Rebuild, Restore, Revitalize
A Dance Benefit for Haiti
Saturday, February 13, 6-10pm
$25 (Pay what you can--No one will be turned away for lack of funds)
Please join us in the special community workshop for dancers, drummers, musicians, artists, activists—anyone who wants to help Haiti rebuild, restore and revitalize their homeland. This workshop is an opportunity to collectively add to the global outpouring of support and prayers for Haiti through uplifting movement and music. So many of us have been touched by Haitian culture and their perserverance, fortitude and survival—come together for dance, music, song and community!
Petit La Croix instructors reunite to diversely represent Haitian dance, each bringing their own unique styles and spirit to the movement. Linda Bayo, Collette Eloi, Portsha Jefferson and Michelle Martin will be joined by special guests from New York City, Mona Estime-Amira and John Amira, who will lead a 90 minute master class to close the evening.
Guest master teachers: Mona Estimè-Amira is one of Haiti’s top dancers. Born and raised in the Vodou way of life, she learned the religion, the songs and the various forms of indigenous dance from her mother before going to New York. Once in New York, she earned her B.A. in health education at Lehman College and went on to establish a career in both dance performance and instruction. She has continued to return regularly to Haiti, researching regional dance and song styles. Mona travels extensively to give lectures, demonstrations and workshops, and has ongoing classes at the Rod Rodgers Dance Studio in New York City, where she is based.
John Amira is a master drummer with over 40 years experience in his specialty of Haitian and Cuban music. Born and raised in New York City, he became fascinated with and began the study of African and Caribbean drumming in his early teens. John’s drumming has given him the opportunity to perform with top artists (Celia Cruz, Ruth Fernandez, Tito Puente and Emeline Michel); in theater (“A Season In The Congo”, “Shango De Ima”); in film (“Putney Swope”, “Fighting Back” and “American Gangster”); on T.V.and radio; and in recordings with Latin, Jazz and other groups. He teaches, performs and lectures at universities and institutes and he is the author of “The Music of Santeria”. Between his travels to teach and perform, John accompanies dance groups and classes, and teaches privately.