. Festival targets 10,000 participants, sets to expand reach, inspire scores of thousands
Ate’lè Fest 2026 is set to return with a broader reach and stronger cultural impact as Dynamic Tales Entertainment Company announces the five-day dance festival scheduled for April across Lagos and Ogun states.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the festival, themed “Ripples Beyond Movements,” will bring together dancers, choreographers, students, and art enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond to explore the power of dance as a tool for education, social change, and cultural exchange.
According to the organisers, activities would be held at multiple venues, including the Federal College of Education in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Igando-Ikotun LCDA Secretariat in Ikotun, Ajigbeda Girls High School in Surulere, and LA Primary School in Ajegunle.
The organisers said the 2026 edition builds on the success of the 2025 festival, which drew over 5,000 physical and virtual participants, featured eight indigenous choreographers, and staged more than 20 performances across Lagos.
This year’s event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants both onsite and online.
ATE’LÈ FEST 2026 will feature an impressive lineup of local and international dance professionals, including Ajaratou Yerima from Togo, Moussa Dabo and Modibo Konate from Mali, Salanon Kpechewe from Benin Republic, as well as Nigerian choreographers such as Surprise Jakande, Obinna Sly, Ademola Soliu, and Lawrence Sinivie.
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The programme will include dance workshops, masterclasses, live performances, panel discussions, and networking sessions aimed at promoting artistic collaboration and professional growth.
A major highlight of the festival will be an international webinar on April 22, to be hosted by Dr. Funmi Adewole Elliott from the United Kingdom. The session, titled “Ripple Effect as a Choreographic Device,” is expected to deepen conversations around dance as a creative and social force.
Dynamic Tales Entertainment Company said the festival remains committed to using the arts to inspire communities and create opportunities for young people.
ATE’LÈ FEST 2026 is supported by the Guild of Nigerian Dancers and endorsed by the Igando-Ikotun LCDA. It is also being organised in partnership with Emajo African Arts Initiative, Theatre Centrik, DADOBO KREATIV (Togo), Inistic Multimedia Company, Blackcrystalhive, and Oxzygen Concept.
NOP NIGERIA
