Let's dance! Brussels’ scene gets moving again

30 April 2021
Contemporary dance Brussels
PARTS - Theo Van Rompay - Benjamin Vandewalle (c) Tine Declerck

A new generation of dancers is unveiling its talents in Brussels. Driven by the freedom and artistic diversity of its contemporary scene, the capital is a real hub for dance and performance. In this article, we wanted to explore what makes Brussels' DNA so unique. Deprived of a stage for more than a year, dancers, choreographers, students, companies and cultural institutions share with us their vision for dance and their plans for the future. Meet the people who make dance's heart beat so strongly in Brussels!

Benjamin Vandewalle - choreographer and dancer

  • How do you define the DNA of Brussels' dance scene and what are its distinctive characteristics?

If I had to summarise it, the operative word would be diversity. First of all, because Brussels is a very international city, but everyone knows that! Brussels' diversity is not only 'geographical', it is also expressed in its various artistic genres: we have Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, who is famous internationally, but also a very lively underground scene. Between these two 'extremes', there is a real diversity of artistic offerings and each is very well represented.

"Working with students and new generations, I have been able to measure how much their work is driven by the urgency to be relevant. Their approach is more committed, more radical perhaps. Their artistic offerings engage with contemporary issues of which they are very aware. They urge us to get involved. "

Benjamin Vandewalle, Choreographer and dancer

  • Can you describe your institution's relationship with dance in three words?

Contemplative. I like it when art creates a space where people enter into a form of introspective meditation and open themselves up to things that are unknown. Sensorial. Dance touches all the senses. It touches us through our skin, through the sound of our bodies, through touch... not only through our eyes. It has so many dimensions Interactive/participative. I particularly love it when the audience's body is also involved in the choreography, when it is not just passive. Dance must also take place in the body of the audience.

Elodie Verlinden - tutor - Master in Performing Arts at ULB.

  • How do you define the DNA of Brussels' dance scene and what are its distinctive characteristics?

In my opinion, one of its distinctive characteristics is that it doesn't have any! It is characterised by a multitude of forms, sources and filiations. Like Brussels, a multicultural city, it offers hundreds of facets, even within the universe of a single choreographer. The Brussels scene doesn't limit itself, everything is possible. Ultimately, its unique feature is its diversity!

" The Brussels scene doesn't limit itself, everything is possible. Ultimately, its unique feature is its diversity! "

Elodie Verlinden, tutor - Master in Performing Arts at ULB.

  • Can you describe your institution's relationship with dance in three words?

Paradoxical. Abroad, Brussels is considered a major hub for contemporary dance, with a history and choreographers known throughout the world. However, in Belgium, there is still no master's degree in dance! The Master of Performing Arts degree, for which I teach, only devotes one course to dance. It's always the shoemaker who wears the worst shoes! Nevertheless, this should change very soon with a new master's degree dedicated to the discipline… Theoretical. At the university, our approach is very theoretical and reflective. We develop a "toolbox", teach our students reading grids, all of which is nourished by exchanges. But our education is not anchored in practical teaching of dance. Vibrant. Nevertheless, our master's degree is fully connected to the performing arts. We are constantly keeping abreast of dance news and the current year's programme. Getting out of the library, going to see shows, analysing them and discussing them in the field is part of our daily routine!

Annie Bozzini - General and artistic director of Charleroi Danse / La Raffinerie

  • How do you define the DNA of Brussels' dance scene and what are its distinctive characteristics?

For me, above all, the notion of DNA brings to mind origins and history. If I were to summarise, I would say that the dance scene in Brussels has a dual heritage: firstly, the long tradition of ballet and secondly, the arrival of Béjart and his school. Aside from its grand guardians, dance in Brussels is characterised by its extreme diversity: artists of different geographical and cultural origins who love the permeability of artistic genres.

" We are a passionate, professional and sensitive institution. We evolve around these three characteristics, we cultivate the passion of the gaze while remaining professionally anchored. All of this is permeated by sensitivity! "

Annie Bozzini, General and artistic director of Charleroi Danse / La Raffinerie

  • Can you describe your institution's relationship with dance in three words?

We are a passionate, professional and sensitive institution. We evolve around these three characteristics, we cultivate the passion of the gaze while remaining professionally anchored. All of this is permeated by sensitivity!

Charlotte Cétaire - Student at PARTS, on the Bachelor in Dance "Training" programme

  • How do you define the DNA of Brussels' dance scene and what are its distinctive characteristics?

From my point of view as a student, I would say the "open stages" in schools. Being able to go in and see the students at work, in the heart of the studios. What I like most is to go and see the work being created, following and spotting artists in the making... being part of the creative process. All Brussels' schools, whether in circus, theatre or choreography, take part in the exchange. There is a very heterogeneous side, which seems to me to be specific to Brussels.

  • Can you describe your institution's relationship with dance in three words?

Questioning and challenging. Here, we challenging the foundations to find new things within ourselves, create new relationships and to shake up our preconceived ideas. And above all, touch: it's the essence of the living arts. All the senses are involved, but mainly touch, through which one can grasp many things. It is this contact that I miss the most at the moment!