Estivales de la Danse

On July 1, 2026, Brussels will come alive to the rhythm of international dance with the second edition of Les Estivales de la Danse, a prestigious gala that is already establishing itself as one of the major cultural highlights of the summer. Hosted in the majestic setting of the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Bozar), the event promises an evening of emotion, virtuosity, and artistic discovery.

Conceived as the summer counterpart to Les Hivernales de la Danse—a festival founded in Liège in 2012 and renowned for the excellence of its international programming—Les Estivales pursue a clear ambition: to bring together, for one exceptional evening, around fifteen dancers from the world’s leading companies to celebrate dance in all its diversity. Classical, neoclassical, contemporary… styles intersect, engage in dialogue, and enrich one another, offering audiences a vibrant panorama of today’s choreographic creation.

At the origin of this project is Marie Doutrepont, a former professional dancer who has performed with major European companies. Building on the success of Les Hivernales de la Danse—which have already captivated more than 25,000 spectators—she sought to offer Brussels audiences an experience of equal artistic rigor, designed specifically for the summer: open, festive, and unifying.

The first edition of Les Estivales, held in 2025, met with immediate success. A sold-out house, an enthusiastic public reception, and institutional recognition—marked in particular by the presence of Her Majesty Queen Mathilde in the royal box—confirmed the relevance of this new cultural event. A gala capable of appealing both to dance aficionados and to curious spectators eager to experience a great artistic evening.

For the 2026 edition, the Gala d’Étoiles will present more than two hours of performance, alternating solos, duets, and choreographic works carefully selected for their artistic intensity and technical excellence. The program, deliberately free of any thematic constraints, allows room for the richness of choreographic writing and the individuality of the performers. Each artist brings their own sensibility, energy, and vision of movement, creating a mosaic of emotions carried by excellence.

Beyond the stage, Les Estivales de la Danse also offer a premium audience experience through VIP packages designed in collaboration with JML, caterer to the Royal Court. Whether a seated gourmet dinner or an elegant and convivial reception, these scenographically designed spaces extend the magic of the evening and anchor the event in a tradition of refined living and elegance.

Les Estivales de la Danse 2026 are for all those who wish to experience a suspended moment, where virtuosity meets emotion and where dance reveals itself in its most vibrant and universal form. An unmissable evening to celebrate the Brussels summer under the banner of artistic excellence.

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