Beyond Borders is a vibrant and energetic yet poetic circus and dance performance that tests, challenges, and ultimately transcends boundaries. Choreographed by Piet Van Dycke, Beyond Borders features six professional performers, each an expert in a different discipline – ladder walking, acrodance, acrobike, partner acrobatics and pole dancing. On stage, they become boundless bridge builders.

Using ladders of varying sizes and heights, the performers construct impressive structures, such as arch sculptures and rotating cranes. They balance the ladders to create a thrilling, unstable playing field. They explore unknown territories, climb, float and engage in a daring choreography. Every inch and every second counts. They push the boundaries and discover how far they can push each other. Physical dependence has never been this exciting.

Beyond Borders explores the fragility, absurdity, and the strength of boundaries, showing how we can expand them through collaboration. Together, we dance on the collective ladders of human imagination.

© Jonas Vermeulen
© Jonas Vermeulen
© Jonas Vermeulen

CREDITS Concept, choreography: Piet Van Dycke
Performers: Ella Copermans, Aurora Mesropyan, Josse Roger,
Daniele Ippolito, Marylou Aupic, Georgia Begbie
Music: Bastian Benjamin
Dramaturgy: Marie Peeters
Installation: Arjan Kruidhof
Costumes: Oona Mampuys
Production: Circumstances vzw
Co-production: Festival Boulevard, CIRC’UIT, Circuswerkplaats Dommelhof, PERPLX, Perpodium, Miramiro, Cirklabo, Stad Leuven, fABULEUS
Special thanks to: Destelheide, HET LAB, C-mine, CC MUZE, CC Casino, cultuurcentrum De Adelberg, CCMaasmechelen, CC de VELINX
Supported by: The Flemish Government

Beyond Borders (2025) is a sustainable production. By reusing the set design from Beyond the Edge (2024) – a youth production by Piet Van Dycke for fABULEUS – we give this material a new life in Beyond Borders: new creation with a different theme, new construction techniques and professional performers.

Pres reviews on Beyond the Edge:  
“This performance does what circus does: it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, hoping and praying – ‘please let nothing go wrong!’ – while simultaneously sending a message full of humanity into the world.” —  ★★★★, Knack Focus

“Van Dycke uses encouraging looks, gentle forces, and playful actions to highlight the importance of mutual trust. Alone you’re nowhere, together you go further.” — ★★★★, De Volkskrant

“The whole thing is a marvelous spectacle. It’s not a flashy show of individual tricks but a display of what a group can achieve together—in height, skill, daring, and beauty.”— Theaterkrant

“What Van Dycke has achieved with these 8 young performers is both deeply moving and incredibly impressive.” — Cultuurpers