Embracing the profound essence of Ubuntu, the Ly-Ben Dance Alliance embarks on an exciting journey to host the inaugural Ubuntu Dance Festival in the heart of Columbia, SC. Ubuntu, a cherished African philosophy, embodies the spirit of reconciliation, forgiveness, love, sharing, and humanity — a testament to the profound interconnectedness of us all, encapsulated in the powerful mantra, \”I am because we are.\”

In our quest to nurture a vibrant dance community, we are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of cooperation among the esteemed dance schools and companies in Columbia and South Carolina. We firmly believe that this collaboration is the cornerstone for the flourishing and enduring presence of the dance arts in the Midlands and beyond.

The Ubuntu Dance Festival will unfold a tapestry of unity and creativity. It will grace the community with a day of free community dance classes at five local community centers, empowering individuals from ages 2 – senior adults to explore the beauty of movement. Masterclasses at our host facility will further enrich the artistic souls, while the evening will be adorned with mesmerizing performances by dance schools and companies from across the state. Diverse dance genres will interweave, painting a vibrant picture of harmony and expression.