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Welcome to my website where I hope to share my love for dance organs with everybody.

I'm working on this project on a daily basis, so I invite you to bookmark this site and check back frequently for updates.

I was born and raised in Holland in the province of Brabant. I lived next door to a café named "Prins Bernhard" ( later "Albertino"). During each Town Fair and Carnival, the café hosted a dance organ. I remember fondly, as a little boy, seeing and hearing the enormous musical instrument. I especially recall being allowed to operate the organ by putting some books through it. As time went on, my love for the dance organs endured, but unfortunately fewer and fewer of them came to our town.

Of all the dance organs I was familiar with, one in particular captured my heart. It was the 121 key organ built by Gebroeders Decap of Antwerp, Belgium, named SPLENDID.

A few years ago, I decided to search out this revered piece of my personal history, a giant of sound and mechanics. The natural place to start was at the company of Gebroeders Decap, still located in Antwerp. Mr. Roger Mostmans, a relative of the original Decap Brothers, invited me inside the workshop. He answered my many questions and then demonstrated a number of instruments. I first listened to a couple of 105 key organs which were a combination of pipes and a Hammond organ. I also heard a restored 92 key named HALLENSIA and even a new 52 key street organ. As if this weren't enough, he then opened a large door to another room in which stood a fabulous, original 121 key Decap named METRO. While watching and listening, the bug bit me hard. I had to find out everything I could about the mighty 121 Decap dance organs. I started by posting a collection of photos of Decap dance organs, but soon decided to expand the plan to include those of Mortier and other manufacturers.

It is now that I appeal to you for your help by sending me photos, modern and historical, and information about dance organs that you may own or be familiar with to: DANSORGELS

My aim is to share my passion and love for these beautiful instruments with others with similar feelings. I don't have any grand illusions that this site will bring the organs back to our Town Fair, but I do hope to raise the enthusiasm and respect for these magnificent instruments so they will never be forgotten!

Bert van Mook