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With heavy hearts, we honor the life and legacy of Reginald Savage — an extraordinary artist, educator, visionary, and beloved member of the Black Choreographers Festival family.

Over the years, Mr. Savage shared his artistry, spirit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Black dance and cultural expression through his involvement with BCF. His presence was powerful — not only in the work he brought to the stage, but in the way he uplifted community, nurtured younger artists, and embodied excellence with grace and authenticity.

Reginald’s contributions helped shape the spirit of this festival and the broader Bay Area dance landscape. He reminded us that dance is more than performance — it is history, resistance, healing, storytelling, and love.

We are deeply grateful for the time, brilliance, laughter, history, stories, and creative energy he shared with us throughout the years. His impact will continue to ripple through every artist, student, collaborator, and audience member fortunate enough to experience his light.

We send our deepest love and condolences to his family, loved ones, students, and artistic community during this difficult time.

Rest in Power, Mr. Savage. 🕊️
Your legacy lives on. 🖤

— Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now

Images courtesy of BCF: @sentimentaljournal / Kimara Dixon

With heavy hearts, we honor the life and legacy of Reginald Savage — an extraordinary artist, educator, visionary, and beloved member of the Black Choreographers Festival family.

Over the years, Mr. Savage shared his artistry, spirit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Black dance and cultural expression through his involvement with BCF. His presence was powerful — not only in the work he brought to the stage, but in the way he uplifted community, nurtured younger artists, and embodied excellence with grace and authenticity.

Reginald’s contributions helped shape the spirit of this festival and the broader Bay Area dance landscape. He reminded us that dance is more than performance — it is history, resistance, healing, storytelling, and love.

We are deeply grateful for the time, brilliance, laughter, history, stories, and creative energy he shared with us throughout the years. His impact will continue to ripple through every artist, student, collaborator, and audience member fortunate enough to experience his light.

We send our deepest love and condolences to his family, loved ones, students, and artistic community during this difficult time.

Rest in Power, Mr. Savage. 🕊️
Your legacy lives on. 🖤

— Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now

Images courtesy of BCF: @sentimentaljournal / Kimara Dixon

SFIAF is bringing dynamic African American artists to San Francisco — expect bold performances, rich culture, and energy that moves you. 🌍🎶

The Mission District is turning into a global stage

From powerful performances to unforgettable energy, this is more than a show — it’s a celebration you don’t want to miss.

📍 Happening all across the Mission District
🎟️ Grab your tickets now at sfiaf.org

Pull up, and feel the rhythm with us 💃🏾🕺

#SFIAF #MissionDistrict #africanamerican #SanFranciscoEvents #LivePerformance

✨ BCF 2026 – WEEKEND 2 ✨ Here’s a few BTS clips to give you a taste of the amazing performances over the next few days! Tonight’s show is SOLD OUT! Tickets are still available for tomorrow March 1.
Dance Mission Theater, SF
Join us for the second weekend of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival: HERE & NOW — an extraordinary gathering of bold, visionary artists shaping the landscape of Black dance today.
🔥 Featuring works by:
OLUTOLA AFOLAYAN
STYLES ALEXANDER
CLARISSA DYAS
WILLIAM BREWTON FOWLER JR.
MARIANNA HESTER
dominique lesleyann
RAISSA SIMPSON
DAZAUN SOLEYN
From ritual and lineage to experimentation and embodied storytelling, these artists bring fearless movement, rich musicality, and deeply personal narratives to the stage.
Two nights. Eight powerful voices. One unforgettable weekend.
🎟 Tickets on sale now
🔗 Link in bio
Come witness. Come celebrate. Come be moved.
#BCF2026 #BlackChoreographersFestival #BlackDance #HereAndNow #DanceMissionTheater SupportBlackArt

✨ BCF 2026 – WEEKEND 2 ✨
Feb 28 & March 1
Dance Mission Theater, SF

Join us for the second weekend of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival: HERE & NOW — an extraordinary gathering of bold, visionary artists shaping the landscape of Black dance today.

🔥 Featuring works by:
RAISSA SIMPSON @pushdance
DAZAUN SOLEYN @dazaun_s
dominique lesleyann @dominiquethedancer_
MARIANNA HESTER @maribadari93
OLUTOLA AFOLAYAN @belongingtoself
STYLES ALEXANDER @styles__alexander
CLARISSA DYAS @clarissardyas
WILLIAM BREWTON FOWLER JR. @brewtondance

From ritual and lineage to experimentation and embodied storytelling, these artists bring fearless movement, rich musicality, and deeply personal narratives to the stage.

Two nights. Eight powerful voices. One unforgettable weekend.

🎟 Tickets on sale now
🔗 Link in bio

Come witness. Come celebrate. Come be moved.

#BCF2026 #BlackChoreographersFestival #BlackDance #HereAndNow #DanceMissionTheater #SupportBlackArt

✨ BCF 2026 – WEEKEND 2 ✨
Feb 28 & March 1
Dance Mission Theater, SF

Join us for the second weekend of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival: HERE & NOW — an extraordinary gathering of bold, visionary artists shaping the landscape of Black dance today.

