Brussels city centre will once again be transformed into a hub for summer fun with a wide range of free events for three weeks. The second edition of 'Plaisirs d'Été' – the counterpart of its Christmas event 'Plaisirs d'Hiver' – will this time be devoted to dance.
The City of Brussels launched 'Plaisirs d'Été' last summer, hoping to bring the same buzz to the capital during the summer months. With an urban garden, free concerts and much more, it succeeded in its goal, bringing life to the heart of the city every day for three weeks, creating a "permanently vibrant" city centre.
Due to its success, the city confirmed the second edition will take place from 26 July until 18 August. This year, 'Plaisirs d'Été' will be dedicated entirely to dance, with performances taking place at various locations in the city, including Bourse, quartier Dansaert, Mont des Arts and Marolles.
"This year, the city of Brussels is moving to the rhythm of dance and getting Brussels residents and tourists moving," said City Councillor for Culture, Delphine Houba. Hip-hop and world dance will be particularly in the spotlight.
Freestyling and discovering new genres
The Bourse building in the heart of Brussels will be the central base for the activities, with a variety of performances on the programme.
The Fédération des Danses will take to the stage on Monday and Tuesday in the late afternoon. Then on Wednesday, 'Detours Cyphers' is on the agenda – two of Belgium's best (hip-hop) dancers who will compete against each other in a 'battle exhibition'.
Brussels Major Events will hold beginners sessions on Place Bourse on Thursday, from Krump to Afro and House Dance, while 'World Dancing' beginners sessions are also planned for Saturday, as well as introductions to Indian and Bolivian dances. At other times, the floor is freed up for people to freestyle and dance the hours away.
Credit: BME
In addition, a different Brussels neighbourhood will be featured each week, also hosting a diverse and varied programme. "This initiative highlights the cultural richness and diversity of each neighbourhood," said organisers BME. In the first week, the spotlight will be on Place Jacques Brel, then Mont des Arts and then Place de la Chapelle.
For now, 'Plaisirs d'Été' remains the lesser-known version of its winter counterpart. Houba pointed out that the summer edition also needs to "acquire a strong identity", for which the City of Brussels has provided a budget of €350,000.
Find more information and the full programme here.
