Sugarfactory

I’m Eugene, a Melbourne local who’s been with Les Mills for over five years, and I flew up to Amsterdam to support my wife, Suzie, who was on stage presenting at the Les Mills Live masterclass filming at SugarFactory in October 2025. I looked at the day as both a participant and a long-time fan of the releases we teach and do back home. The event had strong energy, clear coaching, and production that felt confident from start to finish. Peak periods came with a few big-crowd realities, but nothing that took away from the experience if you planned ahead. SugarFactory added a lot of character. It’s a former sugar plant that ran from 1863 to 1992 and has been redeveloped since 2002 with care for the original materials and features. The space is large and flexible, with areas like the Middenfabriek and Pulppersloods linked by the Binnenstraat. High ceilings and open spans made room for lighting rigs and camera tracks without blocking sightlines, while power access, high-capacity Wi‑Fi and a vehicle lift supported the tech side. Access was simple as well, with a nearby train station, on-site parking, and a short trip from the airport for international travellers. On the floor, the industrial backdrop amplified the vibe. Brick walls, steel pillars and those huge boilers gave the sessions a dramatic look that works on camera. Sound levels were clear and balanced in the blocks I joined, so cues cut through cleanly. Lighting and stage cues felt tight, and airflow held up even in late sessions. Crew were present and helpful, which kept transitions smooth. It all made Suzie’s segment feel crisp and professional while still welcoming for the crowd. There were a few areas that could be improved for comfort and flow. Bathroom queues built between the busiest blocks, and holding zones filled quickly during changeovers. Water points worked but could use extra stations near main doors to reduce bunching. None of this was a deal-breaker. A few simple tweaks would lift the experience: add more water stations near entries, increase soft seating or stretch mats in holding areas, roster bathroom attendants during peak turnovers, and include a short warm-up guide in the pre-event email so participants arrive primed. If you’re planning to attend a future filming, arrive early for your block to grab a spot you like and settle your gear. Pack a small towel, a spare top and a light layer, as the floor runs warm and outside can feel cool. Bring simple carbs and an electrolyte sachet for quick resets, and use the train to keep timings stress-free. Be realistic with your training load; I found two hard sessions plus a recovery block kept quality high without fading late. Why does any of this matter back in Melbourne? Because the quality captured on days like this flows into the releases we run in clubs. Clearer cues and well-tested choreography lead to better form, safer effort, and higher engagement. That helps members come back more often and stay on track with their goals. From what I saw, the filming standards in Amsterdam will support that outcome. My balanced take: the event delivered on atmosphere, instruction, and production. SugarFactory is a strong fit for filming thanks to its scale, access, and technical capacity, and the venue’s history gives it a unique feel. With a few crowd-flow tweaks, the participant experience would lift again. As someone who came to back Suzie on stage and to feel the program in full voice, I left confident the energy and clarity will show up in the releases we all enjoy back home.