Summer Dance Institute
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: July 7-19, 2025
Roxbury, MA: July 28–August 2, 2025
This video is a teaser of the mini-documentary described below. Stay tuned to learn more about when and where you can view the full 10 minute version!
This 10-minute mini-documentary explores the transformative impact of Jean Appolon Expressions’ (JAE) 2024 Summer Dance Institute in Santo Domingo, with glimpses of the 2023 program in Haiti. Through the voices of students, JAE staff, and local collaborators, the film reveals how JAE’s free, immersive program uses dance, yoga, reflection, and cultural discussions to foster resilience and healing for youth ages 5-18. Since 2006, JAE has empowered over 2,000 young people across Haiti, Massachusetts, and the Dominican Republic, with a focus on Kiltirèl Conexiones (Cultural Connections) to highlight the power of dance in fostering a bright, new future.
Executive Producer: Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE)
Director and Co-Executive Producer: Stephanie Briones
Editor: Tery Sanmaray Gil
Sound: Efrain Rojas | Grupo Acebo Alto
Color Grading and Additional Photography: Raymi Guzmán
A free program for youth aged 5–18,
exploring connection, culture, and healing through dance.
“I enjoyed dancing because it expresses love and allows everything to be expressed, letting it flow and allowing expression.”
JAE is deeply committed to return to the Dominican Republic from July 7–19, 2025, and to expand programming to Roxbury, MA, from July 28–August 2, 2025. This year’s theme, Kiltirèl Conexiones (Cultural Connections), uses dance to foster dialogue, understanding, and hope while addressing racial equity and healing past discord between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Through daily classes in yoga, meditation, Afro-Contemporary, Horton Modern, Haitian Folkloric, and multimedia arts, students build connections and delve into shared cultural histories. JAE will facilitate meaningful discussions with youth and their families to explore the cultural and historical ties between Haitian and Dominican communities, fostering dialogue and strengthening relationships between the two nations.
Takeaways from these discussions will be woven into the Summer Dance Institute’s final showcase, where dance performances and community speakers will highlight reflections on racial equity, healing, and unity, celebrating the shared experiences and connections between the two cultures.
Since 2006, the Summer Dance Institute has empowered over 2,100 young people, offering clean drinking water, nutritious meals, and safe transportation to ensure accessibility for all.
Local Partners in Santo Domingo, DR: Fundación Funtepod and Centro de Danza Peniel
