Get ready to dance your heart out this summer because the Queensboro Dance Festival is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Running from June 8 through September 15, 2024, this year’s festival promises to be an extraordinary celebration of dance, culture, and community. With over 30 scheduled performances at various venues throughout the borough, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Queensboro Dance Festival has always been about bringing people together through the universal language of dance. This year is no exception, with a fantastic lineup of free-of-charge dance performances, themed parties, and classes in outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a dance enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend your summer evenings, this festival is not to be missed.
A Celebration of Diversity and Culture
One of the standout features of the Queensboro Dance Festival is its incredible diversity. This summer, 24 Queens-based dance companies will showcase their talents, each representing different cultures and dance styles. From Greek Zeibekiko and Argentine folk to modern, Chinese, salsa, tap, and many more, the festival offers a rich tapestry of performances that reflect the vibrant multiculturalism of Queens.
Some of this year’s featured dance styles include Indigenous Philippines, Odissi, Hula, Flamenco, Kathak, Ecuadorian, Jazz, Afro-Caribbean, Bolivian Caporales, ballet, hip-hop, and street styles. This eclectic mix ensures that there’s a performance for everyone’s taste, making it a perfect event for families, friends, and dance aficionados alike.
Venues Across the Borough
The festival will take place in numerous neighborhoods, including Jackson Heights, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Astoria, Corona, and Woodhaven. New locations have also been added this year, such as Far Rockaway, Ridgewood, Flushing, Bayside, and Jamaica. Each venue offers a unique backdrop, from the bustling streets of Jackson Heights to the serene parks of Far Rockaway, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Here are some of the key dates and locations:
- June 8: 3-7 p.m., 34th Avenue (93rd-94th, 89-90th) and Travers Park
- June 21: 5-6 p.m., Evergreen Park, Ridgewood
- June 23: 2-4 p.m., Murray Playground, Long Island City
- June 30: 5-6 p.m., Beach 94th Stage, Far Rockaway
- July 13: 6-7 p.m., Windmuller Park, Woodside
- July 21: 5-6 p.m., Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica
- July 28: 1 p.m., Rufus King Park
- August 1: 4-6 p.m., Lowery Plaza, Sunnyside
- August 4: 6-7 p.m., Unisphere, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
- September 14: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Queens Theatre (Season Finale Shows 1 and 2)
Themed Events and Special Guests
Adding to the excitement, many of the events will have themes such as summer garden parties, block party jams, and celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the 1964 World’s Fair. Special guests, including live local bands and dance studios, will be in attendance throughout the season. There will also be pop-up events to honor breakdance as it becomes a category at this summer’s upcoming Olympics.
Supporting the Dance Community
The Queensboro Dance Festival is more than just a series of performances; it’s a mission-driven initiative to strengthen the borough’s dance community and foster a greater appreciation for dance. The festival serves neighborhood communities that lack arts access and provides professional development resources for Queens dancers. Contributors and sponsors, including the New York State Council on the Arts, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and many others, play a crucial role in making this event possible.
Join the Dance Party!
The Queensboro Dance Festival is a testament to the power of dance to bring people together and celebrate our shared humanity. So, mark your calendars, grab your friends and family, and come out to support Queens’s amazing local talent. Whether you’re there to watch, learn, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, the festival will inspire and uplift you.
For a complete schedule of events and updates, visit the Queensboro Dance Festival website. Don’t miss out on this incredible summer experience!
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