Roxbury Summer Dance Institute: Nubian ap Danse

Who: Youth ages 5–18
(No prior dance experience required. Students of all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome.)

What: Roxbury Summer Dance Institute

When: August 3–14, 2026
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Where: The JAE Dance Center
2153 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119

Join us in our new home in Nubian Square for a summer of dance, drumming, and community! Rooted in Haitian folkloric culture, youth come together to explore movement and music as tools for finding their voice, connecting with others, and imagining equitable change. Daily classes include Haitian Folkloric, Afro-Contemporary, Horton Modern, South African, yoga, and mindfulness, culminating in a community showcase celebrating students’ creativity and growth.

The Roxbury Summer Dance Institute is led by professional dancers, musicians, and seasoned educators who bring artistic training, cultural knowledge, and years of experience working with young people. No prior dance experience is required. Students of all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome.

Rates for the 2-week program:

  • Standard Rate - $1,250

  • Community Rate (open to anyone in need) - $625

  • Neighborhood Rate (02119 zip code) - $312.50


If you have any questions or if financial barriers are preventing you from participating beyond this, we warmly invite you to contact us at admin@jeanappolonexpressions.org. Your participation is important to us.

Cancellations made by July 10, 2026, will receive a refund.

REGISTER NOW for the Roxbury SDI

Celebrating 20 Years of the Summer Dance Institute

Two decades of movement, music, culture, and community — returning to Haiti and thriving in our new home in Nubian Square.

In 2026, Jean Appolon Expressions proudly marks 20 years of empowering young people through Haitian folkloric and contemporary-infused dance, drumming, and cultural experiences. This milestone year celebrates our joyful return to Haiti, the birthplace of our inspiration, and our vibrant new home in Nubian Square, where generations of young artists will continue to grow, explore, and shine.

  • Join us in our new home in Nubian Square for a summer of dance, drumming, and community! Rooted in Haitian folkloric culture, youth come together to explore movement and music as tools for finding their voice, connecting with others, and imagining equitable change.

    Daily classes include Haitian Folkloric, Afro-Contemporary, Horton Modern, South African, yoga, and mindfulness. The session culminates in a community showcase celebrating students’ creativity and growth.

    The Roxbury SDI is led by professional dancers, musicians, and seasoned educators who bring artistic training, cultural knowledge, and years of experience working with young people. No prior dance experience is required. Students of all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome.

    Since 2006, the Summer Dance Institute has empowered over 2,200 young people in Massachusetts, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic — and we look ahead to the next generation of young artists and leaders who will carry this legacy forward.

    Financial barriers? We warmly invite you to contact us at admin@jeanappolonexpressions.org — your participation is important to us.

  • In 2026, SDI celebrates a joyful return to Haiti — the heart of our program’s roots and inspiration. From July 16–25, youth will engage in Haitian folkloric dance, live drumming, and cultural mentorship, exploring the power of movement, music, and community.

    This immersive experience fosters confidence, creativity, cultural pride, and leadership while connecting students to the vibrant spirit of Haitian arts.

    • Cap-Haïtien, Haiti: July 16–25, 2026

    • Boston (Roxbury/Nubian Square): August 3–14, 2026

  • Three countries. One legacy. Twenty years of movement, music, and joy.

    Over the last two decades, the SDI has:

    • Served 2,200+ young people across Boston, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic

    • Cultivated cultural pride, leadership, and confidence through Haitian folkloric and contemporary-infused dance

    • Built community, connection, and social justice awareness through shared artistic experiences

    • In 2026, the SDI will offer 110 hours of dance education across programs in Roxbury and Haiti

    • Led by 15 professional dancers, musicians, and seasoned educators who bring deep artistic training, cultural knowledge, and years of experience working with young people

    • Inspired community members to raise more than $380,000 over 20 years to sustain and grow the Summer Dance Institute

    “When I dance with Jean, I feel great...it's a wonderful experience. I didn't imagine I could do so many moves I didn't already know." — SDI Alum

  • Parents/Students:

    Donors / Partners:

    • Support the next 20 years of SDI, empowering youth, celebrating culture, and building community.
      Donate →

Special thanks to our partners and sponsors who make the SDI possible:

“I enjoyed dancing because it expresses love and allows everything to be expressed, letting it flow and allowing expression.”
— SDI Student, Dominican Republic

Watch the 2024 SDI in action.