The Impact Project grant will support, In Lak’ech Dance Academy (ILDA) in producing the 7th annual Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival (QALDF). Featuring over 50 queer and transgender Black, Indigenous, and people of color (QTBIPOC) artists and attracting nearly 2,000 attendees, QALDF is a transformative cultural event that celebrates Queer Afro-Latin arts and culture. QALDF provides vital educational, artistic, and community-building opportunities. Attendees can engage in workshops, film screenings, panel discussions, and more, all within a safe and inclusive environment. CAC funds will enhance our accessibility efforts and support additional festival staff, ensuring QALDF’s continued growth and profound impact.
In Lak’ech Dance Academy is the first Afro-Latin dance academy in the U.S. created by and for queer and trans people and their allies. We offer weekly classes in Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, and Afro-Caribbean movement that center joy, cultural reclamation, and accessibility. Our structured cohort model supports progression from beginner to advanced levels, leading to instructor training, leadership development, and performance opportunities. We host Queer Sabor socials, seasonal showcases, and original projects like Morir Soñando and ChingonaX, which amplify the stories of queer and trans BIPOC dancers through choreography and collective reflection. Our programs foster holistic health, cultural pride, and belonging. Students report improved physical, emotional, and mental well-being, along with deeper connections to identity and community. At every level, we offer a transformative space where LGBTQ2S+ dancers can reclaim their culture, express their full selves, and build a stronger, more inclusive world—one step at a time.

