Class begins with a cardio warm-up, and then goes through movements in several different rhythms from Haitian Folklore. Be ready to sweat! Class is accompanied by live drummers. One of the most remarkable things about this class is the vast range of participants, in terms of age, dance experience, and connections to Haiti. What they share in common is loving class and finding it to be a fulfilling, fun workout and opportunity for connection.

Cost: $25 General Admission | $250 for Full Fall Session (11 classes) | $112 for 5-Class Pass | $15 Zoom Admission | $145 for Zoom Full Fall Session (11 classes)

REGISTER HERE

Accepted Payments: Cash, Venmo (@jaebostonhaiti), Credit Card through Registration Platform

What is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching?

JAE shares the liberating power of Haitian-folkloric dance to cultivate hope and healing towards a more expressive and socially just world.

What background, training, and or relationship do you have with this style/technique/class subject?

In addition to being the Founder and Artistic Director of Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE), Jean Appolon is a successful choreographer and master teacher based in Boston and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Appolon received his earliest training and performance opportunities in Port-au-Prince with the Viviane Gauthier Dance Company and the Folkloric Ballet of Haiti. Appolon continued his dance education in the U.S. at the Harvard and Radcliffe Dance Program (1995-1996, Boston, MA), Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (1996-1998, New York, NY) and the Joffrey American Ballet School (1998-2003, New York, NY), where he graduated with a B.A. from a joint degree program offered by The New School.

Finish this statement: I am passionate about teaching this style because…

“…it is very important to me. As a Haitian born and raised, I always want to teach my culture and my traditional dance. It’s a culture that is almost being erased. In Haiti there are a lot of activities that are no longer existent. For me, growing up and learning about Haitian Folkloric Dance and hearing the drums….it’s very important to me. It’s very necessary for me to pass it on to other cultures and other people and other generations of Haitians coming up.”

Accompanists, Assistants, and Regular Substitutes:

Mcebisi Xotyeni (main substitute)

Mcebisi (Bisi) Xotyeni, of Cape Town, South Africa, is a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer. He began dancing with the outreach program Dance For All, where he trained extensively in ballet, African, contemporary, and hip hop. He was awarded a full scholarship with Dance For All and eventually began working for the professional dance company iKapa Dance Theatre. He has also worked with leading companies in South Africa such as Cape Town City Ballet, Suede Productions, and Sibonelo Dance Project. He has performed for numerous festivals and has collaborated with international artists for performances and outreach projects. He has been a lead company dancer with Jean Appolon Expressions since 2016. Bisi is also JAE’s Artistic Manager and an Educator in the company’s US based and international programs.

How can students learn more about this offering?
Website: https://jeanappolonexpressions.org/
Instagram: @jaebostonhaiti
Facebook: Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE)
YouTube: @JAExpressions

Contact Information
Contact:
MegM@jeanappolonexpressions.org | 978-505-8729