Courtesy JCAL
The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) will celebrate the 15th annual Making Moves Dance Festival from September 20 to 22, showcasing a diverse range of dance styles and performers at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center.
MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) is poised to mark a significant milestone with the 15th annual Making Moves Dance Festival (MMDF), a celebration of diverse dance forms and talented performers. The festival, which has become a cornerstone of the arts scene in Southeast Queens, will take place from September 20 to 22, with nightly performances beginning at 7 p.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue.
The MMDF 2024 will showcase a rich tapestry of dance styles, featuring 10 companies across a spectrum of experiences, from major commissions to emerging and early-career artists. This year’s lineup includes major commissions from Winston Dynamite Brown’s “The DynamitExperience” and Lane Gifford’s LaneCoArts, alongside performances by the Latin Grammy-nominated Nuevo Tango Ballet and the folk-infused X&Y Quadrant Dance Company.
Wendy Arimah Berot, JCAL’s Director of Program Operations, emphasized the festival’s dedication to presenting a diverse array of dance forms.
“I think it’s important to showcase the different styles of dance and also to show the different identities of people who are engrossed in this kind of dance, so people who are from our community can see their reflection, possibly in the performers,” Berot said. “We aim to reflect the rich cultural mosaic of our community and provide a platform for dancers to express their unique voices.”
The festival’s origins can be traced back to JCAL’s mission of fostering accessible and high-quality arts programming. Founded in 1972, JCAL has become a vital cultural hub in Southeast Queens, and the Making Moves Dance Festival was established to celebrate and elevate the diverse dance community. The festival has grown over the years, now featuring a dynamic blend of group and solo performances.
“This year we have a wide variety,” Berot said. “There’s African ballet, tango ballet—two different forms of ballet. Some performances will be high energy, some very thought-provoking. There will also be multimedia elements involved, combining dance with visual art. This year’s festival is different because we’re featuring different types of ballet, including tango and African ballet, which broadens the spectrum of a classical and very technical dance form. It’s a significant step in diversifying what ballet can represent.”
One aspect of this year’s festival is the return of Vissi Dance Theater, founded by JCAL Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench, who will perform on the first and second days of the festival. Ffrench’s company first graced the MMDF stage in 2011, making their return a poignant nod to the festival’s enduring legacy.
This year’s festival is made possible by the continued support of the Mertz Gilmore Charitable Trust, Harkness Foundation for Dance, and the Howard Gilman Foundation, as well as public backing from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Mayor Eric L. Adams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Member Nantasha Williams.
“The continued support definitely brings us to another level of performance and quality work,” Berot said. “After 15 years, that says something very solid about the quality of work we’re doing and our growing reputation.”
The selection process for MMDF 2024 was highly competitive, with a panel of dance professionals choosing from over 50 applicants. “We look for strength in the submitted work and the choreographers’ commitment to their craft,” Arimah Berot explained. “Our goal is to present a varied program that includes both established and emerging voices in dance.”
As the festival celebrates its 15th year, JCAL is excited to offer audiences a wide range of performances that promise both high-energy displays and thought-provoking narratives. The festival will also include multimedia elements, integrating visual art with dance to enhance the audience experience.
The Making Moves Dance Festival remains a vital platform for artists and a cherished cultural event for the community. With its continued support and growing reputation, the festival is set to inspire and engage dance enthusiasts for years to come.
For more information on the Making Moves Dance Festival and to purchase tickets, visit JCAL’s website or the Jamaica Performing Arts Center box office.
