what happened during the Elevator Passion & Phat Elephant night so that you can step into the shoes of an attendee at the event.

As the elevator takes you to the heights of the 7th floor, you don't really have a clue of what to expect. Did you ever think that, as entering into an event, you'd be greeted by Burlesque Beauty (aka Claudia- on the left) and her partner in painting crime, the Happy Hatter (Sandra - below)? I didn't think so! BUt, that is indeed what you see as you enter an Elevator Passion party: Art in Parts booth set up and ready to give you a make over that will transform you into the you you've always wanted to become! Just sit back and let the ladies do their magic...

SUDDENLY, after your make over and transformation into alter ego is complete, you're taken by a haze of aromas of a multitude of exotic floral scents, which send your head spinning trying to determine the origin of this hypnotizing smell. Tucked away, in the corner, you see a fairy-like creature reorganizing her bouquet of flowers and realize that she is the culprit of the dazzling fragrances. Your senses do no other than guide you towards her. Kindly, she asks you to pick a flower- any flower that you like. She then snatches it from you, analyzes you carefully and finds the perfect spot on which to accessorize you with it. As of now, you will be carrying the smell of passion around with you and you notice that heads start turning in your direction. Now YOU are the one hypnotizing others and now it is up to you to continue this legacy throughout the night.

Right when you think that you're ready to hit the dance floor (or at least get farther than the entrance), Mabelle stops you right in your tracks. Armed with a blowdryer and brush in hand, she guides you to the seat and begins to analyse your face structure. Suddenly the stern look becomes a soft smile and she asks you, "So, what would you like?" Being fully aware that you are now in her control, but also feeling comfortable to be in this position, you let yourself be handled and styled. The mirror is just out of your view so you're not able to make comments about the progress.

Somehow, you know that this is a person who you can trust with your hair and just like the other ladies that have crossed your path within the first 16 steps of entering, you let her do her thing. Surprisingly, she is done within 10 or 15 minutes. You've been pampered non-stop since you arrived and now comes the moment of truth: Can you enter the dance floor with this look?
As you look into your own reflection, you cannot believe that it is you. Your face has a new glow, you smell like roses and your hair looks spectacular.
Q.Are you ready?
A. As ready as you'll ever be!

You continue your mission to the dance floor and notice that half the party is behind the DJ booth! A momentary flash of the promotional flyer comes to mind and you remember that there are indeed many artists, coming from all around the world, playing that night and some of the collective groups consisting of more than two people! Besides getting a full make over, you are handed a full program of all-round entertainment.
The Elevator Passion crew, as well as Atjazz, Si Tew and Flohil and Smit take the crowd to another realm of sonic fullfillment. Below are some pics to give you an idea of the energy involved:

Snap, Crackle & Pop
[who seem to be analyzing the army of buttons they see before them]

ArtifclMen (Live)
[playing their funky jazzed up tunes whilst wearing their classy top hats]

Art of Tones & Dairmount
[multi-tasking behind the decks]

Gustin & Craig Neeld
[Rockin' it as they play]

As you dance and enjoy the variety of beats and tunes, a gust of wind blows your hairdo and you turn to see what's going. In total astonishment, you realize that the fragrance goddess from the beginning of the party is twisting around some bright red fans in a kind of ritual dance move on a stage behind the dance floor! As she twists and turns, you remember the purpose of your visit: share the scent of passion and love for music and entertainment. Dance as wildly as you can and all else will follow. So there you go... losing control of your own being, morphing into the alternative, improved and selfless you. You smile to the person standing next to you and grin at yourself for having completed your mission at this party.

In the light of self-fulfillment, you look around you and notice that the visual projections are featuring the star of this party- YOU! Your entire essence is capture on the projection screens behind the DJ booth and all around the venue, however, transformed into an array of different colors, shapes and sizes. You look around to see who has portrayed you in this light and recognize a team of turkish men, whom are creating the interactive visuals - it's ShiTV behind the VJ booth.

They, too, know how to have a good time!

A final touch (and one that would lead to the after party debauchery) is the Facebook Photo Competition. Located in random places around the venue are some obscure instructions about taking a picture and placing it somewhere to get a prize. Vague and slightly suspicious, you think, but maybe also fun!

Unfortunately for you a certain "Patrick Kramer" wins the prize, which gets announced over the microphone close to the end of the party. (see Female in picture below)
Now, I know what you're thinking: "This is soooooo not a Patrick Kramer!". Well, I thought that too, BUT gotta give her credit for claiming she was and walking away with the prize!

All in all, the crowd was amazingly energetic, full of laughs and funky dance moves and ensured the success of the entire night. The artists performed their best and many thanks are given to each and every individual who contributed to this special night.

THE END
(...until next year, that is!)


Special Thanks to: Clairmont Pictures, Rim Photography and AnnaLisa Bruno for documenting this wonderful night