A brief history
If Vooruit represents a characteristic mix of a contemporary Arts Centre in a historical setting, then the Balzaal is the Vooruit in a nutshell. Copper chandeliers, mirrors, leaf silver and imitation mahogany on the one hand, a disco bar, speakers, spotlights and a mobile stage on the other.
And it’s exactly this apparent contrast which gives this room its charm. It is no surprise, then, that TV crews regularly set up their cameras here: literary programmes, cultural talk shows, even a comedy series with none other than Demis Roussos have been recorded here.
The internationally acclaimed Flemish choreographer, Wim Vandekeybus, also made a short film in the Balzaal. And then there were the earlier theatre milestones, when the Theatre itself was still closed and a stage and gallery were put in here willy-nilly. That sort of thing. But Tom Waits’ guitarist Marc Ribot, the Klezmatics, Sixteen Horsepower, Zita Swoon, Arsenal, The Van Jets and The Frames have also performed here. And of course, last but not least, let’s not forget the hundreds of parties that have been held here: all those CD’s and singles, all those passionate kisses, all those broken hearts and glasses.
Facts
There used to be a restaurant downstairs in the Café, but there was also the so-called upstairs restaurant on the second floor, the present Balzaal. This room was also thoroughly renovated in 1923; the ceiling was lowered, the wood panelling was painted in imitation mahogany, the floor was covered in oak parquet and colourful wall decorations were added. The recent restoration in 1992 was an attempt to restore the room as closely as possible to its original state. The three big copper chandeliers, probably dating from the twenties, still catch your eye. Today these historical chandeliers are helped out by modern lighting rigs, because the Ballzaal is not only used for parties but also for literary meetings, jazz concerts and small-scale dance and theatre performances. There is room for about 300 people sitting down or some 600 people standing up in the Balzaal.
