Body of Work 2026 — Re:pertoire
The second edition of Body of Work: Re:pertoire
Dance heritage is not about the past! Dance repertoire is living material that is not only passed on, but often also shaken up, transformed and questioned. It is not a finished story or a relic that needs to be treated with special care. Every time we take a fresh look at a chapter of our dance history, we also have the opportunity to add new perspectives and voices. History is never finished. What's more, history is full of possibilities and inspiration!
From 25.04 to 13.05.2026 Body of Work - Re:pertoire, the first thematic edition of STUK's festival for living dance heritage, shows how diverse and dynamic the approach to repertoire and dance heritage can and ought to be. We dive into the playing field that opens up with every re-vival or re-telling. After all, what yesterday's dance means and how it lives on is being determined anew every day, by different generations of artists and dance enthusiasts.
Expect iconic dance pieces, impressive new work, amateur dancers diving into their favourite repertoire, an exhibition of audience memories, the Body of Work podcast with the voices of the dancers, a book presentation, a talk about dancing at the crossroads of diverse dance cultures, and dance makers opening the doors of their studios and giving the audience a glimpse into their creative toolbox through workshops.
Re:vive, re:collect, re:flect!
Opening Night Body of Work 2026 - Re:pertoire
The festive opening of Body of Work 2026 - Re:pertoire.
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Presentation Dansstroom. Amateur dancers dive into repertoire
Non-professional dancers dive into dance repertoire with an experienced coach.
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Body of Work podcast: doing dance heritage
A podcast about the joy and the challenges of repertory work – from the dancers' perspective.
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Expo with Re:collect / Archive Stories / Body of Work podcast
Dive into the memories of audiences, dancers, and a front-row witness of 50 years dance history.
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Re:wind - Expanding Documentation
An international symposium about alternative ways of documenting and (an)archiving of dance.
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Archive Stories: Michel Uytterhoeven in conversation with Denise Luccioni
A conversation between two front-row witnesses of 50 years of performing arts in Europe and the U.S.
Bodies at Work. Open Class Marc Vanrunxt & 1st BA Drama KASK students
Marc Vanrunxt and his first-year Drama students at KASK bring their open class to STUK.
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Book launch Alain Platel
At the threshold of his seventies, Alain Platel looks back on his own career and the developments in the performing arts.
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Out of Context - for Pina
This iconic performance takes a deep dive into the depths of human existence.
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Bodies at Work. Open Studio Zoë Demoustier - A Wave
Witness this vulnerable yet truly beautiful moment at the beginning of the creative process of A Wave.
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Bodies at Work. Open Monday Daniël Linehan & Anneleen Keppens / Hiatus - The body as an archive
Listening to the hidden stories of our bodies through movement - the body as an archive.
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Bodies at Work. Esse Vanderbruggen & Emmi Väisänen / Not Standing (Alexander Vantournhout)
Explore the balance between giving and receiving, carrying and being carried, through simple movements such as handshakes.
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Bodies at Work. Thomas Vantuycom
Writing dance to music: from the structure of a musical piece to a simple movement score.
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Bodies at Work. Lisbeth Gruwez & Maarten Van Cauwenberghe / Voetvolk
Go for a highly personal way of moving, propelled by the spontaneous live musical score.
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Bodies at Work. Lisi Estaras / Monkey Mind
A collective encounter, where differences in bodies, stories, and perspectives are a driving force for imagination and creation.
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POSTPONED: Launch Counterpoint KU Leuven
An insight into the current projects and ambitions of Counterpoint, KU Leuven's new interdisciplinary center for dance.
Bodies at Work. Pierre Bastin / GRIP (Jan Martens)
Experiment with jumps, repetitions and formations in space - the toolbox of THE DOG DAYS ARE OVER.
Every-Body-Knows...
Using hip-hop and postmodern influences, Toukabri explores how and why we move.
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Talk(s) at the Crossroad(s) - Mohamed Toukabri invites
A gathering on the (im)possibilities of fusions, frictions and the coexistence of diverse dance traditions.
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BOW Closing party: DJ’s Ewa Cojest & Peaky-Rock
We close Body of Work 2026 in style: on the dance floor!
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30CC, CEMPER, Danspunt, fABULEUS, Counterpoint KU Leuven, Life Long Burning - Futures Lost and Found, DanceMap, Uitgeverij EPO and Cinema ZED
Acknowledgements
Body of Work is realised with the support of the Flemish Government, Stad Leuven, 30CC, Life Long Burning - Futures Lost and Found (co-funded by the European Union) and DanceMap (co-funded by the European Union).
Body of Work is also made possible thanks to the players of the National Lottery. Every year, the National Lottery returns 100% of its profit to society by supporting good causes in culture, sport, science, poverty reduction, sustainability and more. Thanks to their contribution, our dance heritage continues to thrive!