The Kofago Institute is proud to present the Second Annual Teranga Conference, taking place June 12–14, 2026 in New York City.

This year’s conference theme, “Guardians of Culture: Building Sanctuary through Art and Education,” centers the vital role that artists, educators, scholars, students, and cultural practitioners play in preserving, advancing, and sharing the living traditions of the African Diaspora.

The Teranga Conference will feature a weekend of dance classes, lecture-demonstrations, lectures, panel discussions, cultural exchange, and live performance. The gathering is designed to bring together movement practitioners, researchers, educators, community leaders, and students in a shared space for learning, dialogue, and embodied cultural practice.

The conference begins on Friday, June 12th with a Youth Dance Intensive at Gibney Studios, created for middle school and high school students. Educators, school leaders, dance teachers, youth organizations, and community programs are invited to bring students for a meaningful day of African Diaspora dance, cultural learning, and artistic engagement.

On Saturday, June 13th at 7:00 PM, the conference will feature KASSOUMAII, Kofago’s annual production, at The Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College. This year, KASSOUMAII is presented as part of the Teranga Conference and will include choreography from researchers affiliated with the conference.

The Teranga Conference is more than a weekend event. It is a gathering space for dance, culture, research, education, and community.

Tickets and registration are now open and available through the Kofago Institute website for the youth intensive and the Kassoumaii performance. Tickets for the dance workshops and lecutre presentations are available on the Alvin Ailey website.

Featured Events:

Youth Dance Intensive
Friday, June 12, 2026
Gibney Studios
For middle school and high school students

KASSOUMAII: Kofago’s Annual Production
Saturday, June 13, 2026
7:00 PM
The Lovinger Theatre, Lehman College

Teranga Dance Workshops and Lecture Presentations
Saturday, June 13, 2026
10:00AM - 5:30PM

Sunday, June 14, 2026
10:00AM - 7:00PM
Alvin Ailey Dance Studios