Jamaica Dance Performance Will Honor 6 Queens Women

JAMAICA, QUEENS — A Jamaica dance performance this weekend will honor six women for their contributions to the Queens community in celebration of Women's History Month.

The Saturday performance by Vissi Dance Theater is called “We The People II: From Chaos to Community” and will feature excerpts from Amazing Grace (The Culture of Lynching), March (BLM movement) and Census (The Black Identity). Music is by Hugh Masekela, Nina Simone, Janell Monae, Mahalia Jackson and Smokey Robinson.

At a cocktail reception before the performance, the six honorees will receive a Community Heroism Award and recognition from the office of State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who represents Jamaica.

The event will honor:

• Petula Beckles - jazz-gospel musician in Springfield Gardens
• Kerri Edge - dancer and artistic director of Edge School of the Arts in Laurelton
• Tajuana Hamm - aide to NYS Senator James Sanders Jr., who represents the Jamaica area
• Maria James - dancer and teacher at The Jamaica Center For Art And Learning.
• Malikka Karteron - B’Above Worldwide Institute in Richmond Hill
• Judith Sloan - audio artist and co-founder of EarSay, a nonprofit arts organization in Queens

Vissi Dance Theater, founded in 1997 by dancer and choreographer Courtney Ffrench, includes dancers from around the world. Its performances combine jazz, modern, West African, funk and ballet dance.

"The Vissi Dance Theater is committed to art and artists that use the gift of dance and drama to explore moral and social issues," Ffrench said. "Through art, the Vissi Dance Theater seeks to speak to the human condition, lift the spirit, ask questions, celebrate the joy of life, and reflect the truths of human nature."

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; click here to purchase tickets.

“We the People II” by Vissi Dance Theater takes place Saturday, March 23, at 6 p.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens.