Haitian Folkloric Dance

Haitian Folkloric Dance Instructors: Jean Appolon and Velouse Joseph Day/Time: Tuesdays 7-8pm ET Dates: January 13th to March 31st Description: Jean Appolon Expressions’ weekly Haitian Folkloric dance class with live drumming offers a vital space for healing and community (lakou), inviting dancers to connect with their bodies and cultural roots. The JAE educator leads dancers through the powerful movements of Haitian Folkloric repertoires like Kongo, Ibo and Yanvalou, encouraging them to breathe, release, and express themselves. This transformative practice fosters unity, strength, and resilience, providing a joyful and grounded experience deeply connected to the vibrant spirit of Haiti.

Jean Appolon Expressions Dance Center

South African Fusion 

Instructor: Mcebisi Xotyeni Day/Time: Mondays 6-7pm ET Dates:  January 12th to March 30th No Class: 1/19, 2/16 Description: This vibrant class blends traditional South African movement—including Xhosa, Zulu, Tswana, and Sotho—with contemporary street styles and dances from across the African continent. The class begins with an energizing cardio warm-up rooted in African movement vocabulary, followed by stretching and strength-building exercises to ground the body. Dancers will explore traveling sequences and across-the-floor progressions that highlight rhythm, footwork, and cultural expression. The class concludes with a joyful combination danced together to live drumming.<ul><li>Open to movers of all backgrounds and experience levels—come ready to sweat, learn, and celebrate the richness of African dance traditions!</li></ul>

Haitian Folkloric Dance at The Dance Complex

Haitian Folkloric Dance with Jean Appolon at The Dance Complex<ul><li>Day/Time: Saturdays from 1:30-3pm </li><li>Winter 2026 Dates: January 10th to March 28th</li><li>Location: The Dance Complex Studio 3 &amp; on Zoom </li></ul>

The Dance Complex

Horton Fusion

Instructor: Jean Appolon Day/Time: Wednesdays 6-7:30pm ET Dates: January 14th to March 31st Description: Horton Fusion is a dynamic 90 minute class geared toward intermediate and advanced dancers, though all levels are welcome. The session opens with a rigorous, full-body Horton-inspired warm-up that establishes core strength and clear lines. This transitions into across-the-floor progressions which blend Horton technique with various contemporary styles, emphasizing weight shifts, floor work, and dynamic movement through space. The class culminates in a short, challenging choreographic phrase that synthesizes technical precision with expressive artistry. Often featuring live musical accompaniment, Horton Fusion aims to expand the dancer's versatility, artistry, and physical endurance in a supportive environment.

Liberation Drumming

Instructors: Arnaud Lauture and Josil Rebert Day/Time: Tuesdays 6-7pm ET Dates: January 13th to March 31 No class on Feb 3 Description: Explore the rhythms of Haiti with Haitian Folkloric Master Drummers Josil Rebert and Arnaud Lauture. You will be immersed in learning Yanvalou, Mayi, Ibo, Congo and a variety of other rhythms. No prior drumming experience required, all levels are welcome, from absolute beginners to seasoned musicians.Participants can either bring a drum from home, or use a JAE drum. Listen to Your Body: If you feel any strain or pain in your hands or wrists, take a brief pause. Taking care of your body allows you to sustain your practice and enjoy the rhythms for years to come!

African Dance Workout

In this hour-long class, you will get a great cardio warm-up through African dance movements and be guided through a series of stretches and strength-building exercises. Dancers will travel across the floor, moving in progressions and the class will finish with a combination for all to learn and dance together to live drumming. Dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome!

New Atlantic Building

Jean Appolon 50th Birthday Class Celebration: Haitian Folkloric Dance

Celebrate Jean's birthday with JAE at this special Haitian folkloric class!   Please come to class wearing White and Purple!

Jean Appolon 50th Birthday Class Celebration: Horton Modern Class

Celebrate Jean's birthday with JAE at this special Horton Modern workshop!

SomArt @ the Hive

Jean Appolon 50th Birthday Class Celebration: African Dance Class

Celebrate Jean's birthday with JAE at this special African Dance class!

Classroom

Jean Appolon 50th Birthday Class Celebration: Haitian Folkloric Dance UUUM Roxbury

Celebrate Jean's birthday with JAE at this special Haitian folkloric class!

UUUM Roxbury

Class begins with a cardio warm-up, and then goes through movements in several different rhythms from Haitian Folklore. Be ready to sweat! Class is accompanied by live drummers. One of the most remarkable things about this class is the vast range of participants, in terms of age, dance experience, and connections to Haiti. What they share in common is loving class and finding it to be a fulfilling, fun workout and opportunity for connection. Jean Appolon (he/him/his) is the Artistic Director and Co-founder of Jean Appolon Expressions. ZOOM Attendees:  Details to join the class virtually will be included in your confirmation email. Please check your Spam folder if you do not see the email in your inbox.

African Dance Workout with Bisi Day/Time:&nbsp; Mondays from 6 pm - 7 pm Fall 2024 Dates: September 9 to December 9 **NO CLASS on October 14th and November 11th Location: DeWitt Center (122 Dewitt Dr, Boston, MA 02120) Description: In this hour-long class, you will get a great cardio warm-up through African dance movements and be guided through a series of stretches and strength-building exercises. Dancers will travel across the floor, moving in progressions and the class will finish with a combination for all to learn and dance together to live drumming. Dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome! Class Rates General Admission: $20 Full Session (12 classes): $216 Half Session (6 classes): $108 Community Supported Rate*:&nbsp; $12 *Thanks to the incredible support from our community members, we are delighted to extend the opportunity of two Community Supported spots for each class. To ensure that this generosity is accessible to as many as possible, we kindly request that you reserve only one Community Supported spot per month. If financial limitations are impeding your ability to enroll, please feel free to reach out to us privately. Your participation is important to us.

