Haitian Folkloric Dance with Jean Appolon & Live Drumming

    • Day/Time: Saturdays from 1:30-3pm

    • Winter 2026 Dates: January 10th to March 28th

    • Location: The Dance Complex Studio 3 & on Zoom

    • Give the Gift of Dance Rate: $35
      Supports your class and helps subsidize access for another community member.

    • General Admission: $25

    • Zoom Rate: $15

    • Community Supported Rate*: $15
      Promo Code: 5685187SHF

      *Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we are able to offer a limited number of Community Supported spots for each class. To ensure that this generosity is accessible to as many as possible, the Community Supported Rate may be used up to four times per season and is limited to roughly one use per month. If financial barriers are preventing you from participating beyond this, we warmly invite you to reach out to us privately.  Your participation is important to us.

    Sign up for class via Mindbody at the top of the page. Space is limited, please save your spot by registering. Walk-ins welcome.

  • Save More with JAE Class Credits

    Maximize your dance experience with JAE Class Credits. Pre-purchase your credits in bulk to unlock bonus value and enjoy total flexibility across all our offerings. JAE Class Credits do not expire. 

    How it works:

    • $125 Purchase: Get 150 credits (25 bonus credits)

    • $250 Purchase: Get 300 credits (50 bonus credits)

    What your credits get you: Your credits can be used for any class on our schedule. For example:

    • 150 Credits: Covers six 1-hour classes (like South African Fusion) or five 90-minute classes (like Horton Modern).

    • 300 Credits: Covers twelve 1-hour classes or ten 90-minute classes.

    Click HERE to buy JAE Class Credits!

  • 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