Elmina Dance Academy to host Bakatue Dance Festival 2026 with International Dance Exchange

The vibrant town of Elmina is set to come alive with rhythm, culture, and artistic excellence as the Elmina Dance Academy prepares to host the 2026 edition of the Bakatue Dance Festival, an annual dance event held as part of the famous Edina Bakatue Festival celebrations.

This year's festival promises to be bigger and more exciting, featuring a unique international cultural exchange between Ghanaian dancers and two renowned dancers from the Netherlands, Farah Bance and Julia Bongaerts, who are members of the World of Afro Dance Team.

The international guests will collaborate with local dancers through a series of dance workshops, training sessions, and live performances aimed at promoting cultural exchange and strengthening artistic ties between Ghana and the Netherlands. Participants will have the opportunity to learn new dance techniques, share experiences, and celebrate the rich diversity of African dance and culture.

As part of the festival activities, a special dance class and training session will be held on July 4, 2026, where aspiring dancers and dance enthusiasts can engage directly with the visiting Dutch dancers and local instructors. The main Bakatue Dance Festival event will then take place on July 9, 2026, showcasing spectacular performances from both Ghanaian and international dancers.

Organizers say the festival is designed not only to entertain but also to empower young dancers, promote cultural tourism, and create opportunities for artistic growth and international collaboration.

The event is proudly partnered and sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and supported by Oiada International, Culture Ghana, and Torchlight Tours.

With the historic Edina Bakatue Festival serving as the backdrop, the Bakatue Dance Festival 2026 is expected to attract dance lovers, tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and community members from across Ghana and beyond, further cementing Elmina's reputation as a hub for culture, creativity, and tourism.