What’s on this week: 2 to 8 January

The desires and expressions of disabled dancers from the inclusive company Platform K were the starting point for the performance Where is Everybody? A project created with Brussels company ZOO, under choreographer Thomas Hauert, it explores how dancers with a disability need not adapt to the conventions of the dominant dance culture. 8-14 January, Théâtre Les Tanneurs, Rue des Tanneurs 75

Belgian tenor saxophone stalwart Bart Defoort is joined by longstanding partner in crime, pianist Ewout Pierreux, virtuoso bassist Jos Machtel and indispensable drummer Jan De Haas, for an evening of jazz standards. 3 January 19.30, Toots Jazz Club, Rue des Chapeliers 6

The holiday vibe continues in the capital with Le Cabaret Secret, a French-language show combining performance, street theatre and dance. Presented by the seasoned troupe Le Magic Cabaret, the seasonal production creates a universe filled with forgotten legends and a magic mirror that mysteriously comes back to life. Until 25 January, Gare Maritime, Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86C

It was during the culturally febrile period at the beginning of the 20th century that that the use of pastels and similar drawing materials experienced a remarkable revival. Belgian artists embraced this technique of capturing intimate moment, quick sketches and even larger-scale intricate works. The Museum of Fine Arts exhibition FRAGILE presents works on paper by Henry De Groux, Berthe Art, Georges Lemmen and Léon Spilliaert via six themed perspectives. The title refers to the delicate nature of these exceptional drawings that means they are rarely on show to the public. Until 19 April, Rue de la Régence 3

Following a creative residency within the Art Nouveau masterpiece, artist Yunni Cho transforms the Horta museum into a nocturnal and luminous landscape. The exhibition Stems of Light: Day and Night at Maison Horta explores the dialogue between shadow and radiance, architecture and emotion, to reveal unseen details of the pioneering architect’s masterpiece home and studio. Swiss-based Cho draws on her background in architecture, neuroscience and urban studies to create her contemporary projects. Until 11 January, Rue Américaine 25 (Saint-Gilles)

Discover the emerging creative talent of budding photographers at the free collective show by the Agnès Varda School of Photography and Visual Techniques. The exhibition at the city-centre Espace Vanderborght features 10 graduating students who each unveil two photographic projects in the modernist space. Until 15 January, Rue de l’Ecuyer

The Art Deco centenary celebration in Brussels features a stylish exhibition revealing the evolution of silhouettes and accessories during the ‘golden age’ of the 20th century. 1925: Fashion in the Age of Art Deco is a collaboration between the Fashion & Lace Museum and the Van Buuren Museum & Gardens, which stages the show. It showcases the contrasting styles of masculine-influenced attire adopted during the day and the glamour and abstract embroidery of evening wear. Emblematic objects of the era include handbags, vanity cases, and perfume bottles from an exceptional Belgian collection. Until 2 February, Avenue Léo Errera 41 (Uccle)

Book now Brussels Jazz Festival celebrates its 11th anniversary at Flagey. One of Belgium’s foremost jazz festivals, its resident artist for this edition is Belgian-Tunisian pianist Wajdi Riahi (pictured), who will present three new creations. Meanwhile, the festival kicks off with Jakob Bro unveiling new work as part of Jazz Meets Symphonic and also includes premieres by Isaiah Collier, corto.alto, Milena Casado, Jazzbois, Mu Quintet and more. 15-24 January, Place Flagey (Ixelles)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Kick off the New Year with an icy water challenge by joining thousands in taking a quick dip in the North Sea at Ostend beach. Since 1987, the coastal resort organises a plunge in the chill waters on the first Saturday of the year. Participants, familiarly known as polar bears, are invited to dress up for the occasion and are treated to some warming soup and a nip of local jenever after their immersion. Sign up for the experience here. 3 January 15.00, Ostend beach (Drie Gapers), West Flanders

Ostend boasts a unique 4km light trail, Lichtgolf, that immerses visitors in an original soundscape via individual headphones. Art, sound and light fuse in this maritime story narrated by Jutta, a young Ostend shipwreck collector. She leads visitors through a bittersweet fable about the sea, memory and hidden treasures. The trail incorporates seven landmark locations, including the Vistrap, the Mercator, Leopold Park, the Kursaal and the James Ensor House. Departure point: Ostend Tourism Office Until 4 January (except 24 & 25 December, 1 January), 16.30-21.00, Monacoplein 2, Ostend

Round off the holiday season with a festive whirl around Durbuy Christmas Market. Specialising in artisan goodies and decorative crib scenes, it boasts popular gourmet treats, and not for the faint-hearted, hot potatoes served with melting foie gras. The narrow cobbled streets of Belgium’s smallest town are also peppered with tempting restaurants offering plenty of Ardennes specialities. A covered ice skating rink is set up in Roi Baudouin park. Until 4 January, Place aux Foires & Parc Roi Baudouin, Durbuy (Luxembourg province)

Le Jardin du Père Nebel in the village of Beauvechain is a seasonal marvel. Since 2012, the private initiative of resident Serge Hennebel has grown into an attraction that draws some 5,000 visitors each year. From decorations and illuminations to chalets harbouring Father Christmas and his merry band of elves, the garden and its entertainment programme appeals to all ages.  Until 4 January 17.00-21.00, Place Communale, Beauvechain (Walloon Brabant)

Mons Art Nouveau treasure Maison Losseau is currently showing the exhibition BORDS PERDUS by visual artist Marie Bonnin. The result of a residency at the elegant Paul Saintenoy-designed property close to the city’s Grand Place, it follows research into the archives of Léon Losseau and in particular the home’s garden. The project is part of the European initiative L’Art Nouveau comme nouvelle EUtopia under the auspices of Réseau Art nouveau Network (RANN). Until 1 March, Rue de Nimy 37, Mons

Recent work by internationally-renowned contemporary Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola is showcased at the Grand-Hornu design museum CID as part of the Europalia Espana arts festival. Focusing on her designs from the past five years, the exhibition Meta-Morphosa explores experimental work and research projects into innovative materials. It is a colourful show, brimming with positivity that celebrates design objects, from the functional, to the decorative. Until 6 April,  Site du Grand-Hornu, Rue Sainte-Louise, 82, Hornu (Hainaut)

Check out The Bulletin’s guide to Christmas markets around the country.

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image) Where is everybody? ©Bart Grietens; Fragile Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium ©Jelle Van Seghbroe; Robe du soir ‘Fontaine Lumineuse’ attribuée à Jeanne Lanvin ©Musée Mode & Dentelle; Wajdi Riahi ©Johan Jacobs; Ostend plunge ©Nick Decombel fotografie; Lichtgolf ©Nick Decombel fotografie; courtesy Durbuy Christmas market; CID Patricia Urquiola ©Caroline Dethier