‘Chozen Dancers’ to showcase talent at Guyana’s ‘Diamond Jubilee’ Folk Festival in New York

May 17, 2026 News

Dancers from Chozen Academy of Dance after their performance at Guyana’s Festival 2026.

(Kaieteur News) – Local dancers attached to Chozen Academy of Dance will get the opportunity to showcase their talent and passion for the art form at the upcoming annual Guyana Folk Festival slated to take place on August 30, 2026 to September 6, 2026 in New York.

The Guyana Folk Festival is being held under the theme “roots, rhythm, harmony”, celebrating Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee in the United States.

Jadiamond Johnson, CEO and co-director of Chozen Academy of Dance shared that 12 dancers for the young dance troupe were selected to represent Guyana in the U.S. She said that it was an honour to be among those selected since the academy was only formed a year ago.

Johnson said that what began as a small group of dancers with a shared love for movement has grown into a family united by discipline, creativity, purpose and God.

She said, “The inspiration came from a desire to create opportunities for young dancers and to showcase the richness of Guyanese talent. From the beginning, faith has played an important role in our journey, and we continue to trust God as we grow and step into new opportunities.”

Choreography being performed by dancers attached to Chozen Academy of Dance.

The dance instructor noted, “Although our group is still very young, we officially turned one year old on March 31, 2026 and we have already seen tremendous growth in talent and discipline. In a short time, the dancers have developed stronger technique and greater commitment. Our vision has also expanded beyond local performances to international opportunities. The group includes dancers from ages 3 and up, creating a beautiful mix of youthful energy and growing maturity.”

Chozen Academy of Dance specialises in a fusion of contemporary, modern, cultural, praise dance and interpretive dance. “Our unique identity lies in storytelling. Our choreography blends emotion, culture, and strong visual staging.”

With her as co-director mother Natasha Johnson, Jadiamond keeps culture at the heart of the choreography.

Jadiamond Johnson, her mother Natasha are co-directors of Chozen Academy of Dance.

She said, “we intentionally incorporate Guyanese music, themes and colours that reflect our identity. It’s important to us that whenever we perform, audiences can see and feel a piece of Guyana.”

Reflecting on the moment, she realised that Chozen was selected to attend the Guyana Folk Festival, the dancer said, “It was an exciting and unexpected moment for us, and we immediately saw it as a chance to represent Guyana and showcase our talent on an international stage.”

Although plans are still in progress, the Chozen co-director said they have begun preliminary rehearsals, concept development, and costume planning.

Johnson explained, “Dance is sore muscles after long rehearsals, repeating the same step until it finally clicks, and showing up even when you’re tired. It’s the nerves before stepping on stage and the relief when the music starts. It’s laughing through mistakes, pushing each other to be better, and finding confidence you didn’t know you had.”

At present, she said, the group is actively reaching to sponsors and supporters to help make the opportunity possible for the dancers.

“Our biggest support has been our team – Latevia Williams, Vanessa Bowman, Elijah Adamson and Charles Greaves, along with our families and mentors. Their encouragement, belief, and sacrifices have made this journey possible. Having people who genuinely believe in your vision keeps you grounded and motivated.”

Asked what she hopes will be accomplished from the experience, Johnson stated that she hopes Chozen can show diaspora and international audience that dancers from Guyana can compete and perform on international stages with excellence.

“This experience can inspire younger dancers to dream bigger and encourage more investment in the arts locally. It’s about opening doors and proving that our culture and talent deserve global recognition,” she said.

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Chozen Dancers, Diamond Jubilee, Folk Festival

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