July 6-12, 2026
8th Annual Dance Festival
New Orleans is more than a city; it is a living archive of the African Diaspora. It is the place where the rhythms of West Africa, the spirit of Haiti, and the soul of the Caribbean converged to create a cultural magnet that the world follows.
Launched in 2019 by Kai Knight, the Cultural Ties Dance Festival is the premier seat of cultural exchange in the Gulf South. We are dedicated to highlighting the mastery of our local New Orleans artists while bridging the gap with our global family. From Haiti, Cuba, Brazil, Africa, and the Caribbean to our shores, we facilitate a powerful homecoming of movement and spirit.
The Matriarchs: Sacred Axis
This year, we turn our hearts and our dance toward the foundation. We celebrate the women—the mothers, grandmothers, and spiritual elders—who serve as the Sacred Axis of the African Diaspora.
We honor the stabilizing force of the Matriarchs who have anchored our families, preserved our rituals, and carried the weight of our history with grace. They are the center around which our culture turns, and this July, we move in their honor.
Register Today!
| Youth Cultural Arts Schedule | Dance Intensive | Drum Intensive | Weekend Schedule |
The Cultural Ties Dance Festival celebrates New Orleans’ deep roots in the African Diaspora through a unique community experience. Funded by local sponsorships and individual donations, your support directly pays our professional artist-instructors and provides scholarships for our youth dance intensive.
Ways Your Support Makes an Impact
- Professional Artists: Funding ensures our expert instructors are compensated for their craft.
- Youth Scholarships: Your contributions provide access for young dancers to attend our intensive.
- Cultural Preservation: Every dollar helps celebrate and sustain the history and movement of the African Diaspora in NOLA.