Brussels Dance Festival

A mass ballet barre class filling the Grand-Place in Brussels, dancers with arms raised in front of the square's historic guild houses, with Brussels Dance Festival banners visible.

Belgigabarre

Join the BELGIGABARRE on August 22 at 3 PM on Place de la Monnaie in Brussels. Europa Danse Company invites you to experience classical dance in a whole new way through a giant open-air barre, accessible to everyone. Whether you are a beginner, an amateur or an experienced dancer, everyone is welcome to share a friendly and inclusive moment in the heart of Brussels, in a festive atmosphere.

22 August · 15:00–17:00

Two breakdancers mid-move in a grand, ornately decorated historic hall at the Hôtel de Ville, one balancing on a stone ledge, the other in a low floor pose

Spectacle

Heritage in Motion

From 19 to 23 August 2026, Brussels City Hall hosts Heritage in Motion. Created by Abis and choreographed by Julien Carlier, this performance brings contemporary dance and heritage into dialogue in an iconic setting, where movement enhances the architecture and history of the venue. Through an immersive journey across the different rooms of Brussels City Hall, visitors will discover choreographed performances that offer a new perspective on the beauty and soul of this exceptional monument. The experience lasts 1 hour with multiple showings per day. Reserve your ticket fast!

22 August · 17:00–21:00

Choreographer Aurel Zola standing full-length in a white shirt, cream shorts and black boots against a weathered bronze wall, wearing angular sunglasses.

Dance & Music Show

Closing Show

The Brussels Dance Festival comes to an end with a vibrant closing night on the Fusion Stage at Place de la Bourse! Expect a powerful mix of dance, vocals and live performances as artists celebrate the final moments of the festival and bring everyone together one last time. Aurel Zola is part of the line-up for this special closing celebration.

22 August · 20:00–22:00

Billie du Page lying on a dark studio floor in a white sleeveless top, resting her head and folded hands on a red stage keyboard and looking straight at the camera

Dance & Music Show

Closing Show – Billie du Page

Come and celebrate the final night of the Brussels Dance Festival with Billie du Page! Let yourself be carried away by her vibrant pop universe, catchy melodies, powerful voice and sincere lyrics through an energetic and feel-good live performance. From emotional ballads to upbeat pop hits, Billie du Page invites you to sing, dance and celebrate being yourself, right in the heart of Brussels.

22 August · 20:00–22:00

A stylised group portrait of the Jabadams collective posing in coordinated black-and-white outfits against a white studio backdrop.

Dance & Music Show

Closing Show

The Brussels Dance Festival comes to an end with a vibrant closing night on the Fusion Stage at Place de la Bourse! Expect a powerful mix of dance, vocals and live performances as artists celebrate the final moments of the festival and bring everyone together one last time. Les dérangeurs is part of the line-up for this special closing celebration.

22 August · 20:00–22:00

A ballerina in a white tutu balancing en pointe beside a violinist playing on an outdoor stage at dusk.

Dance & Music Show

Closing Show

The White Swan Pas de Deux from Swan Lake, presented by Les Estivales de la Danse, enhanced by a live violin accompaniment.

22 August · 20:00–22:00

Black-and-white studio portrait of singer Noée crouching in an oversized dark blazer, long hair falling forward as she looks off to the side against a plain pale backdrop

Dance & Music Show

Closing Show

The Brussels Dance Festival comes to an end with a vibrant closing night on the Fusion Stage at Place de la Bourse! Expect a powerful mix of dance, vocals and live performances as artists celebrate the final moments of the festival and bring everyone together one last time. Noée is part of the line-up for this special closing celebration.

22 August · 20:00–22:00

Dancers of the RISE Training Program on a dark stage in earth-toned outfits, several with a fist raised, lit by warm side light.

Dance & Music Show

Closing Show

Axis Mundi is an ancient concept found across many cultures and belief systems. It describes a vertical axis connecting different layers of existence: the underworld, the earth, the sky and the cosmos, symbolizing the balance between the visible and invisible worlds. The RISE dancers present an excerpt from their end-of-year performance, presented last June at Zinnema in Anderlecht. Several choreographers brought their unique artistic identities to create a journey through the Axis Mundi.

22 August · 20:00–22:00

A giant illuminated flying-saucer sculpture glowing turquoise and white against a dusk sky, its light reflected on the ground below

Spectacle

Closing Show – Starsaucer

A huge alien flying saucer has landed at Bourse. Who are they? What do they want? Some dancers emerge and create an other-worldly spectacle as a heavy bass beat soundtrack emanates from inside. Is it music or the engines starting? As the atmosphere intensifies, the Starsaucer lifts into the air and flies over the audience. A beam of light from within seems to be searching for something. Or someone. A figure emerges from the base portal and floating in the beam of light, she spirals over the audience, descending briefly to touch an outstretched hand below. This is an encounter literally out of this world. In the style of an immersive “happening”, Starsaucer is a piece of interactive performance. The driving element is one of anticipation: Something is about to happen but what? So many questions all leading to an impossible finale.

