Jamestown, NY - The Jamestown Dance Festival returned for its second year, Thursday September 4th at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, hosted by Sukanya Burman Dance.

The three-day event features live performances, workshops, film screenings, and panel discussions that celebrate the global diversity of dance.
 
Friday’s headliner, "Les Ballet Afrik", highlighted ballroom culture in today’s society, blending vouge, house, and club dance with elements of fashion, music, and pop culture.
 
Audience members said the festival is bringing new energy to the community.
“I’m so glad that I could attend and see the festival," said attendee Ruth Lundin. "I just think that this is marvelous for Jamestown."
 
The Sukanya Burman Dance Group also performed, with the group’s coordinator praising the range of performances.
“So often people have to travel to larger cities to see performances like this, so it's wonderful that we can bring this to our community," said Sukanya Burman, Executive Artistic Director for Sukanya Burman Dance. "People should be able to experience art and dance no matter where they live."
 
Performers said the event goes beyond entertainment, offering connection and storytelling.

“It's an honor to be able to spread knowledge and education to others through my talents," stated Karma Banks, Les Ballet Afrik performer. 

"It is so important to spread the knowledge," agreed Les Ballet Afrik's assistant choreographer, Alora Tonielle Martinez. "It's important to teach people about the culture and about the background of vogue, the ballroom, house, and African dance." 
 
 
"We need dance, we need art, and we need music - especially with what is going on in our world today," said Tygier Morgan Oricci, Les Ballet Afrik Commentator. 
 
"This show allows us to have fun, it allows us to connect with the audience in a fun and inviting way - but also to have meaningful conversations about community and culture," said Omari Wiles, Director and Founder of Les Ballet Afrik.
 
The festival concludes Sunday, September 7th, with a workshop, a screening of the film "Paris Is Burning", and a community after-party and mixer.

More details are available, here.