The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) in Queens will host its annual festival, A Weekend of West African Dance, on February 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, concluding Black History Month celebrations with performances that showcase the depth and vitality of West African movement traditions.
The festival features Kofago Dance Ensemble and FANIKE! African Dance, two companies recognized for their dedication to preserving and advancing African dance. Through live music and choreographed performances, the festival emphasizes the precision, energy, and spiritual grounding of West African dance, honoring its historical roots while highlighting its contemporary evolution.
A distinctive component of the program is the post-performance “dance-back,” which allows audiences to engage with the artists, discuss the cultural foundations of the dances, and reflect on the performances. In addition, the festival includes workshops led by the choreographers, offering participants hands-on experience with West African movement and technique.
JCAL Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench emphasized that the festival “reflects the power of tradition carried forward with intention and care,” noting that it honors the cultural roots of West African dance while showcasing its ongoing vitality.
JCAL, founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center in Southeast Queens, devoted to providing accessible visual and performing arts programming. The festival is part of JCAL’s Black History Month offerings and demonstrates the center’s commitment to celebrating cultural heritage and artistic excellence.
Tickets start at $15, and packages are available through the JCAL website. For more information and updates, audiences can follow JCAL on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
