Haitian Folkloric Dance with Portsha Jefferson

This class introduces participants to the dance and rhythms of Haiti. Class begins with a thorough warm-up session, which conditions the body by developing strength, aerobic stamina, coordination and flexibility, followed by progressions across the floor.

The second half of class is devoted to learning traditional dances (occasionally a song or two!) from Haiti as well as their historical and cultural context. Representing various nations such a Dahomey, Ibo, Nago and Kongo, each dance has it's own distinctive character, choreography and spirit. Expect a high energy class featuring spine undulating, shoulder shakin' dances in celebration of a rich spiritual tradition!

ATTIRE: Wear what's comfortable!

Portsha Jefferson began her dance training at the age of six at the Marsha Woody Dance Academy in Beaumont, Texas. Portsha has taught creative movement and Haitian dance in schools, community centers and studios for ten years. A passionate believer in education and youth development, she has worked for several organizations, including The Young Performers Theater, The San Francisco Arts Education Project, Westlake School of the Arts, Opera Piccola, Danceversity and Swivel Arts. Jefferson was a principal dancer and singer with Group Petit La Croix for seven years under the leadership of veteran dancer and educator Blanche Brown. She has performed Haitian dance with Bamboche, Reconnect Dance Ensemble, Ase Dance Theatre, Feets of Rhythm and most recently in Haiti with Compagnie Culturelle Des Arts. In addition, she has performed Afro-Cuban dance with Emese, along with Jose Francisco Barroso and Obakoso.

Portsha's dedication and exploration of Haitian culture have brought her to Haiti, where she has traveled throughout the country to research regional dance, rhythms and musical traditions. Her concentration of study took place in Gonaives at Lakou Badjo, where Nago (Yoruba) traditions are preserved, and through religious ceremony at Tanp Souvenance Mistik, a Vodou community that celebrates it's Rada (ancient kingdom of Dahomey) heritage. She studied at Ecole Nationale Des Arts (ENARTS), Artcho and at Vivian Gauthier's School of Dance. Her teachers have included: Cadet Jean Evens, Ansy Daphnis, Metayer Frantz, Ramses Pierre, Dyron Napoles as well as independent study with Peniel Guerrier of Tamboula D' Haiti, and Daniel Brevil of Ayikodans Dance Company. Portsha is the founder and artistic director of Rara Tou Limen and Tou Limen Youth Ensemble. Currently, Portsha is an Artist-in-Residence in Oakland, Berkeley and SF public schools and a faculty instructor at East Bay Dance Center, Dance Mission Theater and Malonga Casquelord Center for the Arts.

LIVE DRUMMING! Featuring Master Drummer of Traditional Haitian Vodou & Folkloric Rhythms, Daniel 'Brav" Brevil

We look forward to sharing the richess and vibrancy of Haitian dance and music with YOU!

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