Grantee Database Results

With support from the California Arts Council, In Lak’ech Dance Academy will produce our 4th Annual Queer Latin Dance Festival (QLDF). CAC funds will support In Lakech co-Directors Jahaira Fajardo and Angelica Medina and the production expenses for our 2022 QLDF.

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.

With support from the California Arts Council, In Lak’ech Dance Academy will produce our 5th Annual Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival (QALDF). CAC funds will support In Lak’ech Co-Directors Jahaira Fajardo and Angelica Medina and the production expenses for our 2023 QALDF.

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.

With support from the California Arts Council, In Lak’ech Dance Academy will produce a free 12-week online series of Afro-Latinx dance workshops for the QTBIPOC community in September and October 2022. CAC funds will support stipends for commissioned Afro-Latinx dance teachers from the local community and the salaries of our Project Leads, Angélica Medina and Jahaira Fajardo.

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.

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.

With support from the California Arts Council, In Lak’ech Dance Academy will hire a full-time operations manager to oversee programs and facilities at our newly acquired dance studio. This addition will enable us to significantly expand our class and production offerings, reaching more community members and enhancing our efforts to create safe spaces for queer and transgender individuals. The operations manager will play a crucial role in managing daily operations, coordinating events, and supporting our mission to celebrate and uplift marginalized voices through dance and cultural expression.

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.