• Day/Time: Saturdays from 1:30-3pm

• Fall 2025 Dates: September 6 to December 13

  • No class on 10/18, 11/1, OR 11/15

  • Special workshop on 9/27 in honor of Jean’s 50th birthday! Wear purple & white!

• Location: The Dance Complex Studio 3 & on Zoom

1 Class
General Admission + Pay Forward: $35
General Admission: $25
Student/Community Rate: $15
Zoom: $15

5 Class Pack - Expires: 12 months
General Admission: $120
Zoom: $75

10 Class Pack - Expires: 12 months
General Admission: $240
Zoom: $150

*Thanks to the incredible support from our community members, we are delighted to extend the opportunity of ten Community Supported spots for each class. To ensure that this generosity is accessible to as many as possible, we kindly request that you reserve only one Community Supported spot per month. If financial limitations are impeding your ability to enroll, please feel free to email admin@jeanappolonexpressions.org. Your participation is important to us.

Fill out the form at the top of the page to attend class in-person. If an error occurs, you can also sign up for class via Mindbody HERE. Space is limited, please save your spot by registering.

Read Jean’s bio.

Master Drummers Josil & Arnaud
In the colorful mosaic of Haitian folkloric dance and music, Josil Joseph Rebert and Arnaud Lauture emerge as luminaries, weaving a narrative of passion and commitment to their craft. Their odyssey commenced in 2000 with an auspicious collaboration alongside Jean Appolon, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey dedicated to the rhythmic soul of Haiti.

During the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, Josil and Arnaud graced stages worldwide as prominent members of the BFH-Ballet Folkloric D’Haiti under the esteemed direction of Nicole Lumarque. From the vibrant streets of Chile to the cultural epicenters of Cuba and the United States, their artistry transcended borders, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances.

In 2006, Josil and Arnaud embarked on a new chapter, joining forces with JAE for the Summer program in Haiti, a transformative experience that deepened their connection to their cultural heritage. Collaborating with the esteemed RAM band in Haiti, they embarked on an exhilarating journey across the United States, spreading the rich tapestry of Haitian folkloric culture with each resounding beat.

Since March 2023, Josil and Arnaud have been an indelible presence within the vibrant community at JAE in Boston, infusing their performances with authenticity and vigor. Their tenure is marked by an unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating Haitian cultural traditions, rooted in a profound love and reverence for their ancestry.

As seasoned percussionists, Josil and Arnaud bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their art, embodying the essence of Haitian folklore with each rhythmic flourish. With boundless passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence, they stand poised to continue their artistic journeys, enriching the cultural landscape and inspiring generations to come.

“I'm so grateful for class. It's like church. It's a community. It's where I come to decompress from corporate America.”
~Kenia, CPA of Haitian descent living in Dorchester

“JAE feels like home—an energy of belonging and a safe place to reconnect with who you are. Whenever I go to a JAE class, I'm embraced, empowered to let go of my burdens, and am able to express myself more fully with the support of the drums, dance, and community. The children, teens, and adults who attend JAE's community and educational programming are invited to learn about Haitian culture, experience this feeling, and integrate it into their lives.”
~Kei Phillip