sponsorship opportunity
Discover a dance festival unlike any other—a vibrant and inclusive space where dance becomes a powerful force for change. The Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival (QALDF) is your invitation to a world of inclusivity, culture, and empowerment.
Welcome to the Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival:
Join the Celebration and Make a Difference!
QALDF is more than just a dance festival; it's a transformative experience. We proudly center, celebrate, and uplift Queer and Trans Afro Latin dancers, creating a haven where all gender identities and sexualities are embraced and celebrated. In a world where barriers often overshadow the beauty of dance, QALDF stands as a beacon of change.
Our mission is clear: to reshape the narrative and redefine the culture of Latin dance, breaking free from the constraints of tradition. We provide a safe, affirming, and inclusive environment where dancers can thrive, express themselves, and be celebrated for who they are.
Queer and Trans Latin dancers often face exclusion and discrimination in Afro-Latin arts and culture. QALDF changes that. By supporting us, you help dismantle these barriers, ensuring that hundreds of Queer, Trans, and non-binary dancers find their voice and power. Here, they participate in inclusive workshops, engage in vital conversations, and showcase their talents with pride.
We invite you to become a sponsor of the 6th Annual Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival, taking place June 14th to 17th, 2024, at the DoubelTree by Hilton in San Jose, California. Your support matters, and it has the power to inspire a lifetime of self-confidence, self-expression, and positive change for Queer and Trans individuals.
Our sponsorship levels start at $500 and go up to $15,000, offering you a chance to make a meaningful impact on the festival and the communities we serve. As a sponsor, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including exposure, recognition, and the knowledge that you're contributing to positive change.
The 6th Annual Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival will:
✔ PROVIDE OVER 60 HOURS OF DANCE! WORKSHOPS-PERFORMANCES-SOCIAL DANCING
✔ showcase 2 live concerts featuring openly Queer salsa legend Choco Orta and rising star Johnny Sky
✔ facilitate a Panel discussion covering vital topics such as consent and safety
✔ HOST THE 3rd ANNUAL QUEER AFRO LATIN DANCE COMPETITION
✔ offer DANCE WORKSHOPS BY OVER 50 queer, trans, and ally INSTRUCTORS commissioned TO TEACH AND PERFORM.
The Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival (QALDF) was born out of an urgent need to revolutionize the Afro Latin dance community, creating a space of true inclusivity and acceptance.
Why we exist
In a dance culture that has increasingly become heteronormative and often unwelcoming, we recognized the imperative for change.
Latin dance has too often been marred by gendered, sexist, and homophobic/transphobic language, perpetuating an unsafe environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. QALDF emerged as a response to this challenge, driven by the vision of In Lak’ech Dance Academy, the first Queer and Trans Salsa & Bachata dance company in the US, led by Angélica Medina & Jahaira Fajardo.
In 2018, we embarked on a mission to create an unparalleled Latin Dance event—one where Queer and Trans individuals would not merely be acknowledged but celebrated, respected, accepted, and unconditionally loved. The resounding success of our endeavor was evident not only in the growing number of attendees but, more importantly, in the countless affirmations of hundreds of participants.
We are steadfastly dedicated to providing a crucial and much-needed sanctuary for Queer and Trans Latin dance enthusiasts from every corner of the world. Our mission is clear: to challenge the status quo, redefine cultural norms, and foster a community where dance becomes a force for change and acceptance.
Yet, we cannot achieve this alone. We need your support to make this transformation a reality—a transformation that transcends the dance floor and resonates far beyond our festival. By joining us as a sponsor, you become a vital part of this movement for inclusivity, love, and empowerment.
Together, we can rewrite the narrative of Latin dance culture and inspire change that lasts a lifetime. Join us in our mission, and let's dance toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
Co-founders of In Lak'ech Dance Academy & Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival
Angélica Medina & Jahaira Fajardo
Who is coming?
In its inaugural year, the Queer Afro Latin Dance Festival welcomed over 300 enthusiastic participants. The second year marked a remarkable milestone, with the number of attendees soaring to 550+, a testament to the festival's growing influence and appeal.
Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, the third year boldly embraced a virtual format during the COVID-19 Pandemic, drawing over 300 attendees from not only the United States but also 6 other countries (Brazil, Dominican Republic, Italy, Spain, Russia, Panama). This global reach showcased the festival's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and resilience.
As the festival continued to thrive, the fourth year saw nearly 700 passionate attendees coming together to celebrate the intersection of dance, culture, and identity. Last year, for the fifth annual QALDF, we reached a historic milestone, captivating the hearts of over 1000 attendees from different parts of the country and across international borders.
And this year, our aspirations know no bounds. We envision a future where this vibrant gathering doubles in size, attracting a community of Queer, Trans, POC, and Ally Latin dancers. These individuals, representing all walks of life, come together from national and international locations, creating a rich tapestry of cultural diversity.
Our audience spans a wide age range, from spirited dancers aged 16 to seasoned enthusiasts at 65, each bringing their unique energy and passion to the festival.
about the audience
"I’m sure this has been the case for many LGBTQ people, but growing up, I had to find a way to feel safe in the world around me; I never had a space presented to me that said, “you’re safe here.”
That is PRECISELY what you are doing for people and I am welled up with emotions just thinking about what a blessing that is to our community."
"I was moved and touched by the unique QALDF experience and what it stands for. Never in my life have I experienced a space that promotes such a safe environment for such a large variety of people."
