Join us for our fourth gathering, as we bring our unique blend of dance, circus, music and community spirit to the heart of Bruges. This year, we are proud to be part of Mirage festival, transforming the Spiegeltent on the Kruisvest into a hub of cultural exchange.
THE PROGRAM
OUTSIDE THE TENT (Free)
18:00 – 18:40: Nepali Dance + Dance Workshop
18:40 – 19:00: Nepali Dance (Kirati)
19:00 – 19:15: Tibetan Dance
19:15 – 19:45: Tibetan Circle Dance Workshop
INSIDE THE TENT (Ticketed)
20:00 – 21:30: Circus Acts
21:30 – 22:30: Live Music
Prepare for a curated lineup of extraordinary talent. Our lineup includes:
An Illusionist
A Samurai Dancer
Pole Dance Twins
A Contortionist
A Martial Dancer
A Psychedelic Fusion Folk Band
Note: Performances may experience slight delays but will conclude by 23:00.
This isn't just a show, it's a celebration of our diverse community and you are part of the story.
THE LINE UP
NEPALI DANCE
INAS BELGIUM
This group brings the vibrant folk traditions of Nepal to life. Featuring children from their Sunday school, they perform a variety of traditional dances that celebrate the diversity of their homeland.
After the performance, everyone is invited to join an interactive dance workshop. It’s a perfect way to learn the rhythms of Nepal and participate in a warm, community-filled atmosphere.
UNITED KIRAT SOCIETY BELGIUM
This group specializes in the Kirati culture, one of the oldest and most vibrant traditions of Nepal.
Together with people from their community, they bring energetic and colorful Kirati dances to life.
Their performance showcases the unique movements and rhythms of this ethnic group in an authentic celebration of heritage.
TIBETAN DANCE
The Tibetaans Cultureel Centrum shares the rich traditions of their community with a beautiful performance by the children of their Sunday school.
After the show they invite the audience to join a Tibetan Circle Dance workshop. Whether you are experienced or have never danced before, everyone is welcome to step into the circle, follow the movements, and dance together in a moment of connection.
MAGIC MARK
Meet Magic Mark, the Filipino-Canadian illusionist known as "The One-Eyed Wonder."
Trained at the prestigious McBride Mystery School in Las Vegas, he has captivated audiences in 44 countries since 2011.
After a tragic assault left him blind in one eye, Mark returned to the stage with renewed strength, blending sleight of hand, humor, and emotional storytelling into a family-friendly show that celebrates resilience.
YOSHITAKA SUZUKI
Yoshitaka Suzuki brings the fusion of Japanese tradition and UK Jazz dance to life with his unique "Fusion Japanese Folk Art."
Born in Akita, he performs two distinct solo pieces: the improvisational "Akita Nikatabushi," which connects with the elements of his homeland, and the historic "Hanekawa Kenbayashi." This revived sword dance, originally performed by a lord 400 years ago, was brought back to life by Yoshitaka and is now an officially designated intangible cultural property of Akita City, blending ancient forms with modern energy.
POLE DANCE TWINS
Sheila and Shirley are twin sisters with Filipino roots who share a deep passion for pole dance.
Over the past four years, they have explored how pole dance allows them to blend strength, creativity and femininity into a powerful artistic expression.
They invite the audience to witness a performance that is defined by strength and grace.
SERCHMAA BAYARSAIKHAN
Serchmaa Bayarsaikhan is a Mongolian contortionist and former Cirque du Soleil performer whose gravity-defying flexibility pushes the absolute limits of the human body.
With a hypnotic stage presence and breathtaking physical control, she captivates audiences worldwide, leaving them in awe of her impossible poses. Her performance promises to be a mesmerizing display of strength and artistry that challenges what is physically possible.
NICO CHANH LEROY
Known as "The Martial Dancer," Nico Chanh Leroy is a Vietnamese-Belgian choreographer who invented a unique style by combining martial arts, floorwork, and tracing techniques.
A winner of Red Bull Dance Your Style Belgium, he has represented Belgium on the global stage in Mumbai and performed in music videos for Pommelien Thijs.
His impressive career includes starring in Studio 100's musical "Red Star Line" and touring with Alida Dors' "Closed Eyes," showcasing a powerful blend of discipline and artistic expression.
MITSUNE
Mitsune is a Berlin-based Japanese folk fusion band featuring members from Japan, Australia, and Greece, fronted by two powerful female shamisen players.
They infuse traditional Tsugaru folk music with psychedelic, jazz, and cinematic influences to create an evocative and driving musical experience. Praised by Songlines and Rolling Stone, and nominated for the German Record Critic’s Prize, Mitsune delivers a visual and auditory feast where ancient folklore meets avant-garde energy, filled with virtuosity and wild group vocals.
JONI SHEILA
From winning street performance titles across three countries to sharing her story on a TEDx stage, Joni Sheila has always known how to command a room.
She channeled that energy into founding Asian Persuasion, a movement born from a desire to finally see Asian voices reflected in Belgian arts.
This journey has led her to embrace her Filipino roots with a newfound depth, fueling the songs she is currently crafting for her upcoming album.
She’ll be your host at Asian Persuasion Bruges, ready to welcome you into this vibrant community.