Sunday, August 23, 2026
Modern Ball
On Sunday 23 August 2026, the Place de la Monnaie will be transformed into a huge open-air dance floor for the Bal Moderne, organised as part of the Brussels Dance Festival in collaboration with La Monnaie. The event is free and open to all, whether you dance regularly or are a total beginner.
The principle is simple: the public is invited to learn four short choreographies on the spot, then dance them all together. The chosen tracks range from Beyoncé to Prince, Lily Allen and Hamsa El Din, for a festive experience accessible to children and adults alike.
No need to know the steps in advance: the choreographies are taught by professional dancers and choreographers in a relaxed atmosphere. The objective is above all to move, have fun and share the pleasure of dancing together in the heart of Brussels.
Why go with the kids?
The Modern Ball is a nice way to introduce dance to children without formal classes or prerequisites. We learn a few movements, we follow the dancers and above all, we participate in a great collective outdoor experience.
The Brussels Dance Festival explicitly states that children, teenagers and adults are invited to participate. Beginners are welcome: the event has been designed to bring together experienced dancers and people who have never practiced.
It is also a completely free outing to slip into the programme of the last weekend of the summer holidays in Brussels.
Practical information
- Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Opening hours: from 2pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 8pm
- Duration: 1 hour per session
- Location: Place de la Monnaie, 1000 Brussels
- Price: free
- For whom: children, teenagers and adults
- Level: No dance level required
Four choreographies to learn as a family
During the Modern Ball, participants will discover four very different dances, specially chosen to allow everyone to get started, whatever their level.
- Air Balloon by Lily Allen : a light and cheerful choreography imagined by Alexander Stavropoulos.
- Kiss by Prince : an energetic dance created by Wim Vandekeybus that invites you to let loose to one of Prince’s most famous hits.
- The Ziva of Hamsa El Din : a collective dance imagined by Loïc Touzé, centered on movement, breathing and the presence of others.
- Summer Hip on Beyoncé’s End of Time : a summer choreography by Matthieu Bajolet mixing festive energy and contemporary dance influences.
The workshops are led by Frauke Mariën, Matthieu Bajolet, Julian Gypens and Oonagh Duckworth.
Questions
The Modern Ball takes place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with two sessions offered from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Yes. Participation in the Modern Ball is completely free.
Yes. The event is open to children, teenagers and adults. No particular level of dance is necessary to participate
No. The choreographies are learned directly on the spot and the Bal Moderne is aimed at both experienced dancers and complete beginners.
Other free activities to discover this summer in Brussels
Make the most of the summer holidays and discover our selection of free shows, concerts, festivals and other activities in Brussels.
What to do in August in Brussels?
Exceptional summer events in Brussels not to be missed and our ideas for outings in August with your children
Evening with the family in Brussels
Take advantage of the balmy summer evenings to go out in Brussels. Our suggestions for the family.
