From high-tech spectacles in major cities to traditional gatherings in small towns, communities are leveraging the arts for both entertainment and support this season.

A New Light on Classic Tales in Brussels

Brussels is currently hosting a visually revolutionary show, “Ballet of Lights,” at the Espace Lumen. The production merges the disciplined grace of classical dance with modern technology, creating a unique dialogue between timeless performance and visual innovation.

The show features a small cast of five or six artists performing in intricate, luminous costumes. This approach transforms each choreographed movement into a vibrant display of color, aiming to make classic fairy tales more accessible and magical for a new generation.

Reinventing “Sleeping Beauty” and “Peter Pan”

The one-hour spectacle, designed to captivate audiences aged five and up, is currently staging two beloved stories.

For Sleeping Beauty, the production pairs Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with reimagined harmonies. The light-up costumes and visual effects work in tandem with the music, giving the classic Perrault and Grimm tale a vibrant, dreamlike quality.

The show also tackles J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. This story, a natural fit for ballet with its themes of flight and weightlessness, is set to a score that weaves classical arrangements with modern melodies. The lighting design is used to amplify the story’s emotional beats, from the thrill of adventure to the magic of Neverland.

For those planning to attend, doors at the Espace Lumen open 30 minutes before the show begins, allowing guests to settle in before the performance starts.

Montech Rallies for Seniors with Traditional Tea Dance

As Brussels embraces high-tech art, the French town of Montech is using traditional performance to foster community and raise funds.

The “Les Amis du Parc” association, in partnership with the Le Parc nursing home, is organizing a fundraising tea dance on Friday, November 14. The event, which is open to everyone, will run from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM in the Salle Delbosc.

Famed accordionist Mylène Angels, accompanied by saxophonist Pascal Pezot, will provide the entertainment. Admission is set at €12, which includes a crepe and a beverage.

Alongside the dancing, a small craft market will be set up, offering goods like stainless steel jewelry, epoxy resin items, macramé, and floral decorations.

Organizers state that all proceeds from the day will be given to the Les Amis du Parc association. The funds are used to directly enhance the lives of the nursing home residents by funding musical afternoons, bingo games, and other outings, supplementing the activities already offered by the facility and helping residents maintain a strong connection with the wider community.