A Celebration of Dance, Culture, and Youth Expression
Join us for a one-day experience designed for young dancers to learn and connect through dance styles of the African Diaspora.
This conference brings together inspiring instructors, joyful energy, and a supportive community for dancers and their families across the Bay Area.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
BANDALOOP Studios
1601 18th Street (at Peralta)
Oakland, CA 94607
What to Expect
Dance workshops in West African, Afro-Brazilian, Guinean, Afro-Lyrical, LA Groove, and Praise Dance led by master teachers and culture bearers, including Leslie Carter, Dandha Da Hora, Storm DeBarge, Imania Fatima Detry, Jessica Diouf, Nikka Maynard, Olutola Afolayan, and Alesny Soumah.
A welcoming, affirming space for youth ages 8–18
Community, creativity, and celebration
Live performance showcase at 4:00 PM
African Diaspora Youth Dance Fest
It's a conference, dance, music, and community event —a one-day immersion to move your body, let your spirit soar, feel the beat, and make new friends!
We're thrilled to invite young people aged 8-18 on an exciting dance journey catering to all skill levels. Our aim is to teach history through the art of dance, preserving rich cultural traditions for the next generation.
An event designed for families to come together and celebrate our rich heritage. Parents and siblings please plan to come and share in the joy of our live performance at 4pm.
Bay Area Youth Pan-African Dance Conference Attendees
Spring 2025
Join the Fun!
SUNDAY
May 3
2026
9:00AM -
5:00PM
Doors Open at 8:30AM
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
4:00PM
BANDALOOP Studios
1601 18th Street (at Peralta)
Oakland, CA 94607
PASSES
FULL DAY PASS
SINGLE
$50
BRING A FRIEND
$90
FOR 2
($10 SAVINGS)
BRING AN
EXTRA FRIEND
$130
FOR 3
($20 SAVINGS)
ADDITIONAL TICKETS BEYOND 3
$40
PER TICKET
HALF DAY PASS
SINGLE
$25
BRING A FRIEND
$45
FOR 2
($5 SAVINGS)
EARLY BIRD
ENDS MARCH 15, 2025
PASSES
EARLY BIRD
ENDS April 3, 2026
FULL-DAY PASS
SINGLE
$50
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SAVE $10 ON EACH
ADDITIONAL PASS!
NEED MORE THAN 3 PASSES?
EACH ADDITIONAL PASS IS ONLY $40!
HALF-DAY PASS
SINGLE
$25
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SAVE $5 ON ONE
ADDITIONAL PASS
REGULAR
ENDS May 2, 2026
FULL-DAY PASS
SINGLE
$60
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SAVE $10 ON EACH
ADDITIONAL PASS UP TO 3!
HALF-DAY PASS
SINGLE
$30
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SAVE $5 ON ONE
ADDITIONAL PASS
Passes will also be available at the door!
W H E N
SUNDAY
April 6
2025
9:00AM - 5:00PM
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE AT
4:00PM
BISHOP O'DOWD HIGH SCHOOL
9500 STEARNS AVENUE
OAKLAND, CA 94605
COST
FULL DAY PASS
$60
FULL DAY PASS
$50
EARLY BIRD
ENDS MARCH 15, 2025
BRING A FRIEND
$90
FOR 2
($10 SAVINGS)
April 5, 2025
REGULAR ADMISSION
BRING A FRIEND
$110
FOR 2
($10 SAVINGS)
MEET
OUR
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Instructors
We are thrilled to introduce the incredible lineup of instructors for the Spring 2026 Bay Area Youth Pan-African Dance Conference, taking place on Sunday, May 3 at BANDALOOP Studios. Throughout the day, participants will rotate through a diverse series of dance classes led by passionate professionals, each bringing the rich traditions and energy of the African Diaspora to life.
What to Wear
Dress your kids in comfortable loose clothes for dancing. Here are a few ideas:
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Dance Wear (black leotards)
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Leggings
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Lapas and/or flowy skirts with shorts underneath
Most dance styles taught are barefoot, perfect for staying grounded and connected to the earth.
Happy dancing!
What to Bring
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Water. Label your water bottles.
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Lunch. Pack a lunch and a small, nut-free snack.
