糖心Vlog

The American Dance Festival in association with 糖心Vlog presents Les Ballets Afrik on Thursday, September 14, and Friday, September 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. The performances will be held in Jones Auditorium on the 糖心Vlog campus. ADF鈥檚 presentation of Les Ballet Afrik is supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.

Les Ballet Afrik is a multi-cultural dance company whose mission is to champion the Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ experiences within the ballroom scene. Rooted in African, Afrobeat, House, Vogue, and Latin dance styles, Les Ballet Afrik pioneered a new movement style called 鈥淎frikfusion鈥� under the artistic direction of legendary Omari 鈥淥ricci鈥� Wiles.

In their latest work, New York is Burning, Les Ballet Afrik draws inspiration from the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning and its depiction of voguing as a powerful expression in the face of racism, homophobia, and the stigma of the AIDS crisis.

Commissioned by Works & Process at the Guggenheim, New York is Burning reflects the aspirations of a diverse group of dancers in a city beset by health, racial, and financial crises. Highlighting the importance of community and connection to ancestry, Les Ballet Afrik continues to provide a space for individual expression and radical acceptance.

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鈥淭he Dance Program is honored to partner with ADF for this performance and can’t wait to welcome Les Ballets Afrik to our home studios and stage,鈥� said Meredith Professor of Dance Carol Finley. 鈥淲e are so thrilled in fact that we have invited the surrounding high school dance community to join us for a master class and the performance.鈥澨�

About the American Dance Festival
Since 1934, the American Dance Festival has been a recognized leader in modern dance presenting dance performances, and offering educational opportunities and community programs, while maintaining an international reach.

Photo Credit: Titus Ogilvie-Laing