#PickoftheWeek | Queens Theatre Hosts Three Shows with 26 Local Dance Troupes this Weekend
How to celebrate a fantastic year? With an equally fantastic weekend!
Queensboro Dance Festival has just completed its ninth summer tour, presenting more than 40 free events in more than 20 Queens neighborhoods. Now, QDF will celebrate with a three-show Grand Finale at Queens Theatre that features performances by 26 local troupes this weekend.
Following the tour’s format, each upcoming evening will begin with a multi-genre show, followed by a social dance lesson in the lobby led by one of the choreographers.
Ticket prices start at $20. Shows are on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 7:30 pm and Oct. 2 at 5 pm.
As to be expected in the world’s most diverse borough, the troupes have roots in various countries. Their genres include Ballet, Ballroom, Chutney, Greek, Gypsy, Hawaiian, Hip Hop, Kathak, Latin, Tap, Turkish, and West African.
Here’s the schedule.
Friday, Sept. 30, 7:30 pm
Kofago Dance Ensemble
Drye|Marinaro Dance Company
Belamovado
Wendy Kamal & David Ali Dance Academy
Gotham Dance Theater
Robert Mark Dance
Karla Florez
chrisbelldances
RUDanceNY Ballroom
Saturday, Oct 1, 7:30 pm
Umami Playground
Kinding Sindaw
Flamenco Latino
Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Nuioka
Fanike! African Dance Troupe
Noora Aprhodite
Barbara Mahler’s Dances
Manhatitlan Mexican Folkloric Dance Group
Sheep Meadow Dance Theatre
Fruto Ancestral
Sunday, Oct 2, 5 pm
Chieh & Yoyo
Greek American Folklore Society
Cole Collective
Urvashie Kissoon
sarAika movement collective
The Kingdom Dance Company
NK&D/a movement company
“It has become a tradition for us to end our tour at Queens Theatre,” stated QDF Founder and Executive Director Karesia Batan. “After an amazing summer outdoors, connecting with new audiences in neighborhoods across Queens, we invite audiences to experience us at this historical venue for a full theatrical experience. Catch the groups you didn’t see yet, dance with us one more time.”
Queens Theatre is located at 14 United Nations Ave. S. in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. A large public parking lot is nearby.
Launched in 2014, QDF’s annual tour pops up in parks, plazas, streets, and other public spaces, providing free outdoor performances and classes by Queens-based professional dance groups. QDF also offers career support to dancers such as free rehearsal space, professional development workshops, master classes, performance footage, Queens arts and cultural resources, and a community network of dance artists.
Images: Queens Dance Festival