Transportation
DRIVING
PARKING
Free parking is available at Bandaloop Studios, with additional street parking nearby. Plan to arrive early, as the West Oakland Farmers Market will also be happening and parking in the area may fill more quickly than usual. Please consider carpooling if you can.
AC TRANSIT
Bandaloop Studios is easily accessible by public transportation. The studio is located at 1601 18th Street in West Oakland, about a 14–16 minute walk from West Oakland BART. The closest AC Transit stops are Peralta Street & 20th Street and 14th Street & Peralta Street, both just a short walk away. AC Transit lines 14, 22, and NL all stop nearby. For the most accurate information, please use the AC Trip Planner.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
This conference is made possible in partnership with
with
Community Partner
Refreshments Sponsored By
We want your child to feel comfortable and have a great time. Please make sure they're dressed in comfy loose-fitting dance clothes and bring plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. Good idea to bring a change of clothes and any necessary medications. Please remember to label all their personal items with their name. Thanks!
You can register your child online through our official website. Here is the registration link!
Follow the instructions to complete the registration form and payment process. Contact us at events@chanelaletapresents.com if you have any questions.Our conference is perfect for kids and teens aged 8-18. All the sessions are super fun and tailored to this age group range.
Concerned your child has no dance experience? No problem! We welcome everyone with open arms. All you need is a positive attitude and a desire to learn while having fun in a supportive environment. Already have experience? This event is suitable for all skill levels. Our instructors are experienced at adjusting their teaching style, so your children will have a great time no matter their dance skill level.
Participants will experience an incredible range of traditional, modern, and fusion dance styles from the African Diaspora! Our instructors are passionate about sharing their expertise.
Yes, the safety and supervision of all participants is our top priority. Staff and volunteers will be observing and attentive to each child to ensure a safe and supportive environment. First aid kits will be readily available.
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay, however we encourage you to drop off and pick up your children at 4:00 pm and stay for the performance. If you choose to stay for the entire event, we will have a comfortable parentʻs lounge available. We request that you exclusively use the parentʻs lounge so participants can focus on their sessions with our amazing instructors.
The conference will start with registration at 8:30 AM and the welcome session begins at 8:45 AM. Dance sessions will be throughout the day, with a lunch break and snack break.
We do not offer refunds if your child cannot attend the conference. Please ensure you are committed to the date before registering.
Please remember to remind your child(ren) to get a good night's sleep and have a healthy breakfast. And most importantly, encourage them to approach the day with an open mind & heart and a positive attitude!
We’re excited to partner with Cafe Noir, a local Black-owned café, to provide a kid-friendly lunch option on conference day. Pre-ordering lunch helps us ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for participants and families.
Lunch details:
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Pre-ordering is available during registration
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Lunch will be distributed on site during the scheduled lunch break
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Meals are designed to be kid-friendly, with vegetarian and dietary-conscious options available
Families are also welcome to send their child(ren) with a packed lunch if they prefer.
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West Oakland BART is about a 14-16 minute walk from Bandaloop Studio. Directions from West Oakland BART to the studio can be found here.
For additional questions or assistance, please get in touch with our team, our conference coordinator, at events@chanelaletapresents.com. We are happy to help!
The FAQs
Inspiring & Empowering.
Our mission is to inspire and empower youth aged 8-18 through the transformative power of dance. We will host a dynamic one-day conference in Oakland, exploring and celebrating various dance styles including: West African dance, praise dance, Afro-Brazilian, Afrobeats, and Jazz. We are dedicated to passing on the rich heritage of traditional dance forms to the next generation, aiming to ensure these cultural treasures are preserved and cherished. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants learn, grow, and connect with their peers, fostering a lifelong passion for dance and personal expression.We're fusing featured professional dancers from across the country. Kids and teens aged 8-18 will explore various dance styles, including west African dance, Praise dance, Afrobeats, Afro-Brazilian, Jazz, and more.
Whether your child has danced before or not, this conference is for all skill levels. It’s an opportunity to learn our history through dance and spark the opportunity for these rich traditions to be passed down to the next generation.
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Perfect for school-aged children who enjoy music and love learning to encounter an opportunity to rejoice in the rhythms of the African Diaspora
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Enhancement of movement and community skills in a vibrant & supportive environment, surrounded by others who share a deep passion for dance and culture