For the second summer in a row, people can learn to dance for free at events hall Waagnatie in Antwerp as part of the 'Antwerpen Danst' (Antwerp Dances) festival. You can get a taste of a wide range of dance styles, from flamenco to hip-hop and the Argentinian tango. There are dance classes for both children and adults.
"Last year Antwerpen Danst was a great success, which is why we are organising a second edition this year," says district alderman Charlie Van Leuffel. The doors of the Waagnatie on the quayside of the River Scheldt up in Antwerp will be open for adults every Tuesday and Thursday evening in July and August, for children every Wednesday afternoon. What's more, the dance classes are free!
Like last year, you can choose from 15 different types of dances including the Argentinian tango, the waltz, hip-hop and breakdance.
According to dance icon Davy Brocatus, known from shows like 'Sterren op de dansvloer' (Stars on the Dancefloor) and 'Dancing with the Stars', initiatives like this are very welcome in the dance world. "With all television programmes around dancing falling away, all initiatives promoting the art are very welcome".
"Besides, the threshold to taking dance classes is often a bit too high, especially for men. So let's hope this is a way we can pass on the dance bug."
Anyone can learn to dance, according to the well-known judge. "Dancing is like learning to drive, because you have to learn many skills at the same time. But if you can count to 4, you can also dance. Whether you will become a good dancer? That's something else," Brocatus laughs.
"We try to get the people of Antwerp excited about coming to dance flamenco with us," says flamenco teacher Nina Pérez of dance studio Peña Al Andalus. "You have people coming here to try all kinds of styles, and then we hope they will move on to our flamenco classes in September."