International Hip Hop Dance Festival
Don’t Sweat the Technique

SoulCypher is back with its 13th edition from Fri 28 to Sun 30 November. This year, SoulCypher dives deep into the essence of what Hip Hop truly is: the raw attitude and refined technique. Inspired by the iconic track by Eric B. & Rakim – Don’t Sweat the Technique, the 2025 edition puts both the grind and the shine in the spotlight.

It honors the discipline behind the freestyle, the structure behind the chaos, and the finesse within the rawness.

Check the weekend schedule and get your tickets for SoulCypher!

Friday
November 28th

Dance workshops, SoulCinema, Illmatic Classic Hip Hop Party

Saturday
November 29th

SoulCypher Theatre and Soul2Soul All Styles Battle

Sunday
November 30th

Soulcypher main event
and expo

Workshops

Dance Workshops with:

  • Yuki – Locking
  • Paris – Popping
  • Mr Kris – Intuitive Floorwork

 

Kicking off the SoulCypher weekend with world-class masterclasses! CLAIM YOUR SPOT — send an email to soulcypher@outlook.com or sign up below.

Info:

Soul Cinema

A glimpse into the world of Street Dance on the big screen!
This evening, we shine a light on films created by street dancers and/or filmmakers, while celebrating hip hop culture. Both professional and emerging artists will showcase their work, and you are invited to experience and enjoy their creations.

In addition to the screenings, you will witness a panel discussion with professional creators. They will engage in an open conversation about topics such as hip hop in film, being a dancer and filmmaker, commercialization, and the importance of representation. Whether you are a professional or aspiring filmmaker or dancer, or simply feel inspired by hip hop culture — this night is for you!

Hosted by Farah van Stokkum
Panel to be announced.

Info:

SoulCypher x Illmatic

SoulCypher and Illmatic join forces for an oldschool hip-hop club night packed with boom bap vibes. Step onto the dancefloor and expect pure energy, raw grooves, and the true spirit of hip-hop — from vinyl to flow.

Line-up:

  • Jopie2000: 22:00 – 23:15
  • Chris Breinburg + MC Robba: 23:15 – 00:45
  • Statinski: 00:45 – 02:30


All DJs spin with the
soul of oldschool hip-hop at the core — expect classic beats, scratches, and golden-era vibes all night long.

Info:

Soul2Soul: All Styles Battle

“You come alone and leave together.”

A Kids & Adult 2vs2 All Styles Battle!
On Saturday 29 November, the All Styles event lands at Theater a/d Rijn Arnhem.
Emerging and established dance talents take the floor in powerful, high-energy battles.

In a dynamic format — starting with a cypher pre-selection — judges select the dancers who move on to the next round. Random duos are then formed, each consisting of one child and one adult. These intergenerational teams face off in the third edition of the Soul2Soul All Style Battle.

Battle Category:

  • 2vs2 All Styles Battle (Cypher Preselection)

Judges:

  • Precious
  • Mr. Kris
  • Navanio

DJ:

  • DJ Passive

MC:

  • Farah

Info:

SoulCypher Theatre night (sold out)

Loud Whispers – Denden Karadeniz & Zero Dance Theatre

Where hip hop dance takes the stage.
An evening that celebrates the cultural power and artistic expression of hip hop in a theatrical context. 

This year features Denden with his performance Loud Whispers: an intense and personal piece where movement whispers what words cannot say. With a unique style rooted in hip hop and influenced by contemporary dance, Denden creates a world where vulnerability and strength intertwine.

Info:

November 30th:

SoulCypher Festival 2025

This edition celebrates the craftsmanship, skill, and dedication behind true mastery in Hip Hop. Under the artistic direction of Ruben Chi and supported by a passionate community, SoulCypher highlights the growth and celebration of Hip Hop dance as both a cultural movement and an art form.

During the immersive Main Event, audiences experience the power, creativity, and commitment of dancers from around the world. Emerging and established talents compete in high-energy battles in Hip Hop, House Dance, Popping, and Locking.

Whether you’re a dancer or a lover of Hip Hop culture, this festival promises an intense and inspiring experience.

Battle Category:

  • Popping 2vs2
  • House 2vs2
  • Locking 2vs2
  • Hip Hop 2vs2

Judges:

  • Paradox
  • Paris
  • Wesley
  • Yuki

DJ:

  • DJ Lucas Benjamin
  • DJ Veusty

MC:

  • Faizel Playfair
  • Elise Richards

Media & previous editions

Recaps

5 Videos

Hall of fame battles

19 Videos

Performance

5 Videos

Judge demos

8 Videos

About Stichting Soulcypher

Stichting Soulcypher is a Dutch non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and communities through hip-hop, music, and art. The organization was founded by Ruben Chi, who began his journey as part of the crew Soul Selected. The foundation of Soulcypher can be traced back to Soul Selected, a crew that stood for creative hip-hop movement. Inspired by its energy, creativity, and collective spirit, Soulcypher has grown into a leading force in the Dutch hip-hop scene.

From its roots in the vibrant Dutch hip-hop culture, Soulcypher has been guided by the core values of hip-hop: respect, knowledge, unity, and self-expression. Central to its mission is the “Each One Teach One” philosophy, emphasizing the importance of passing on skills, experience, and knowledge to the next generation. Djerraldo Goedhart, founder of youth media platform Orokana World and an original member of Soul Selected, remains a key figure as one of the festival’s lead artistic voices, guiding its creative direction and ensuring artistic quality. Farah van Stokkum serves as a curator and organizer, bringing her vision and expertise to create a festival that is inclusive, inspiring, and vibrant. These are just examples of the individuals and organizations that help build, nurture, and sustain the Soulcypher community.

Read more about us

One of Soulcypher’s flagship initiatives is the Soulcypher Festival, the longest-running stand-up hip-hop dance festival in the Netherlands. Spanning four days across different locations in Arnhem, the festival celebrates hip-hop culture in all its forms — dance, music, visual arts, workshops, and community events. It functions as a cultural hub, connecting local talent with national and international networks while creating inclusive spaces where young people can explore their creativity, express themselves freely, and connect with others.

Stichting Soulcypher focuses on three core programs:

  • The Soulcypher Festival – a four-day city-wide celebration of hip-hop culture, creativity, and community.
  • Theatre productions – productions and showcases, including works by Ruben Chi and other artists, presented in formal theater spaces.
  • ⁠Talent Development – guided by the “Each One Teach One” philosophy, mentoring and nurturing young artists to grow their skills and confidence.

 

More than just an organization, Stichting Soulcypher is a movement rooted in hip-hop culture. By fostering creativity, sharing knowledge, and building community, Soulcypher continues to honor the legacy of hip-hop while making a tangible difference in the lives of young people and communities across the Netherlands.

Download the NewDance tv app

Curious about the program, artists or what’s happening next? Download the NewDance TV app to stay fully connected to the festival. Get the full schedule, line-up details and practical info all in one place, plus live updates during the event so you don’t miss a single moment of the experience.

Get in touch!

Questions, collabs or ideas? Drop us a message through the form below. From tickets to partnerships and everything in between, the SoulCypher team is here to connect and keep the energy moving.