"I can’t express how rare it is to see such a well-balanced event! I mean really, I have never been to an event where most if not ALL of the staff was super attentive and ON IT the WHOLE time.
Everyone seemed very committed to doing a great job. So hats off to all of your staff! "
"presenting a space that allows one to be their unabashed, authentic self is a GIFT that’s nothing short of life-changing. And opening the door for this space for people all over is where positive change happens; it is where the world is re-shaped to fit the needs of EVERYONE and not just the few. Albeit on a small scale, you are changing lives and you are changing the world one step at a time and I am endlessly grateful that our community has you."
next
This is what they say
When Queer and Trans people are given a Safe Space to be their Unapologetic Selves
You will have the opportunity to grow audience engagement with giveaways or interactive booths.
You can use QALDF to launch a new product or updates to an existing feature or service you provide.
Attendees at QALDF are eager to experience all that the event has to offer. They want to learn about the brands that are displayed and made available. Our attendees are open to discover new products and services, which generates a pool of potential quality leads for your brand/services.
As a sponsor, you will have the unique opportunity to get to know the event participants, through direct interactions the day of the event or through surveys and questionnaires administered by the event.
the benefits
Why Sponsor
Brand exposure; your logo will be displayed in all marketing distribution as well as on the event website, event programs and social media.
Your participation demonstrates to attendees that you are contributing to their community, which creates goodwill and positive associations with your brand.
$500 usd
- QALDF T-Shirt
- Logo placement on website, program, and social media recognition
- 1 Full Festival Passes & VIP seating
copper sponsors
$1,000 usd
- QALDF T-Shirt
- Logo placement on website, program, and social media recognition
- 2 Full Festival Passes & VIP seating
bronze sponsors
$5,000 usd
- QALDF Swag
- Logo placement on website, social media recognition
- 4 Full Festival Passes & VIP seating
- Booth available for marketing product/s for 1 full day of the festival
silver sponsors
$10,000 usd
- QALDF Swag
- Logo placement on website, social media recognition
- Banner displayed throughout venue
- 6 Full Festival Passes & VIP seating
- Vendor booth available for marketing product/s for 2 full days of the festival
- 1 hotel room for three nights
gold sponsors
$15,000 usd
- QALDF Swag
- Logo placement on website, social media recognition
- Display of your company banner throughout the venue
- 8 Full Festival Passes & VIP seating
- Vendor booth available for marketing product/s for 3 full days of the festival
- 2 hotel room for three nights
- Host one - 60 minutes Bachata/Salsa dance lesson led by Angélica & Jahaira for your staff and/or group private lesson
- Attendees data collection & surveys
platinum sponsors
QALDF t-shirt
Logo placement on website, program, and social media recognition
festival passes + VIP
ADDITIONAL LOGO PLACEMENT ON PROGRAM
festival booth
hotel room (3 nights)
one- 60 minutes Bachata/Salsa dance lesson
Attendees data collection & surveys.
COMPARE SPONSPORSHIP PERKS
full PAGE
2 x
15,000 usd
Platinum
HALF PAGE
6 + VIP
10,000 usd
Gold
QUARTER PAGE
4 + VIP
5000 usd
Silver
2 + VIP
1000 usd
Bronze
1 + VIP
500 usd
Copper
8 + VIP
15,000 usd
✔ QALDF T-SHIRT
✔ LOGO PLACEMENT ON WEBSITE, PROGRAM, AND SOCIAL MEDIA RECOGNITION
✔ 8 FESTIVAL PASSES + VIP
✔ LOGO PLACEMENT ON full PAGE ON PROGRAM
✔ FESTIVAL BOOTH
✔ 2 hotel room (3 nights)
✔ 1 60-min bachata/ salsa
dance lesson
✔ ATTENDEES DATA COLLECTION
& SURVEYS
Platinum
10,000 usd
✔ QALDF T-SHIRT
✔ LOGO PLACEMENT ON WEBSITE, PROGRAM, AND SOCIAL MEDIA RECOGNITION
✔ 6 FESTIVAL PASSES + VIP
✔ LOGO PLACEMENT ON half PAGE ON PROGRAM
✔ FESTIVAL BOOTH
✔ 1 hotel room (3 nights)
Gold
✔ QALDF T-SHIRT
✔ Logo placement on website, program, and social media recognition
✔ 4 festival passes + VIP
✔ logo placement quarter page on program
✔ FESTIVAL BOOTH
5000 usd
Silver
✔ QALDF T-SHIRT
✔ Logo placement on website, program, and social media recognition
✔ 2 festival passes + VIP
1000 usd
Bronze
✔ QALDF t-shirt
✔ Logo placement on website, program, and social media recognition
✔ festival pass + VIP
500 usd
Copper
compare sponsorship perks
AS SEEN ON:
Click to view
Your sponsorship/donation is tax-deductible, our Fiscal Sponsor is QCC-The Center for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Art & Culture (Tax ID Number: 94-3227839).
platinum | 15,000 usd
gold | 10,000 usd
silver | 5000 usd
bronze | 1000 usd
copper | 500 usd
Which Sponsorship Plan are you interested in?
(Mark it with an "X")
We are so thankful for your support. please fill out this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible with payment instructions.
Sponsorship Form
questions? email us at: qaldf.sponsorships@gmail.com
