SHOW
PROGRAM

Rockaway Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge that our show today is on the native land of Munsee Lenape  and Lekawe people, who continue to live and work on this land to this day.

 

SHOW PROGRAM

 

Saturday June 13th, 2026

 

Performances at Beach 94th Stage, Rockaway Beach

*Denotes Queens Premieres

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manobo Bukidnon Talaandig Dugso*

We present Dugso (offering) and Banog (hawk/eagle) of the Indigenous peoples of Bukidnon. Practiced by Talaandig, Higaonon, and related Lumad communities, these dances are sacred ceremonial forms rooted in Indigenous cosmology, ecological knowledge, and ancestral continuity. This program reframes Indigenous dance as embodied prayer, healing practice, and cultural transmission—not entertainment.  

 

Company: Kinding Sindaw  

Choreographer: Potri Ranka Manis Queano Nur  

Dancers: Mica Milagros, Kelsea Suarez, Raymon Acosta, John Yanong 

Musicians : Nonilon Queano , Francisco ortega , Angelina Ortega , Ernesto “Abe” Pamolarco, Potri Ranka Manis  

 

Kinding Sindaw (Jackson Heights)  

Kinding Sindaw is the longest-standing Filipino cultural dance group in NYC which focuses specifically on the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. Through immersive performances and public-facing workshops, they aspire to inspire the diaspora to explore their lineage and challenge ages-old institutional bias so they and their communities can achieve healing.  

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Sara Raymi – Fiesta del maíz (Corn Festival)

In Otavalo, marriage is an event that celebrates history, customs, and ancestral traditions. It is said that if a man wanted to marry, he had to take a garment from the woman—usually the fachalina (shawl). This is seen during courtship and later in marriage.

 

Company: Allpayana danza tradicional ecuatoriana  

Choreographer: Christian Pérez

Music: “Sarañusta” by Samy, “The Commoners” by  Andean Sentiment, “Kambaglla Love” by The Long Way

 

Allpayana danza tradicional ecuatoriana (Jamaica)  Allpayana was founded on January 11, 2024, in Queens, NY, under the direction of Christian Pérez and Gabriela Pizarro, who are committed to preserving the festive heritage of Ecuadorian communities through the promotion of customs and traditions that highlight Ecuador’s identity and diversity.

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Muse and Movement*

Kathak performance “Muse and Movement” opens with an expressive dance where Radha and Krishna linger in tender companionship, shaping the work’s emotional center. It then shifts into a vibrant 16‑beat tarana marked by crisp footwork and rhythmic clarity. Together, the pieces move from lyrical emotion to pure kinetic energy.  

 

Company: Neela Zareen  

Choreographed & danced by: Neela Zareen  

 

Neela Zareen (Jackson Heights) Neela Zareen, a Queens‑based Indian classical dancer, trained in Kuchipudi with Guru Sadhana Paranji and in Kathak with Guru Prerana Deshpande. Her Jackson Heights school, Neela Dance Academy, promotes both forms via teaching and performing and is committed to connecting with the diverse communities of Queens and beyond.  

 

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Chant 1: Oli Aloha, Chant 2: He Aloha No Na Pua Mai Ka Lani, Ka’i: Ho’opuka E Ka La, Mele: Kakuhihewa, Ho’i: Ho’i E, Ho’i La, Chant 3: Mahalo Ke Akua*

This year’s mele (song/main dance), Kākuhihewa, is a mele inoa (name chant) that honors the legendary Chief of Oʻahu, Kākuhihewa. This was choreographed by Kumu Kale Pawai in 2011 and is a premier for Queens.  

 

Company: Nā Pua Mai Ka Lani Nūioka  

Choreographer: Kale Pawai  

Dancers: Maria Ycasiano, Arlise Ellis, Jeanna Alvarez, Akemi Akaiwa

Chanters: Christopher Chung & Tristan Vizconde

 

Nā Pua Mai Ka Lani Nūioka (Long Island City) Starting in June 2002, Hālau Nā Pua Mai Ka Lani translates into ‘The Many Different Flowers from Heaven.’ Queen Liliʻuokalani favored the children of Hawaiʻi, calling them nā pua (flowers). Kumu Kale Pawai, 1967-2016, trained under various Kumu Hula, culminating with his ʻUniki (graduation) ʻOlapa under Kumu Kimo Alama Keaulana.  

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What Are You Waiting For

This work is a playful tap solo. This solo performed to the music of Roy Hargrove, alternates between playing the groove and reacting to the soloist. Both choreography and improvisation are utilized in this piece.  

 

Company: Cole Collective  

Choreographed and danced by: Nicole Ohr

Music: “Crazy Race” by unknown artist  

 

Cole Collective (Astoria)  Nicole Ohr is a Queens-based tap dancer/choreographer/dance educator. She danced for Undertoe Dance Project, and Les Femmes, and has perform at BB Kings, Queens Theatre, Symphony Space, and on the TODAY Show. Nicole is Artistic Director of Cole Collective; a Queens-based tap dance company, and is producer of Dance Astoria.  

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Capiteles  

Caporales is a high-energy, traditional Andean dance originating from Bolivia. Inspired by the Afro-Bolivian Saya, it features athletic, rhythmic movements, distinct boots with bells, and vibrant costumes, often performed to honor the Virgin of Socavón.  

 

Company: Fraternidad Folklorica Y Cultural Caporales Universitarios de San Simon Cochabamba Filial New York

Choreographer: Caporales San Simon Cochabamba

Dancers: Dancers of San Simon Cochabamba

Music: “Monster Band” in Bolivia  

 

Fraternidad Folklorica Y Cultural Caporales Universitarios de San Simon Cochabamba Filial New York (Rego Park)  Caporales is a high-energy, traditional Andean dance originating from Bolivia. Inspired by the Afro-Bolivian Saya, it features athletic, rhythmic movements, distinct boots with bells, and vibrant costumes, often performed to honor the Virgin of Socavón.  

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Casería De Venado*  

Ancestral activity based on deer hunting to celebrate and give thanks to Pachamama for the food provided.  

 

Company: Jatary Sunchy Danza y Proyeccion Escenica  

Choreographer: Jimmy Buestan  

 

Jatary Sunchy Danza y Proyeccion Escenica (Corona) The Sunchy Project, which in its translation into Spanish means Force Project, began on November 14, 2012, with two young former dancers from the Ñucanchik Ayllu group who wanted to project, spread, promote, and innovate ancestral Ecuadorian culture in the traditional, popular, and scenic fields.  

 

Performances followed by a Danceback with Nā Pua Mai Ka Lani Nūioka  — join us for a mini dance lesson

Thank you!

Our goal is 100 people, $10 at a time:  bit.ly/supportqueensdance

 

The Queensboro Dance Festival (QDF) was launched in 2014 with the mission to strengthen the dance community in Queens, and inspire a greater appreciation for Queens dance. Presenting Queens-based dance companies of diverse cultures and styles, QDF tours free performances, parties, and classes every summer throughout Queens public spaces. QDF provides free career resources for Queens dancers, and brings local dance programming into Queens neighborhoods.

 

NEXT ON TOUR:

 Foundations Class Series June 14 2pm | Performances June 27 5pm