Making Moves Dance Festival returns with new commissions and works from across NYC

The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) will present the 16th annual Making Moves Dance Festival from September 18–20, bringing three days of performances by emerging, mid-career and established choreographers to Southeast Queens.

One of JCAL’s signature programs, Making Moves showcases the breadth of dance being created across Queens and New York City, with this year’s festival spanning modern, contemporary, ballet, ballroom, folk, hip hop, jazz and social dance styles, including house and waacking.

The programme also reflects the cultural diversity of the borough and city, featuring works rooted in African, Afro-Latin, Afro-Caribbean, East Asian, Middle Eastern and East Indian traditions.

Among the artists and companies featured in this year’s festival are Vasialys Solae Rodriguez, Project Oviasu, Marley Poku-Kankam, Forza Dance, MOVE|NYC| Young Professionals Ensemble, Tommy Wasiuta, Trey Singletary, Jatary Sunchy Danza y Proyección Escénica and Blacks in Ballet.

Each year, Making Moves also commissions two new works. The 2026 commissions have been awarded to Project Oviasu and Vasialys Solae Rodriguez, while additional works-in-progress have been selected through a peer-juried open call.

The festival forms part of JCAL’s ongoing support for choreographers at different stages of their artistic careers, providing opportunities to create, experiment and connect with audiences. Across the three-day programme, audiences will encounter both established practices and new perspectives on dance and movement.

“Since its inception, Making Moves has celebrated the extraordinary artistry and cultural expression that lives within Queens and across New York City,” said Courtney Ffrench, Artistic Director of JCAL. “Dance has an incredible ability to tell our stories, carry our traditions, and push us toward something new. Making Moves creates a space where choreographers can explore those possibilities, take creative risks, and connect with audiences through the power of movement.”

Each evening begins with an opening reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by performances at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the 2026 Making Moves Dance Festival are $10 and are on sale now. For more information, please click HERE.

Making Moves Dance Festival. Image courtesy JCAL