Sixteen dance troupes representing cultures from around the world will take the stage at Deep Run Park on Saturday, Sept. 20, as Richmond’s International Dance Festival returns for its second year.

Amma Gatty, founder and CEO of Culture Encounters, said the festival is about more than performances. 

“Our first festival proved the power of dance to bring Richmond together,” Gatty said. “This year builds on that momentum. Through our monthly programs, from family days at the Children’s Museum to cultural dinners at local restaurants, we make connections fun and accessible.” 

The festival, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Deep Run Park, showcases collaboration among Richmond’s immigrant and first-generation communities. Dance troupes from around the world and food vendors offering global cuisine will present their heritage side by side, bridging cultural gaps through movement, music and food. 

Festival performances include Sayaw Diversity (Filipino), Heart of Ireland (Irish), Pacific Arts Troupe (Chinese), Richmond Kimono Club (Japanese), River City Taiko (Japanese drummers), Kalasattva (Bharatanatyam-South Indian), Richmond Breakers (hip-hop/street dance), the Panamania Traditional Dance Group (Panamanian), Tap Connection (tap dance), Stavna Ballet (European classical tradition), Yu Dance Arts (Chinese), Ajna Tribal (belly dance fusion), Karma (Bollywood fusion), Nepali Community of Richmond VA (Nepali), Heritage Village Project (African) and Pungmul Play Group (Korean). 

The festival is presented in partnership with Henrico Outreach & Engagement Agency, which works to ensure residents have access to county services, programs and cultural opportunities. 

“Our community is enriched by residents who represent diverse cultures and heritages,” said Raina Vann, multicultural liaison with the agency’s Multicultural Engagement Division. “The International Dance Festival provides a wonderful opportunity to use the universal language of dance to build and strengthen our connections with one another.”