Les Ballet Afrik is a multi-cultural dance company whose 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.

In their latest work, New York is Burning, Les Ballet Afrik 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.

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About American Dance Platform

Experience some of the best dance across the country with The Joyce Theater's seventh annual American Dance Platform, dedicated to the memory of Theodore S. Bartwink of The Harkness Foundation for Dance. Theodore S. Bartwink was a Joyce Theater Foundation Trustee from 1993 to 2014.

The American Dance Platform will feature one company per program selected by a guest curator, and each program will be performed twice during the course of the week. For the seventh edition of ADP, The Joyce has selected acclaimed choreographer Ronald K. Brown as the curator.

Health & Safety Protocols

The Joyce Theater has lifted vaccination requirements. Masks will continue to be required at all times for visitors inside the theater, including performances. Click here for our full health & safety protocols.

Funding Credits

Major support for The Joyce’s presentation of the American Dance Platform provided by The Harkness Foundation for Dance.