Dancing for Europe

Celebration is the name of the game this weekend in Brussels. To mark the beginning of Belgium’s presidency of the EU Council, the European capital will forget about its political woes and put on its dancing shoes, if only for a night. The highlight of the event will be the “I love Europe” concert in Place de Luxembourg on Saturday headlined by Brussels-born rockstar Brian Molko (Placebo) but run up events across Belgium will start today for those who want to get an early start.

July 1: Creative Belgium

An exhibition showcasing art and clothes created from second-hand and recycled materials by Belgian designers will be launched under the watchful eye of Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council. The exhibition, promoted by non profit organization Le Petits Riens aims to highlight the importance of the Belgian presidency of the EU and some of the unique pieces will be on sale at the organization’s annual fundraising fashion show in October. Petits Riens collects, sorts and resells second-hand items throughout Belgium to finance social projects for homeless and needy families.

July 3: Music, fire, action!

Starting at 8pm professional dancers in 12 Belgian cities will teach people to dance for Europe. After rehearsing the sequence of choreographed dance steps, everyone will perform simultaneously to the tune of Jaun Toujours’ song “Ici Bruxelles-Brussel hier”. Not your cup of tea? No problem: at the strike of 10pm a spectacle bound to awe the 40 thousand people expected in the audience will kick off with a live concert in front of the EU Parliament featuring Belgian and international artists intermingled with pyrotechnics, light shows, acrobats and dancers. To top things off, a fireworks display and late night DJ set.

To find out more: www.eutrio.be