22 August · 20:00–22:00

A crowded, dimly lit dancefloor packed with people dancing and laughing together, in black and white.

DJ set

Rooftop Afterparty

With a programme built around the idea of being always accessible, Madame Moustache Brussels invites everyone, whether seasoned enthusiasts or newcomers, to enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with infectious rhythms that leave no one indifferent.

22 August · 22:00–02:00

An overhead view of a large group of people of all ages performing a synchronised public dance routine on a sunlit square.

Spectacle

Bal Moderne©

On 23 August, Place de la Monnaie transforms into a huge open-air dance floor. The Brussels Dance Festival and La Monnaie are joining forces for Bal Moderne: a festive event where, before you know it, you'll have learned four choreographies created by Wim Vandekeybus, Alexander Stavropoulos, Loïc Touzé, and Matthieu Bajolet. Let yourself be swept away by some of the catchiest pop songs, try out some new dance moves, and, above all, have fun together with hundreds of fellow dance lovers and enthusiastic beginners. Everyone is most welcome! The dance workshops will be led by Frauke Mariën, Matthieu Bajolet, Julian Gypens, and Oonagh Duckworth. Programme: Air Balloon (Lily Allen) Choreographed by Alexander Stavropoulos, workshop led by Julian Gypens. Light-hearted and playful, this dance is inspired by the irresistibly sparkly world of the post-Britpop icon. Kiss (Prince) Choreographed by Wim Vandekeybus, workshop led by Frauke Marien. True to its choreographer’s explosive reputation, this dance will take you in every direction! Let loose like there is no tomorrow. La Ziva (Hamsa El Din) Choreographed by Loïc Touzé, workshop led by Frauke Marien. A group dance centred on natural breathing, La Ziva invites everyone to go at their own pace, to glide into the choreography as if into a crystal-clear river, whilst remaining aware of the presence of others. Summer Hip Choreographed and led by Matthieu Bajolet This summery, festive and characterful dance compels the audience to move sensually to the Afro rhythms of Beyoncé’s End of Time, with a subtle nod to contemporary dance.

23 August · 14:00–15:00

Spectacle

Heritage in Motion

From 19 to 23 August 2026, Brussels City Hall hosts Heritage in Motion. Created by Abis and choreographed by Julien Carlier, this performance brings contemporary dance and heritage into dialogue in an iconic setting, where movement enhances the architecture and history of the venue. Through an immersive journey across the different rooms of Brussels City Hall, visitors will discover choreographed performances that offer a new perspective on the beauty and soul of this exceptional monument. The experience lasts 1 hour with multiple showings per day. Reserve your ticket fast!

23 August · 15:00–19:00

Spectacle

Bal Moderne©

On 23 August, Place de la Monnaie will be transformed into a huge open-air dance floor. The Brussels Dance Festival and La Monnaie are joining forces for Bal Moderne: a festive event where, before you know it, you'll have learned four choreographies created by Wim Vandekeybus, Alexander Stavropoulos, Loïc Touzé, and Matthieu Bajolet. Let yourself be swept away by some of the catchiest pop songs, try out some new dance moves, and, above all, have fun together with hundreds of fellow dance lovers and enthusiastic beginners. Everyone is most welcome! The dance workshops will be led by Frauke Mariën, Matthieu Bajolet, Julian Gypens, and Oonagh Duckworth. Programme: Air Balloon (Lily Allen) Choreographed by Alexander Stavropoulos, workshop led by Julian Gypens. Light-hearted and playful, this dance is inspired by the irresistibly sparkly world of the post-Britpop icon. Kiss (Prince) Choreographed by Wim Vandekeybus, workshop led by Frauke Marien. True to its choreographer’s explosive reputation, this dance will take you in every direction! Let loose like there is no tomorrow. La Ziva (Hamsa El Din) Choreographed by Loïc Touzé, workshop led by Frauke Marien. A group dance centred on natural breathing, La Ziva invites everyone to go at their own pace, to glide into the choreography as if into a crystal-clear river, whilst remaining aware of the presence of others. Summer Hip Choreographed and led by Matthieu Bajolet This summery, festive and characterful dance compels the audience to move sensually to the Afro rhythms of Beyoncé’s End of Time, with a subtle nod to contemporary dance.

23 August · 19:00–20:00