ECNETNews, New York, NY, Fri. October 4, 2024: The highly anticipated Dance Grenada Festival is set to return for its fifth season on the stunning island of Grenada. This year’s theme, “From the Ground Up 5 Years and Beyond: Promoting Resiliency, Sustainability, & Freedom in the Arts,” signifies a landmark celebration that emphasizes the resilience of dancers and creatives worldwide.
Scheduled from October 17-21, 2024, the festival promises an exciting five-day lineup, featuring eight immersive workshops and two compelling panel discussions led by esteemed dance professionals. Highlights will include the inaugural Dance Grenada concert and a tribute to Veni Vwai La Grenade, a celebrated Grenadian dance company that is marking its 50th anniversary. Attendees can look forward to the return of the popular international vendor’s marketplace and the annual island tour, highlighting an exquisite blend of culture, artistry, and genuine local experiences.
“Reflecting on our journey over the past five years, I am thankful for the community we have built, a space for cultural exchange and connectivity through dance. This festival unites talented artists from around the globe to explore and elevate African diasporic dances, which deserve recognition as serious art forms,” said the festival’s Founder and Artistic Director.
Dance Grenada plays a vital role in elevating and preserving African diasporic dance forms, such as Grenadian Folk Dance, Shango, Afro-Cuban, and Grenadian Masquerade. With thoughtfully designed programming, the festival invites international dancers to not only learn these traditional forms but also to engage in discussions about the creative economy’s significance in Grenada and beyond.
This year’s classes will be led by distinguished dancers, including Grenada’s own Keith Williams, renowned Grenadian Broadway star Oneika Phillips, and Otis Donovan Herring, fresh from a nationwide tour. The festival enhances the preservation of intangible cultural heritage through dance while attracting travelers seeking artistic experiences alongside Grenada’s natural beauty.
“Dance represents a vibrant aspect of Grenada’s cultural landscape and is a testament to our rich African heritage. The Dance Grenada Festival is a significant celebration of this legacy, showcasing our diversity and talent on a global stage,” stated a spokesperson from the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Supporting such initiatives is crucial for enriching lives and offering visitors authentic insights into our island’s essence, helping to maintain our cultural heritage and boost Grenada as a cultural tourism destination.”
As a central hub for dance innovation, scholarship, and entrepreneurship, the Dance Grenada Festival celebrates its fifth year during a critical period for cultural and creative industries, coinciding with the establishment of the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs.
“The essence of our diaspora thrives on interaction. When we connect, we cultivate a sense of belonging that resonates globally. Dance Grenada invites everyone, irrespective of age, race, or ethnicity, to experience this warm sense of community,” the Founder emphasized.
For further details about the Dance Grenada Festival and ticket purchases, please visit ECNETNews.
About Dance Grenada: Dance Grenada serves as a platform for both Grenadian and international dance artists to deepen their understanding of traditional and contemporary dance styles through workshops, performances, panel discussions, and symposiums, making significant contributions to the broader dance community on both local and global stages.
