Jean Appolon Expressions’ Dominican Republic Summer Dance Institute
A free program for young dancers highlighting connections between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
July 19th - July 29th, 2023
Conducted in partnership with Fundación Funtepod in Santo Domingo, DR
The 16th Annual Summer Dance Institute will be hosted in partnership with Kalalú Dance School in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, directed by Marily Gallardo. JAE will bring free dance education to 60 students over seven days in July, 2022.
The program will highlight and celebrate similarities between Haitian and Dominican people, cultures, and historic experiences. Kalalú promotes an appreciation of afro-descendant identity so that girls may be empowered and make for themselves a better quality of life.
JAE and The Center for the Arts in Port Au Prince are working together to bring a small group of our Haiti Teen Apprentices to this program. These girls have danced consistently with JAE in a virtual space since 2020 and now it’s time to bring some of them to our in person program! We will also have our master drummers from Haiti accompanying the dance classes each day in the DR, bringing the rhythmic beauty and power of Haitian Folkloric movement and culture to this neighboring country.
Between Monday, July 4th and Sunday, July 10th, JAE and Kalalú will host local and Haitian students with the goal of empowering youth through dance and bridging cultures, especially Haitian and Dominican. Classes will feature Horton Modern, contemporary, Haitian Folkloric, Afro-Cuban, ballet, and yoga. Students will complete daily reflections and work toward a final performance for family and friends.
Program Budget
Program cost, including staff and partners, project documentation, promotion, safety, supplies, and travel, totals $35,000.
A Day at the Institute
The 2022 Summer Dance Institute in the Dominican Republic will feature two sessions each day for 10 days. Students will have daily reflection in personal journals and dialogue with educators.
Educators
Jean Appolon, Artistic Director and Educator, JAE
Meghan McGrath, Executive Director and Educator, JAE
Mcebisi Xotyeni, Artistic Manager and Educator, JAE
Raphaelle Francois, Education & Outreach Manager (Dominican Republic) & Guest Company Dancer, JAE
Sponsor the Institute
Jean Appolon Expressions is actively seeking sponsors for the 2024 Summer Dance Institute. To become a sponsor and hear more details, please reach out to Meg McGrath at megm@jeanappolonexpressions.org or Give Today!
Thank you!
Program details in PDF form.
The 2022 Summer Dance Institute is sponsored in part by Movement Arts Creation Studios.
Thanks to Sunrise Airways for their in-kind donation of flights from Haiti to the DR, making it possible for all our students to safely travel to our program.
