Glen Allen, VA: During my time with Digital Beat Magazine I have seen the power the arts have to bring people together. No matter what our differences may be, performance arts give us the opportunity to arouse all our senses and see things differently and engage with others.
Culture Encounters, an organization founded by Amma Gatty, an immigrant from Ghana, stives to bring people together through arts, food, and conversation.
“Our communities are becoming more diverse, but not more connected. People live side by side yet rarely have real opportunities to learn from one another. Misunderstanding, fear, and cultural isolation quietly weaken the fabric of our neighborhoods. At Culture Encounters, we’re built to change that. We exist to close the gap between how diverse we are and how connected we feel — creating spaces where people meet through the arts, food, and dialogue, and where difference becomes a doorway to understanding.”
For the third year, Culture Encounters has hosted the Richmond International Dance Festival. In just a few short years the festival has grown considerably from just a few dance organizations to 17 performing at this festivall held on August 15, 2026 at their new location, The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen.
Richmond International Dance Festival Gallery 1
From the Culture Encounters webpage:
“Culture Encounters is a movement that celebrates the beauty of diversity through shared experiences — from stories and flavors to art, dance, and traditions that bring people together.
We believe that culture is not just something to observe — it’s something to live, to share, and to connect through. Every gathering we create is an invitation to listen, learn, and celebrate what makes us unique — and what unites us all.
Through our events and initiatives, we aim to build bridges between communities, spark meaningful conversations, and remind everyone that connection is at the heart of culture.”
As I was wandering around the Cultural Arts Center grounds it was a blast watching people from all demographics and backgrounds taking in what others had on display.
Richmond International Dance Festival Gallery 2
There was so much more to do, other than watch dance also. There were various vendors and organizations on the grounds talking cultural experiences and products. There were activities for children and adults alike (and even adults who act like children). Something that I really liked about this year’s event was the break in the dance action.
Between 1PM and 3PM the main stage was empty. This allowed guests to engage with each other, vendors and community booths, partake in some of the ethnic food trucks and booths on site, and learn a dance move or two taught by some of the festival performers. The amazing aspect of this all is that as guests celebrated and talked about their differences, they came to realize that we had a lot on common. The arts can do that.
Richmond International Dance Festival Gallery 3
Please take a gander at the variety of acts at this wonderful festival. As you look at the photos, consider the stories that brought everyone together.
List of performers:
Aoi Taiko
Sayaw Diversity
Heart of Ireland
Pacific Arts Troupe
Richmond City Breakers
Sacred Heart Folklorico
Kalasattva
Anja Tribal
Richmond Korean Pungmulnori
Tam Tam Magic
St. Mary Group
Nrityaniketan
Mambo Bones Dance Studio
Belly Dance School of Richmond
Peru Folklore of Richmond
Yu Dance Arts
Panamanian Traditional Dance Group
Festival Date: August 15, 2026
