American Dance Festival

7:00 pm: Les Ballet Afrik

Program: New York is Burning
Running Time: 60 minutes, no intermission
Tickets: $30–$45

Back by popular demand, Les Ballet Afrik’s New York is Burning 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. 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 provides a space for individual expression and radical acceptance.

“As the first ballroom experience at the Joyce Theatre, Wiles makes history, and continues to claim space. The message is simple: everyone should have the opportunity to live and to be loved. ‘Just open the door, because I’m definitely going to walk through,’ says Wiles.”
– Dance Magazine

“If you don’t go and see New York is Burning, you will regret it as people will talk about it for weeks and months. And you’ll miss out on supporting an incredible young artist, Omari, and his company, ADF, and live theater.”
– Ronald K. Brown
 
“New York is Burning is a whimsical and nostalgic journey back to the 70s and 90s with snippets of Madonna videos, sparkling disco balls, groovy music tracks, and projected archived Vogue ball clips.”
– Miranda Stuck, Dance Enthusiast

Location: Reynolds Industries Theater at Duke - 125 Science Drive Durham, NC 27710

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9:00 pm - 12:00 am: Dance Party

Tickets: $25
Live DJ
recommended for ages 16+

Together we celebrate the music and dance styles of Black and Latino Queer communities. Immerse yourself in Vogue, Afrobeats, House, and Latin music as Les Ballet Afrik helps you get your groove on.  Let’s have a Kiki and take it to the dance floor!
Cash bar and food trucks available.

Location: The Fruit - 305 S Dillard St Durham, NC 27701

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