Another not-to-be-missed event in Brussels this summer! Brussels Dance Festival takes over the city from 14 to 24 August, turning public space into an open-air dance floor. The audience will be able to enjoy all styles of dances, from bachata and ballet to voguing and contemporary dance.

Brussels Dance Festival celebrates dance in all its forms: urban, contemporary, classical, popular and experimental. This free open-air event is coming to iconic locations like Place de Brouckère, Place de la Bourse and Grand-Place, as well as various partner venues. Driven by a strong ambition – making Brussels Europe’s dance capital by 2030, the festival brings experienced artists and emerging talents together in an extensive, inclusive and accessible programme.

Appealing to a wide and diverse audience — Brussels residents, families, dance enthusiasts, tourists and passersby, the event also aims to create an intergenerational and participatory space where everyone can feel invited to discover, dance and feel the energy. There will be shows, workshops, introductory sessions, dance parades, immersive installations and open dancefloors to transform the city into one big collective stage.

Some of the highlights:

The festival kicks off on 14 August with a celebratory and colourful opening ceremony on Place de la Bourse. The Junior Ballet Project from Opinion Public, a company known for its sensitive and engaged creations, will present a unique performance “Soul Garden”. Its choreography is a sweet blend of poetry and physical power. To close the opening of the Brussels Dance Festival, the sky above Place de la Bourse will host an exceptional performance at 10 PM: The Heliosphere. From 10 PM, the public can also continue the celebration from above — on the Rooftop of the Bourse. The evening will be hosted by EKANY & Gxldenboy, from the collective Lejeune Club.

Fusion stage (Place de la Bourse)
From emerging artists to experienced performers, the Fusion stage creates synergies between music and dance. Led by schools, DJs and renowned collectives, it will reflect the full range of styles. Some of our favourites:
– Discovery moments – the audience can enjoy new experiences every day: introductory sessions, demonstrations and mini-performances featuring varied styles like dancehall, salsa, contemporary dance or classical dance.
– Open-air DJ sets: Place de la Bourse is transformed into an open-air dancefloor filled with the sound of eclectic sets: house, electro, afrobeat, R&B, soul, disco…

The Lab stage (Place de Brouckère)
Le Labo will be a dance arena designed as a space for interaction and experimentation. Over ten days, Place de Brouckère will host workshops, battles, open dancefloors and more. Visitors are invited to learn, experiment, swop, or simply vibe together. Whether you’re an experienced dancer, enthusiastic amateur or simple onlooker, there will be something for everyone.

The Belgigabarre: Giant Classical Dance Lesson
Back for the third time, the giant classical dance lesson initiated by Laurent Drousie & Europa Danse Company is making its debut on Brussels’s Grand-Place for a brand-new event transforming the city’s best-known location into a huge open-air studio. Between architectural wonders and graceful movements, the magic will take effect. A fantastic opportunity to put on your dance shoes and enjoy an unusual shared experience. Free, reservation recommended.

Brussels City Hall: Heritage in Motion
A co-creation between the City of Brussels and the company Back Pocket, Heritage in Motion provides a unique acrobatic and dance show in the heart of City Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided by four colourful characters – alderman, counsellor, diplomat – visitors are led into an immersive performative tour. Both performers and guides, the artists guide the public whilst performing acrobatics and choreography.

À Quelques Pas du Monde (A Few Steps from the World)
In this unique sound installation (first time in Belgium!), participants can follow in the footsteps of a dancer from the Paris Opera. Step into the shoes of a dancer at the Palais Garnier in this compelling experience, created by artist Sam Lecoeur in collaboration with Tamanoir Immersive Studio and the Opéra national de Paris. Guided by an enchanting voice and sounds, you are invited to feel what goes through a dancer’s mind before they take to the stage. Tickets here

Afterparties on the Bourse rooftop (Belgian Beer World)
From Thursday to Saturday, the rooftop of Bourse will be the hotspot of Brussels Dance Festival’s nightlife. With music carefully selected by DJs from the Brussels and international scene, these afterparties offer an ideal way to keep the fun times going in a more intimate but always lively atmosphere.

“If You Dance” trail (23 August – two one-hour tours)
In collaboration with Contredanse, this chorographic tour guides you through Brussels via a dance trail. Participants are invited to take a sensitive, participatory and choreographed look at the city through its districts.

To see more details about all the events & experiences, check the full programme.