Ms. Leslie Carter, a trailblazing dance instructor and choreographer, founded the African Queens Dance Company in 1989 with a vision extending far beyond the stage. Her mission was to not only cultivate exceptional dancers but also to empower young women to excel in all aspects of their lives. Throughout her tenure, Leslie's tutelage has propelled the Queens to professional performances at esteemed venues such as Oakland's Festival at the Lake and San Francisco's Ethnic Dance Festival. Their talent even garnered international recognition with invitations to perform at the Chinese International Tourism Festival in Beijing in 2002 and 2007. Ms. Carter's impact transcends dance floors, as she has inspired generations of dancers to pursue higher education, become educators, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Today, under Leslie's guidance, the African Queens Dance Company continues to thrive, nurturing a new wave of talent while upholding its legacy of excellence and empowerment.