Roots & Wings: The Next Generation - Feet Keep the Beat Festival Showcase

What happens when Flamenco collides with Step and Tap? When West African dance intersects with Kathak? Attend the 4th annual Feet Keep the Beat Festival to find out!

This year, Arts at the Armory has commissioned their collective of six percussive dancers and five musicians to create ROOTS & WINGS: The Next Generation, premiering on July 31st.
As the featured artists tell the story of how feet have been keeping the beat across time, cultures, and geographies, they will deepen their collaboration by sharing the stage with the next generation. Some will perform alongside their children or their students, creating a powerful celebration of artistic inheritance, mentorship, and renewal. Representing how rhythm, movement, and cultural traditions are passed from one generation to the next.

The 2026 Feet Keep the Beat Performance Showcase ROOTS & WINGS will include:
- Anjali Nath (Kathak)
- Ariaki Dandawate (Kathak)
- “Joh” Sidi Mohamed Camara (West African)
- Lekisha Limage (Step)
- Ryan Casey (Tap)
- Xianix Barrera (Flamenco)
- Akili Jamal Haynes (Percussion, Trumpet)
- Antonio Tran (Flamenco Guitar)
- Pranav Ghatraju (Tabla)
- Sory Diabate (Percussion)
- Tiemoko Camara (Percussion)
- And special youth guest artists

Tickets available now for ROOTS & WINGS on July 31st. Doors open at 7:00pm, and the dancing starts at 8:00pm.
Tickets: $35 advance / $40 day of show. General Admission seating.

Tickets purchased for ROOTS & WINGS are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Arts at the Armory strives to be a welcoming, accessible community arts space. They are delighted to be a part of Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program.

Arts at the Armory will offer 10 free tickets (max of 2 free tickets per person) to EBT, WIC and ConnectCareholders for the Feet Keep the Beat Showcase performance. Please contact elyse@artsatthearmory.org for more information.

Lead program funding support provided by Valentine Talland and Nagesh Mahanthappa. Photo by Joni Lohr.