Dancing Spirits Haitian Workshop
with Portsha Jefferson
Dancing Spirits Haitian Workshop
with Portsha Jefferson
with Portsha Jefferson
Dancing Spirits Movement Sessions introduces the technique of Haitian Folkloric dance, which brings to life a wide spectrum of diverse dance forms, which integrates the grace, strength, and fluidity of Haiti - the first free Black Republic in the world.
From the vibrant rituals of Vodou, the turbulent legacy of political struggle, to the celebratory and festive dances of Carnaval, each dance has its own distinct character, choreography, and energy. Participants are introduced to basic dance vocabulary, form and function, and explore the relationship between the dance and the drum. Expect a high energy class, featuring spine undulating, shoulder shaking dances, in celebration of a rich spiritual tradition. A dance experience guaranteed to Uplift, Inspire, and Inform!
From the vibrant rituals of Vodou, the turbulent legacy of political struggle, to the celebratory and festive dances of Carnaval, each dance has its own distinct character, choreography, and energy. Participants are introduced to basic dance vocabulary, form and function, and explore the relationship between the dance and the drum. Expect a high energy class, featuring spine undulating, shoulder shaking dances, in celebration of a rich spiritual tradition. A dance experience guaranteed to Uplift, Inspire, and Inform!
BIO
Portsha Terae Jefferson has a 25 year history of performance, choreography, research & travel passionately rooted in African/Caribbean dance, drumming and spiritual traditions. Hailing from a blazed Dance trek, her Dancestory is truly emblazoned by that of Ancestral commission. She began her formal training at the age of six at the Marsha Woody Dance Academy. From Beaumont, Texas to the Bay Area, Ms. Jefferson also revered as, "Zetwal Ashade Bon Manbo" has cultivated a trajectory of Dance excellence, dynamic performance and a cultural legacy of training, education and cultural exchange.
Often nurtured by Bay Area Dance luminaries Lynn Coles and Blanche Brown to name a few, to Haitian Dance Masters such as Pioneer Vivianne Gauthier and Ramses Pierre, with consistent training at Ecole Nationale de Artes [ENARTS], transcended through the establishment of Rara Tou Limen Haitian Performing Company in 2004.
As a cultural practitioner and visionary, Ms. Jefferson'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 since 2003. Specific interest and concentration of study took place in Gonaives at Lakou Badjo, where Nago (Yoruba) traditions are preserved, and at Tanp Souvenance Mistik, a Vodou community that celebrates its Rada (kingdom of Dahomey) heritage. Ms.Jefferson's visionary Artistic leadership and RTL Company's unforgettable presentations, classes, workshops, festivals and retreats, have garnered her the attention as respected colleague and established cultural gatekeeper, forging new trailways through ancient traditions -- staying true to the sojourn carving pathways for many to flourish crossing boundaries and dimensions in the Dance.
Often nurtured by Bay Area Dance luminaries Lynn Coles and Blanche Brown to name a few, to Haitian Dance Masters such as Pioneer Vivianne Gauthier and Ramses Pierre, with consistent training at Ecole Nationale de Artes [ENARTS], transcended through the establishment of Rara Tou Limen Haitian Performing Company in 2004.
As a cultural practitioner and visionary, Ms. Jefferson'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 since 2003. Specific interest and concentration of study took place in Gonaives at Lakou Badjo, where Nago (Yoruba) traditions are preserved, and at Tanp Souvenance Mistik, a Vodou community that celebrates its Rada (kingdom of Dahomey) heritage. Ms.Jefferson's visionary Artistic leadership and RTL Company's unforgettable presentations, classes, workshops, festivals and retreats, have garnered her the attention as respected colleague and established cultural gatekeeper, forging new trailways through ancient traditions -- staying true to the sojourn carving pathways for many to flourish crossing boundaries and dimensions in the Dance.
IG: Ashade411
Reservations
Sorry - that class has already taken place!