Banyan Dance Festival to Debut in West Palm Beach with Elite Training and Performances
The Banyan Dance Festival is set to take place from August 3-8, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Co-founded by choreographers Ericka Squire and Branndi Lewis, the festival will blend performances with mentorship and training opportunities, inspired by the renowned Jacob's Pillow in Becket, Massachusetts. Supported by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County's Bright Ideas Sponsorship, the event, with an estimated production cost of $65,000, will feature 20 activities, including a Young Artist Program and a gala. Venues will include Palm Beach Atlantic University and Ballet Florida, showcasing resident choreographers Sean Aaron Carmon and Babatunji Johnson, along with guest artist Loni Landon.
Key facts
- Banyan Dance Festival runs August 3-8, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
- Co-founded by choreographers Ericka Squire and Branndi Lewis.
- Festival combines performances with mentorship and training programs.
- Modeled after Jacob's Pillow, a historic dance center in Becket, Massachusetts.
- Supported by Cultural Council for Palm Beach County's Bright Ideas Sponsorship.
- Production cost estimated at $65,000.
- Features 20 events including Young Artist Program, gala, and concert.
- Resident choreographers include Sean Aaron Carmon and Babatunji Johnson; guest faculty artist Loni Landon.
- Venues include Palm Beach Atlantic University, Ballet Florida, City Hall, and the Nora District.
Entities
Artists
- Ericka Squire
- Branndi Lewis
- Sean Aaron Carmon
- Babatunji Johnson
- Betty García Díaz
- Loni Landon
- Lauren Carey
- Eileen Hebron
Institutions
- Banyan Dance Festival
- Natural Movers Foundation
- Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Jacob's Pillow
- Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
- Grounded West Palm Beach
- Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
- Ballet Florida
- The Juilliard School
Locations
- West Palm Beach
- Florida
- United States
- Palm Beach County
- Becket
- Massachusetts
- Nora District