Le Soro Is Bringing Afro Dance Festival Energy to New York City

Le Soro, a dance festival created by 3 powerhouse female dancers from the New York City region is on a mission to change how afro dance is shared and consumed in the city.  Inspired by the vibrant Afro dance festivals of Europe, Le Soro aims to bring a similar experience to New York.  Focusing on authenticity, connection and the celebration of African Street dance culture.  

AfroConex caught up with the 3 founders: Amilya, Tima, and Alice, to learn more about the vision, the story behind Le Soro, and what attendees can expect at the debut edition scheduled for September 6th.

AFROCONEX: Le Soro, thank you for taking the time to talk with AfroConex.  Congratulations on the launch of Le Soro and bringing the idea to life.   Can you explain what the Lesoro festival is and the origin and meaning of the word ?

LE SORO: Thank you for having us! Le Soro is truly honored to be featured on AfroConex—we love your work.

The Le Soro Experience is a celebration of African culture within the diaspora, expressed primarily through dance. We host intensives, dance camps, and cyphers, with the goal of expanding into large-scale events and festivals that spread African culture and dance authentically.

LeSoro means “the people.” Le is “the” in French, and Soro—pronounced Soh-rro—means “people” in Soninke, a language spoken in the Sahelian West African region. Although simple, this name stood out to us for one reason: it signifies what we stand for.

We started this for us—“us” meaning everyone in the diaspora—but it will never be limited to only us, because music is a universal language. It has no barriers. The experience we aim to create will set a standard for Afro dance to be respected, fully appreciated, preserved, and kept authentic

AFROCONEX: You have attended and experienced many  European Afro Dance festivals, which inspired Le Soro. What specifically about the European festivals inspired Le Soro, and how will that inspiration show up at Le Soro? 

LE SORO: Attending different Afro dance festivals such as Oyofe, AfroDrip, Afrohouse Germany, and even AfroJam in Thailand has given us a real taste of how the African diaspora celebrates African dance culture. One of the things that especially inspired Le Soro—particularly from the European festivals—was the sense of togetherness and energy shared among dancers of different backgrounds, skill levels, and walks of life, all united by a love for African culture.

Being together as dancers and artists to share our passion for Afro dance is incredibly powerful. It left us with a deep feeling of wholeness and inspiration—something you can’t fully understand until you experience it yourself. That’s a big reason why we wanted to bring this to NYC: we want dancers here in the U.S. to experience and feel that same unity, energy, and shared love for Afro dance on a larger scale at our festival.

AFROCONEX: The founders of Lesoro, hail from different cultural backgrounds: Tima —Gambia, Amilyea —Haiti,  Alice —Nigeria.  How does your cultural backgrounds Influence how you see and experience dance and what students will experience at Le Soro?

LE SORO-Tima:

I think where I’m from deeply influences how I experience dance. I’m Gambian, and I grew up surrounded by music—at home, at weddings, and at gatherings. But I also grew up in New York City. If anyone understands diversity, it’s a first-generation immigrant who grew up in the Bronx and was exposed to many cultures from a young age.

The similarities and differences between cultures excite me. I see the world through a wide lens; it’s bigger than what we encounter in our day-to-day lives. There are people everywhere who love exactly what we love.

In dance, this translates to a genuine appreciation for the beauty of different genres, especially African ones. The culture is so rich, and within each nation, there are many tribes—some focusing on shoulders, others on waist movement, feet, or head movement. Each has its own customs and traditions that have shaped its dance styles, and I find that incredibly beautiful.

That excites me, and I’m sure there’s someone, somewhere in the world, who feels the same way and will be inspired. They’ll be able to connect with the different classes we host, which bring all these wonderful cultures together authentically—and that only strengthens our commitment to preserving them.

LE SORO-Alice:

Dance was and is present at every gathering, through both good times and bad. One of my Dad's favorite artists during his college days was Fela Kuti, and he was sure to pass that music along during my childhood. Without fail, Fela’s music sparks an eruption of movement from aunties, uncles and elders at family functions, and now the younger generation, for obvious reasons. It's no surprise how influential he has been in the evolution of Afrobeat music. 

My mother, while less vocal about her love for music, was an active member of an Akwa Ibom cultural dance group when I was a child. Memories of Ekombie rehearsal sessions held in the basement of our home sowed seeds within my being. From early on, I knew dance and music would deeply shape how I chose to show up in the world. I'm beyond grateful to my parents for exposing me to these influences and, unbeknownst to them, altering the trajectory of my life, values and choices. That foundation continues to guide me and it’s why creating spaces of joy for African music and dance, like Le Soro, feels like I’m giving back the gift I was given.

LE SORO-Amilya: 

My Haitian background has had such a great influence in my love for arts, dance and music as a whole.  Growing up, my mother always instilled in me and my sisters that though we lived in the suburbs of NY, that our Haitian heritage was the forefront of who we are and would always be a part of us, regardless of where we were. I was exposed to many different cultures growing up which influenced my affinity for cultural dance styles. With this, my mother also emphasized preservation of our roots, values and the richness of Haitian arts and culture, and one things Haitians love is a celebration! Gatherings and enjoying time dancing and listening to haitian music such as Rara, Twoubadou & Konpa with family are some of my favorite childhood memories. I have vivid memories of older sisters and cousins teaching me how to dance at family parties! When I first entered the afrodance space, I connected immediately with the music and movement of different african countries and tribes, because of how much they have influenced Haitian culture. Both Africans and Haitians value the richness of celebration, through dance, music, joy and togetherness. So this is a great influence on what I want dancers to experience at Le Soro! 

