YENSA Festival Celebrating Black Women In Dance Unveils Programming

YENSA Festival has revealed programming for the second edition taking place August 21-25, 2024 at the Betty Oliphant Theatre and Toronto Metropolitan University. YENSA Festival is an international biennial festival that celebrates the work of women in dance, from African and Afro-diasporic culture. 

The 2024 festival theme centers on the role of the Black body as a vessel of memories, as well as movement as a source of wellness, transcendence, and joy. The second edition of the YENSA Festival will offer engaging workshops, dynamic performances, an insightful panel discussion, and conclude with a vibrant community celebration. 

YENSA Festival's BLACK FLAMES features two days of electrifying performances, on August 23 and 24 at Betty Oliphant Theatre, by audacious black women choreographers who fearlessly experiment, reimagine, and disrupt conventional dance norms. BLACK FLAMES will include works such as: Sezam by choreographer Shérane Figaro with dancers Aurélie Ann Figaro, Coralie Millet, Mya Métellus, Anais Gilles; ; Freeform by Choreographer and Dancer I'thandi Munro; The fall into the flow by choreographer and dancer Rose-Mary “Rosie” Harbans; and Feminine by choreographer and dancer Olivia Okonkwo.

Blazing trails, a new generation of choreographers embarks on a journey of self-exploration, delving into profound questions that ignite their artistic practice and destabilize conventional notions of dance making. Hip hop embraces technology through tangible wire and steel objects, sparking thought-provoking inquiries. Tradition dances hand in hand with contemporary influences, unveiling new perspectives that invite us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant rhythms, lush culture, and sacred practices of Haiti. 

“As the festival's curator, my mission is to illuminate the intricate tapestry of dance as conveyed by Black women, honouring their myriad and profound contributions," said Lua Shayenne, Artistic Director and Curator.

YENSA Festival will bring community together for a series of impactful workshops, panels, and celebrations including: the AFRICA VIBES: DANCEHALL & AFROBEAT dance workshop with E.R.N in Motion and Cassandra Toutou on August 21;  the GROUNDED IN WELLNESS PANEL with I'thandi Munro, Shérane Figaro, Mosa McNeilly, Diane Roberts, Esie Mensah and Nicole Inica Hamilton on August 24; the AFRICA VIBES: HAITIAN dance workshop with Shérane Figaro on August 25; and the YENSA (Let's Dance) YENKA (Let's Talk) Community Social with ATSIA dance and live drum circle on August 25.

YENSA Festival invites audiences to engage deeply with these performances and to courageously immerse themselves in the diverse offering of activities and workshops. The 2024 schedule and tickets available at www.yensafestival.com.

YENSA Festival is open to women artists from around the globe who self-identify as black. The mission is to champion, highlight and present choreographic work by women of Black, African Diaspora and African descent. Its driving principles are solidarity, sisterhood and artistic excellence. With this Festival, Lua Shayenne Dance Company wishes to highlight black women choreographers, from African or Afro-diasporic culture and the accompanying research/process which lead to developing their creative practices. 

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