DeWitt Center

Haitian Folkloric Dance with Jean Appolon &amp; Live Drumming Day/Time: Saturdays from 1:30 pm - 3 pm Fall 2024 Dates: September 7th to December 7th NO CLASS on September 28th, October 12th, and November 2nd Location: The Dance Complex Studio 3 &amp; on Zoom Class begins with a cardio warm-up, and then goes through movements in several different rhythms from Haitian Folklore. Be ready to sweat! Class is accompanied by live drummers. One of the most remarkable things about this class is the vast range of participants, in terms of age, dance experience, and connections to Haiti. What they share in common is loving class and finding it to be a fulfilling, fun workout and opportunity for connection. Jean Appolon (he/him/his) is the Artistic Director and Co-founder of Jean Appolon Expressions. General Admission:  $25  Full Session (11 classes): $250 10 Class Pass: $224 5 Class Pass: $112 Zoom Admission: $15 Zoom Full Fall Sessions (11 classes): $145 Community Supported Rate*:  $15  Full Session Community Rate* (11 classes) $174 *Thanks to the incredible support from our community members, we are delighted to extend the opportunity of two Community Supported spots for each class. To ensure that this generosity is accessible to as many as possible, we kindly request that you reserve only one Community Supported spot per month. If financial limitations are impeding your ability to enroll, please feel free to reach out to us privately. Your participation is important to us.

Creative Dance for Kids with MIT Open Space

This workshop-style event introduces young children to the art of dance using patterns, movement, words, music, and storytelling. Haitian Folkloric rhythms (played by <a href="https://jeanappolonexpressions.org/">Jean Appolon Expressions</a>’ Master Drummers) and movements are woven into the class in a child-friendly fashion. Students will explore a social justice theme through age-appropriate literature, conversation, and movement. Past and future themes include kindness, acceptance, noticing and appreciating differences, identity, standing up against injustice, and love. This program is geared towards ages 3-10, but all are welcome! Presented in collaboration with<a href="https://jeanappolonexpressions.org/"> Jean Appolon Expressions</a>, this class is co-taught by Artistic Director Jean Appolon (he/him/his) and Executive Director/Dancer Meghan McGrath (she/her/hers) and accompanied by Master Drummers Josil Rebert and Arnaud Lauture. L.E.A.P. stands for Learn, Explore, and Play! These programs are geared towards kids and families. All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Responsible adults, please keep a close eye on your kids. Photos and/or videos will be taken at this event. By entering and attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that your likeness may be included in photos and videos of the event and that those photos and videos may be used by MIT in connection with communications about MIT Open Space Programming or in other MIT communications, and/or shared with third parties, including on the Internet. If you do not agree to this usage, please notify a staff member when you arrive. We are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment on our website and in person at our events. If you would like to request a disability-related accommodation, please contact us at <a href="mailto:openspace@mit.edu">openspace@mit.edu</a> as soon as possible to allow us time to respond. Requests made less than 2 weeks before the start date of your program may not be able to be met in time. This event will follow MIT policies and Covid safety guidelines. More info can be found at <a href="http://now.mit.edu/policies">now.mit.edu/policies</a>.

Kendall/MIT Open Space

BANBOCHE 2024

CELEBRATE WITH JEAN APPOLON EXPRESSIONS AT BANBOCHE 2024! Join Jean, the company, and our vibrant community as we honor a year of the healing power of dance and immerse ourselves in Haitian culture. The evening will feature moving performances, highlights from the year, food, drinks, and an open dance floor! Inspired by Fèt Gede, the Haitian Day of the Dead, this celebration captures the spirit of both life and newness. Guests are encouraged to wear fun party cloths that are white, purple and/or black to honor this special day. Secure your tickets today and join us on November 2nd at Hibernian Hall, Roxbury, MA. We can't wait to see you on the dance floor! Flow of the night:<ul><li>6:30pm Doors Open with local vendors, food, and drinks available</li><li>7:15pm Performance Event begins</li><li>8:30pm - 10:00pm DJ and dance floor open for community</li></ul><a href="https://jeanappolonexpressions.org/">Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE)</a> is a Haitian folkloric and contemporary-infused dance organization that cultivates hope and healing to foster more expressive and socially just communities through professional performances, education, cultural experiences, and the celebration of the joy of movement for all.

Hibernian Hall

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

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S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

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S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

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S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

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S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

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S2 (A): top experiences

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Top 20 things to do in Boston

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S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

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S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

joyraft.host16132

Experiences

Haitian Folkloric Dance

South African Fusion

Haitian Folkloric Dance at The Dance Complex

Horton Fusion

Liberation Drumming

African Dance Workout

Jean Appolon 50th Birthday Class Celebration: Haitian Folkloric Dance

Jean Appolon 50th Birthday Class Celebration: Horton Modern Class

Jean Appolon 50th Birthday Class Celebration: African Dance Class

Jean Appolon 50th Birthday Class Celebration: Haitian Folkloric Dance UUUM Roxbury

Haitian Folkloric Dance

African Dance Workout

Haitian Folkloric Dance

Creative Dance for Kids with MIT Open Space

BANBOCHE 2024