AFROCONEX: Let’s talk about the Afro Dance scene in New York.  The pandemic really changed  the scene.  Many teachers who were active in the city relocated or simply stopped offering classes.  How has this impacted Afro dance in the city and what role do you see Lesoro playing in how classes are offered and consumed in the city?

LE SORO: Classes and workshops have always represented more than just a place to learn moves. Before the COVID 19 pandemic and the rise of TikTok, African music was just as great as it is now, but it didn't have the same platforms to reach as many people. Coming together and exchanging energy before, during and after class was second nature here in NYC; a stronger sense of community is something I hope to see return. Le Soro aims to bridge the gaps between the subgroups that have kept the movement alive while also creating space for newcomers to join the scene. We are committed to bringing in instructors who not only teach the dance styles with skill, but also share their cultural context both verbally and through movement.

AFROCONEX: What will be the format of the festival?  The flyers state 5 instructors and 8 hours of training.  How will the day be structured and what advice do you have for students on how best to experience the festival and ways they can retain information shared at the festival. 

LE SORO: The day will be broken up into increments of 1 hour and 30 minute classes. The doors will be open by 10:30 am after 2 classes there will be an hour break. Then we continue with two more classes, then there will be an option for students to cypher and collaborate then lastly we will close out with our final class. 

I think the best advice I have for people to experience the intensive is understanding your why for being here. Whether that is you’re coming to have fun, you are coming to sharpen your Afro technique, you are coming to broaden your vocabulary, you are coming to connect with other dancers in the same space as you. Establish that in the beginning of the day. Use that as a tool to get you through the day. Use it as a focus through classes. Your why is important because all the information is only useful if you understand what you are using it for and you know exactly what it is you want to take away From our intensive. And lastly obviously on the physical aspect stay hydrated, come well rested and dress comfy. 

AFROCONEX: New York City is the birthplace of many black American styles.  What bridges do you feel are necessary to create synergy and respect between the natives dance styles and those styles showing up in 1st and 2nd generation African diaspora communities who call New York City home? 

LE SORO: I think there needs to be more conversation and understanding around the rich history and culture of both native styles and Afro dance styles of the diaspora. Creating more spaces to educate dancers on the history and culture of each respective style—and understanding that these dances are not just a “trend” or something to participate in for a moment because they’re popular—is essential.

These styles each have their own history and culture, and they should be treated as such. Taking the time to educate yourself as a dancer and student is paramount to truly understanding and grasping the essence and intention of the culture—not just the movement or steps. Dance is cultural. It is political. Its people have a story, an origin, and a message.

I think, especially in this age of social media and clout, that truth often gets overlooked or missed. Le Soro is one way we aim to bridge that gap—by creating a safe space for dancers of all levels, cultures, and backgrounds to learn, immerse themselves, and educate themselves on the history, culture, and richness of African dance styles.

AFROCONEX:  The ethnic makeup on the African diaspora in the New York region is much different from European countries like France, Belgium and Portugal.  How does the ethnic and cultural difference on New York shape Le Soro ? and what do you say to students who are not from these cultures and are nervous to participate/learn dance styles they are not familiar with?  

LESORO-Alice: Le Soro reflects the styles shaped by the people who live in the New York area, as well as the diverse gatherings that come from existing in this cultural melting pot. As a first-generation Nigerian, I am always open and eager to learn from cultures outside my own, and I believe many people within the Afro dance space share that mindset.

For attendees who may feel separate from the culture, I encourage shifting the focus away from a sense of “otherness.” Instead, see yourself as a student—open to learning and exploring what you hope to gain. This perspective can help ease nerves and allow you to be fully receptive to everything the day has to offer.

AFROCONEX: Many dance festivals come and go. What are your long-term hopes for Le Soro? How do you envision it growing and evolving in the next 3–5 years?

LESORO: This is very true! Our long-term goal is to welcome 500 students or more from all over the world to experience LeSoro. We want to continue upholding high standards in the Afro dance space—especially with its rise in pop culture—so that information is not only shared authentically, but also shared correctly. Preserving authenticity in Afro dances is extremely important to us. Ultimately, we want to create a unique space for learning, growth, and correction, but also for connection—because everyone can be a student.

Our approach to achieving these goals starts with having the hard conversations: openly asking the right questions and bringing different perspectives to our communities. Secondly, we aim to connect the diaspora across America, Europe, and Africa, truly bridging the gap. This includes bringing respected teachers from different cultures to share accurate information, so participants can learn, grow, and experience the authenticity of the cultures they love so deeply.

AFROCONEX: As women leading this initiative, have you encountered any unique challenges or opportunities in launching a festival in this community?

LESORO: We have experienced a few attempts of intimidation or people trying to get one over on us in some of the organizing of Le Soro. We are aware that as women that this is something we will unfortunately encounter, but we choose not to focus much on it. We know that there is strength in us launching an initiative like this and we know what Le Soro’s mission is. This keeps us grounded and constantly evolving, and we hope to inspire other women to do the same.

AFROCONEX: What is one thing you hope every participant walks away feeling or understanding after attending Le Soro?

LESORO:  Every attendee should feel welcomed as a fellow mover within dance and the culture, energized by the unique passion of each instructor and inspired to explore the styles that resonated with them the most, whether that’s just a few or all of them. By the end of the event, we want attendees to feel that this is just the beginning - because it is:

(1) The start of Le Soro experiences, with many more to come

(2) The beginning of new relationships with like-minded individuals

(3) A seamless entry into embracing African culture and dance through movement in a way the tri-state area has never seen before.