Around Queens: Queensboro Dance Festival

Launched in 2014, Queensboro Dance Festival (QDF) was created out of a need for easier artist access to a dance community within Queens, and to cultivate audiences in underserved Queens neighborhoods. Each summer, we tour throughout Queens’ local parks, plazas, and streets, reaching 10,000 people each year. We proudly present professional Queens-based dance companies of diverse cultures and styles, offering over 30 free outdoor performances, classes, and dance parties to the public. We also provide our dance companies with free professional development and Queens arts resources.

We exist to be a platform for Queens’ underrepresented diversity of dancers, where contemporary and cultural groups come together to share their artistry with our fellow Queens neighbors. We believe cultural exchange builds community, and dancing together uplifts the soul. Our values are equity, curiosity, quality, and connection.

QDF has been cited for its community impact in the first 2017 Create NYC Cultural Plan; a 2018 honoree of Queens Pride with a Proclamation from NYS Comptroller’s Office Thomas P. DiNapoli and certificate from NYC Public Advocate Letitia James; 2019 LIC Game Changer Award with Best in Arts & Humanities, certificate from Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan, and 2023 Citation of Honor by Queensborough President Donovan Richards. QDF was named in 2024 City & State’s Power 100 in Arts and Culture under the leadership of Founding Executive Director Karesia Batan.