E-Moves Festival 2026 is Democracy's Town Square
"Dance is a weapon.”
— Pearl Primus
E-Moves Festival 2026 is a dynamic weeklong celebration of dance and movement, April 20-27, illuminating the power of dance to inspire, connect, and move us forward in this moment through performances, masterclasses, screenings, conversations, and free student matinees.
The festival opens with an inspiring masterclass and conversation with award-winning choreographer & director, Camille A. Brown and Harlem Stage CEO & Artistic Director, Dr. Indira Etwaroo. Celebrating 20 years of the WaterWorks Commissioning Initiative in partnership with AILEY, the festival features world premieres by Kamani Abu, Derrick McKoy Jr., Naia Neal, and Kasey Orava.
A 35th Anniversary screening of Paris is Burning sparks a powerful conversation with Tabytha Gonzalez and Arturo Lyons, hosted by Surface Level Podcast. The festival culminates with the return of Black Men in Dance, curated by Ronald K. Alexander and Calvin Royal III, featuring Robert Battle, Donald Byrd, and Lil’ Buck, and an unforgettable performance of The Swan by Lil’ Buck.
