26 reflections of Jazz

[ Astrid Akay ]

  • 20/11/2026 - Dragon Swing, Krakow (Poland)
    22/03/2025 - Albert Hall, Brussels (Belgium)

26 Reflections of Jazz
A collection of thoughts and dances exploring one central question: What is Jazz?

A 90-minute show where jazz dance meets documentary theatre, through dance, video, interviews… The piece celebrates the extraordinary diversity of jazz dances from the early Black American jazz era, and delves into their origins and culture.
In this show, we try to share our celebration of African American Jazz culture, touching on its powerful political roots and its connection with the present struggles. From powerful female solos and duets to ecstatic and wild jitterbug, to moody bebop, 26 Reflections of Jazz takes the audience on a journey through the energy and depth of jazz dance history.
The show took place on 22nd of March in the magnificent, newly renovated Art Deco Roseland Ballroom in Brussels, built in 1930 and named after the legendary Roseland Ballroom in New York.
We were thrilled to welcome over 500 people to learn, reflect, and celebrate this incredibly unique, rich, and sometimes forgotten art form.

General Management Jill
Artistic Direction Astrid, Alex, Jill
Writing Astrid
Production Jazya
Artistic Assistance Maroine, Sophie, Toffee, George, Nina

Light technician William
Sound technician Nathan
Videos Ornella, Alex, Luisa, Astrid
Technique Dani, George, Julius, Mika
Costumes Camille
Costume Assistant Ornella, Sander
Backstage Tereza, The Jassettes
Stage Julius
Administration Julien/Swing it Brussels
Major inspirations Bessy Dudley, Coles & Atkins, Consuelo Harris, Dawn Hampton, Earl Tucker, Florence Hill, Jeni LeGon, Leon James, Leonard Harper, Mabel Lee, Madeline « Sahji » Jackson, James “Buster” Brown, Marie Bryant, Max Roach, Millie Donnay, Paul White, Pedro Aguilar, The Congaroos, The Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, Wynton Marsalis, and all of the dancers of whom we don’t know the names…

Choreography & Dancers The Old Soulz, Jazz Maniacs, The Jassettes, Saturday Night Stompers, Pavle Popovic (Mambo)