Brussels transforms into dance capital for free open-air festival

Pop-up performances, battles and workshops all encourage the public to jump to their feet during the Brussels Dance Festival (BDF)  running until 24 August.

The 10-day dance fest - one of Brussels' flagship summer events - is already proving successful with city-centre squares Place de la Bourse and Place De Brouckère staging an eclectic line-up of rhythmic shows.

From classical ballet and Zumba to Afro battles and a daring aerial creation, crowds have been electrified by the diverse display of free dance and music.

In the Grand Place, Belgigabarre (pictured above) transformed the medieval square into a gigantic open-air classical dance class, bringing together hundreds of dancers under a blazing sun.

For its final weekend, the festival beats on with performances and workshops for all ages. Place de la Bourse becomes a showcase for international cultures and dances with daily shows at 15.00 (except Saturday). They include dancehall rhythms, traditional balls, a family dance initiation, contemporary moves and Latin energy. The square’s Fusion Stage also hosts Afro-urban performances and vibrates to the sound of DJ sets by Belben, TESS, and DJ Sean Macson.

On the workshop front, take your pick from house & clubbing with The Clubbing Night Project, rock 'n' roll with Rock 4 Life Brussels, voguing with For All Queens! and contemporary style with The Dancing Society & Créahmbxl. Each class concludes with a dancefloor open to all.

Meanwhile, Place de Brouckère comes alive with a series of battles: Electro/Power Move x Shake by Detours, and a queer all-style battle with Justine Theizen and Get Down.

At the City Hall, the Back Pocket company takes the audience on an acrobatic and poetic journey, while Contredanse's Si t'y danses offers open-air dance performances in various city neighbourhoods.

Place de la Bourse is the venue for the festival’s grand closing party ALORS ON DANSE! on 23 August from 20.50. Hosted by Sara De Paduwa and Agustín Galiana, the evening features headliners Christine and the Queens, Suzane, Puggy, Lubiana, Henri PFR, Catherine Lara & Compagnie Kumo, dancers from The Dancer), and will also be broadcast live on La Une (RTBF).

Photos: ©City of Brussels