Toronto 
Events Description
YENSA Festival is thrilled to announce programming for the third edition taking place August 20-23, 2026 at the Betty Oliphant Theatre at Canada’s National Ballet School. YENSA Festival is an international biennial festival that celebrates the work of women in dance, from African and Afro-diasporic culture. The festival will feature two Black Flames showcase performances by five Black female choreographers, three AFRICA VIBES workshops, the ATSIA Circle, and the YENKA (Let’s Talk) Social.
“YENSA Festival enters its third edition with both grounding and momentum,” said Artistic Director Lua Shayenne. “What began as a vision to carve out space for Black women’s artistry, inventiveness, and bold imagination has grown into a dynamic platform, one that continues to evolve in response to the needs of a thriving, interconnected dance community.”
Under the resonant 2026 theme AS I AM, YENSA Festival honours Black women dance artists claiming space on their own terms. It celebrates emerging voices bringing forward new choreographic works, alongside established practitioners whose practices extend far beyond performance.
Who is it for?
All ages
HOW MUCH
Tickets : $30-45
Enjoy
How to get tickets?
WHEN & WHERE
Date: Thursday August 20, 2026 to Sunday August 23, 2026
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
7pm – Africa Vibes Dance Workshop #1
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
7 30pm – Pre-show Chat
8pm – BLACK FLAMES – Showcase #1
10pm – Reception
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
2pm – Africa Vibes Dance Workshop #2
7 30pm – Pre-show Chat
8pm – BLACK FLAMES – Showcase #2
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
2pm – Africa Vibes Workshop #3
4pm – Atsia Circle
4:30pm – YENKA Social
Various
Venue & Address
Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis St, Toronto
Wheelchair accessible
