C'est comme ça ! Festival

A month of contemporary dance in the south of Aisne

Since 2006, L'échangeur — Centre de Développement Chorégraphique National Hauts-de-France has organized the Festival C'est comme ça ! every autumn in Château-Thierry and its region. Set up in the former LU factory converted into a cultural space (Silo U1), this festival has established itself as a must-attend event for contemporary dance in the Hauts-de-France region. For four weeks, the public discovers about twenty choreographic and artistic offerings in a warm atmosphere full of surprises and discoveries.

The Traversées: immersive thematic weekends

The festival's program is structured around Traversées, thematic weekends that bring together performances, meetings, and screenings around a common thread. In 2025, the first Traversée (September 25-27) was dedicated to Irène Tassembédo, a major figure in African dance, while the second (October 2-4) was co-programmed with the Swiss Selection in Avignon. These highlights allow the public to dive deep into an artistic universe and forge connections between the works presented.

A multidisciplinary and accessible program

Beyond dance, the festival offers exhibitions at Silo U1, film screenings, round tables, workshops open to all, and DJ sets at the Biscuiterie on Saturday evenings. Ticket prices remain very accessible, with performances at 6 euros (reduced rate 3.50 euros) and exhibitions and meetings free of charge. The festival caters to both informed amateurs and curious newcomers, with a particular focus on cultural mediation.

The Nuit de la danse: a festive and surprising finale

Each edition concludes with the Nuit de la danse, a five-hour festive marathon where L'échangeur and its collaborating artists transform the spaces into a creative playground. The program is kept secret until the last moment, offering the public a succession of performances, choreographic surprises, and moments of conviviality. This emblematic event embodies the spirit of the festival: generous, bold, and resolutely focused on the encounter between artists and audiences.