I love the fall Arts Scene! Theatre, Dance, Opera, Drag, Literature, Clowns! Bring it all on. (Above photo: Titus Ogilvie-Laing). And for this issue I decided to branch out of fabulous New York City for a few regional shout outs! 

One long ago fall, I was part of a dance show at the Joyce Theatre (as an actor) and I will never forget wintnessing the incredible dedication and discipline of the dancers. It was during that show I also learned about The Bessie Awards for dance which is why an Instagram post for the 2023 Bessie Nominated Les Ballet Afrik caught my eye. 

This multi-cultural dance company's mission is to champion the Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ experiences within the ballroom scene. Rooted in African, Afrobeat, House, Vogue, and Latin dance styles, Les Ballet Afrik pioneered a new movement style called “Afrikfusion,” under the artistic direction of legendary Omari “Oricci” Wiles. 

Their latest work, 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. Commissioned by Works & Process at the Guggenheim, 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 continues to provide a space for individual expression and radical acceptance.

Jones Auditorium at Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607 Tickets $15/30