🔥 Featuring works by:
RAISSA SIMPSON @pushdance
DAZAUN SOLEYN @dazaun_s
dominique lesleyann @dominiquethedancer_
MARIANNA HESTER @maribadari93
OLUTOLA AFOLAYAN @belongingtoself
STYLES ALEXANDER @styles__alexander
CLARISSA DYAS @clarissardyas
WILLIAM BREWTON FOWLER JR. @brewtondance

From ritual and lineage to experimentation and embodied storytelling, these artists bring fearless movement, rich musicality, and deeply personal narratives to the stage.

Two nights. Eight powerful voices. One unforgettable weekend.

🎟 Tickets on sale now
🔗 Link in bio

Come witness. Come celebrate. Come be moved.

#BCF2026 #BlackChoreographersFestival #BlackDance #HereAndNow #DanceMissionTheater #SupportBlackArt

✨ BCF 2026 – WEEKEND 2 ✨
Feb 28 & March 1
Dance Mission Theater, SF

Join us for the second weekend of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival: HERE & NOW — an extraordinary gathering of bold, visionary artists shaping the landscape of Black dance today.

🔥 Featuring works by:
RAISSA SIMPSON @pushdance
DAZAUN SOLEYN @dazaun_s
dominique lesleyann @dominiquethedancer_
MARIANNA HESTER @maribadari93
OLUTOLA AFOLAYAN @belongingtoself
STYLES ALEXANDER @styles__alexander
CLARISSA DYAS @clarissardyas
WILLIAM BREWTON FOWLER JR. @brewtondance

From ritual and lineage to experimentation and embodied storytelling, these artists bring fearless movement, rich musicality, and deeply personal narratives to the stage.

Two nights. Eight powerful voices. One unforgettable weekend.

🎟 Tickets on sale now
🔗 Link in bio

Come witness. Come celebrate. Come be moved.

#BCF2026 #BlackChoreographersFestival #BlackDance #HereAndNow #DanceMissionTheater #SupportBlackArt

✨ BCF 2026 – WEEKEND 2 ✨
Feb 28 & March 1
Dance Mission Theater, SF

Join us for the second weekend of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival: HERE & NOW — an extraordinary gathering of bold, visionary artists shaping the landscape of Black dance today.

🔥 Featuring works by:
RAISSA SIMPSON @pushdance
DAZAUN SOLEYN @dazaun_s
dominique lesleyann @dominiquethedancer_
MARIANNA HESTER @maribadari93
OLUTOLA AFOLAYAN @belongingtoself
STYLES ALEXANDER @styles__alexander
CLARISSA DYAS @clarissardyas
WILLIAM BREWTON FOWLER JR. @brewtondance

From ritual and lineage to experimentation and embodied storytelling, these artists bring fearless movement, rich musicality, and deeply personal narratives to the stage.

Two nights. Eight powerful voices. One unforgettable weekend.

🎟 Tickets on sale now
🔗 Link in bio

Come witness. Come celebrate. Come be moved.

#BCF2026 #BlackChoreographersFestival #BlackDance #HereAndNow #DanceMissionTheater #SupportBlackArt

✨ BCF 2026 – WEEKEND 2 ✨
Feb 28 & March 1
Dance Mission Theater, SF

Join us for the second weekend of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival: HERE & NOW — an extraordinary gathering of bold, visionary artists shaping the landscape of Black dance today.

🔥 Featuring works by:
RAISSA SIMPSON @pushdance
DAZAUN SOLEYN @dazaun_s
dominique lesleyann @dominiquethedancer_
MARIANNA HESTER @maribadari93
OLUTOLA AFOLAYAN @belongingtoself
STYLES ALEXANDER @styles__alexander
CLARISSA DYAS @clarissardyas
WILLIAM BREWTON FOWLER JR. @brewtondance

From ritual and lineage to experimentation and embodied storytelling, these artists bring fearless movement, rich musicality, and deeply personal narratives to the stage.

Two nights. Eight powerful voices. One unforgettable weekend.

🎟 Tickets on sale now
🔗 Link in bio

Come witness. Come celebrate. Come be moved.

#BCF2026 #BlackChoreographersFestival #BlackDance #HereAndNow #DanceMissionTheater #SupportBlackArt

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

What an exciting weekend launching this year's BCF!

Here are a few radiant highlights captured by Greg Bridges, from the stunning opening of the 21st Annual Black Choreographers Festival.

We want to give a special thank you to the choreographers and artists who performed this past weekend:

Isha Tobis Clarke
Gabriele Christian
William L. Miller
DAP (Patricia West, Aja Randall, Damara Vita Ganley)
Ja'Moon Jones
Gregory P Dawson
Alaja Badalich + Jordon Dabney
Natalya Shoaf

Join us this Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar.1) for the final weekend of amazing, uplifting and truly heart opening performances featuring the works of:
Olutola Afolayan * Styles Alexander * Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. * Marianna Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

For tickets and more information please visit:
www.bcfhereandnow.com

We hope to see you there!

