YENSA Festival 2026: As I Am
Celebrating Black women in dance across contemporary, African diasporic, and vernacular forms
Dates
Aug 20–23
Cost
Sliding scale
Where
Toronto, ON
Theme
Dance & Culture
YENSA honors Black women choreographers and dancers claiming artistic space on their own terms. Across four days, the festival showcases new work, workshops in African and diasporic dance traditions, and community gatherings that celebrate contemporary expressions rooted in lived experience.
🎭 Black Flames performances
🎓 AFRICA VIBES workshops
🗣️ Community discussion
🌍 International artists
💡 YENSA is an international biennial festival produced by Lua Shayenne Dance Company, with programming that extends year-round beyond August.
✨ Why YENSA Matters
YENSA Festival is a rare and necessary platform that centers Black women’s artistry in contemporary dance. Founded by Lua Shayenne, the festival has grown from a vision into an international gathering recognized across Toronto, North America, and beyond. It’s a space where African diasporic, vernacular, and contemporary dance forms are valued equally and presented with full production support.
The 2026 theme, AS I AM, emphasizes artistic authenticity. Performances span dancehall, vernacular jazz, Senegalese Sabar, and contemporary choreography shaped by lived experience. It’s not a museum piece — it’s living, evolving, bold.
Located at Betty Oliphant Theatre on Jarvis Street in downtown Toronto, YENSA attracts dancers, educators, students, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. It’s also a major draw for international cultural tourism — an investment in Toronto’s performing arts landscape.
🗓️ Festival Schedule
Thursday, August 20
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: AFRICA VIBES Workshop — Authentic Jazz with Natasha Powell
Friday, August 21
7:30 PM: Pre-show chat · 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: BLACK FLAMES Performances & Reception
Saturday, August 22
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Sabar Workshop (Senegal) with Imania Fatima Detry · 7:30 PM: Pre-show chat · 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: BLACK FLAMES Performances
Sunday, August 23
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: African Dance Workshop (live percussion) · 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: ATSIA Circle (workshop participants) · 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: YENKA Social (all welcome)
🎓 AFRICA VIBES Workshops
Three distinct workshops exploring African diasporic dance traditions. Sliding-scale pricing available.
Authentic Jazz
Thursday evening with Natasha Powell. Vernacular jazz forms rooted in African American dance traditions.
Sabar (Senegal)
Saturday afternoon with Imania Fatima Detry. West African drumming and dance traditions from Senegal.
African Dance + Percussion
Sunday with Lua Shayenne and live percussion. Contemporary movement rooted in African forms.
✋ Festival Essentials
Ticket Pricing
Sliding-scale tickets available. Workshop and performance tickets priced separately. Visit yensafestival.com for details.
Venue
Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis St, Toronto. Intimate 300-seat theatre with excellent acoustics.
Parking & Transit
Street parking in downtown Toronto. TTC accessible via nearby transit lines. Close to Wellesley station.
Accessibility
Ramps and accessible seating available. Contact yensafestival.com for specific accommodations.
Best For
Dance professionals, students, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about Black artistic excellence.
Stay in Downtown
Downtown Toronto hotels and restaurants. Perfect weekend destination for cultural tourism.
🚗 Getting There
By Transit: Wellesley Station (TTC red line) is closest. Streetcar and bus connections throughout downtown. Easiest for visitors.
By Car: Street parking available on Jarvis Street and nearby. Pay parking lots within 2-3 blocks.
From GTA: Downtown Toronto is 30-60 minutes from most points via GO Transit or car.
📍 Get Directions
Celebrate Black Women’s Artistry 🎭
YENSA is more than a festival—it’s a movement centering Black women’s voices, stories, and artistic excellence in contemporary dance.
Tickets & Info →
❓ Common Questions
Details subject to change — always confirm on yensafestival.com before attending.
Location
Get DirectionsBetty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 2G6
