NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Eight local dancers will get the opportunity of a lifetime to perform with R&B singer Sisqó.
The 19th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Victory Landing Park is on Saturday, June 21, from 3-8 p.m.
Najmah Grimes, the special events coordinator with Newport News Parks & Recreation, and Newport News City Councilman John Eley III announced the free festival with guest performances from Dru Hill, Jazze Pha, Sammie, and Sisqó.
“We wanted to make this a family-friendly festival,” said Eley. “We wanted all generations to come out and have a good time! Even my mom was like, ‘I can’t wait to see Sisqó.’ We are excited for this festival. The community is going to be excited. We wanted to come to WAVY-TV 10 and let our friends know that it’s going to be a great festival.”
On June 4, organizers and choreographers held auditions for four dancers from within the community to perform on the stage with Sisqó.
“We are bringing the community to this event and just giving people an opportunity,” said Eley.
Portsmouth native Danni Rogers is one of the choreographers for Sisqó and Dru Hill.
Rogers tells 10 On Your Side the level of talented dancers in the area lead them to select ‘the great eight,’ instead of the initial plan for just four dancers.
“It’s been great, the rehearsals have been amazing! They are extremely talented! That’s also heartwarming for me to see so much talent in the area,” said Rogers. “I can’t wait for you all to see them perform with us!”
Rogers has been coordinating the dances for the 90s hit makers Sisqó and Dru Hill for the last decade. He is excited to finally be able to showcase his talents for his hometown.
“John and I have been talking about this for a while. I have traveled the world twice over. I went to Hampton University so to be able to come back and just show love and be able to give back a little bit to the community that made me is a full circle moment,” said Rogers.
The free event will feature 12 local food trucks. The event website writes, “early arrival is recommended because parking is limited. A park and ride option is available for FREE on the HRT Juneteenth Shuttles.”