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @thedancingspirit_

Performing a solo micro-play I wrote/choreographed, called “50Leven” for Black Choreographer’s Festival! This Saturday and Sunday at 7:30. Located at @dancemissiontheater .

Performing a solo micro-play I wrote/choreographed, called “50Leven” for Black Choreographer’s Festival! This Saturday and Sunday at 7:30. Located at @dancemissiontheater .

Performing a solo micro-play I wrote/choreographed, called “50Leven” for Black Choreographer’s Festival! This Saturday and Sunday at 7:30. Located at @dancemissiontheater .

NJSHOAF X BCF

Witness Natalya Janay Shoaf’s newest creation entitled “Alé//Ají” depicting a woman coming into her calling/purpose.

More info can be found in bio! 💫

February 21st & 22nd, 2026 | 7:30PM | Dance Mission Theatre, SF | ⭐️

San Francisco’s cultural calendar continues a meaningful tradition.

The Black Choreographers Festival, founded in two thousand five, returns for its twenty-first season with performances at Dance Mission Theater on Valencia Street, the African American Art & Culture Complex in the Western Addition, and ODC Theater in the Mission District.
For more than twenty years, it has presented contemporary dance by Black choreographers from the Bay Area and beyond.

Have you noticed this return, or is this new to you?

📍 Follow us on IG: @whatshappeningsanfrancisco
📞 415-412-1977
📧 rebecca@rebeccarealtor.com

#SanFranciscoEvents #BlackChoreographersFestival #SFDance #MissionDistrictSF #WesternAdditionSF #SanFranciscoArts #BayAreaCulture #SupportLocalArts #WhatsHappeningSF #ADTV #americandreamtv #sanfranciscohost

Are you ready??!!! It is finally here!

The Black Choreographers Festival starts a week from today at Dance Mission!!

Week 1: Saturday, February 21 & Sunday, February 22 @ 7:30pm
Featuring the works of: Alaja Badalich * Isha Tobis Clarke * Gabriele Christian * Gregory P Dawson *Ja’Moon Jones * William L. Miller *Aja Randall, Patricia West, Damara Vita Ganley – DAP * Natalya Shoaf

​Week 2: Saturday, February 28 &Sunday, March 1 @ 7:30pm
Featuring the works of: Olutola Afolayan *Styles Alexander *Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. *Mari Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @clarissardyas @dominiquethedancer_ @thedancingspirit_ @dawsondancesf @dazaun_s @brewtondance

Are you ready??!!! It is finally here!

The Black Choreographers Festival starts a week from today at Dance Mission!!

Week 1: Saturday, February 21 & Sunday, February 22 @ 7:30pm
Featuring the works of: Alaja Badalich * Isha Tobis Clarke * Gabriele Christian * Gregory P Dawson *Ja’Moon Jones * William L. Miller *Aja Randall, Patricia West, Damara Vita Ganley – DAP * Natalya Shoaf

​Week 2: Saturday, February 28 &Sunday, March 1 @ 7:30pm
Featuring the works of: Olutola Afolayan *Styles Alexander *Clarissa Dyas * William Brewton Fowler Jr. *Mari Hester * dominique lesleyann * Raissa Simpson * Dazaun Soleyn

@bcfhereandnow @gabriele.mov @natalyajanayshoaf @clarissardyas @dominiquethedancer_ @thedancingspirit_ @dawsondancesf @dazaun_s @brewtondance

“The annual dance festival is scheduled to offer two weekends of live performance with new works, from 18 choreographers featuring a mix of Bay Area premieres and excerpts of longer works in development. “

7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 21-22 and Feb. 28-March 1. $20-$35. Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th St., S.F. www.bcfhereandnow.com -SF Chronicle Spotlight

It’s tiiiiiime!! (in our best Mariah voice) 😁 We’re so excited to bring in so many new and returning artists for BCF 2026!
✨✨✨
Get your tickets early… these shows will sell out! *Link in Bio
✨✨✨
And as usual there will be opportunities to volunteer and see the show for free. Email us at bcfnextwave@gmail.com if you are interested!
✨✨✨
See y’all in Feb/Mar 2026

It’s tiiiiiime!! (in our best Mariah voice) 😁 We’re so excited to bring in so many new and returning artists for BCF 2026!
✨✨✨
Get your tickets early… these shows will sell out! *Link in Bio
✨✨✨
And as usual there will be opportunities to volunteer and see the show for free. Email us at bcfnextwave@gmail.com if you are interested!
✨✨✨
See y’all in Feb/Mar 2026

Repost from @sfdancefilmfest
•
“There is more to beauty than what we are societally prescribed.”

Engaging and emotive storytelling centers the fem perspective for our 7th Annual Raising Voices program on Sunday, November 9 at 5pm at the Brava Theater.

These nine films blend movement with poetry and activism to share a spectrum of lived experiences, from queer joy to carceral systems and cultural reclamation. Curated by laura elaine ellis and followed by a filmmaker panel, this screening is more than a program – it’s a gathering place for reflection on resilience and self-discovery.

Tickets now available at the link in bio!

This event is co-presented by CounterPulse and The African & African American Performing Arts Coalition, and sponsored by Brava.