|
FEET OF RHYTHM DANCE COMPANY OVERVIEW
Nadia Dieudonné & Feet of Rhythm, a Haitian folkloric dance company based in New York, was created to preserve and promote the rich culture of Haiti. Since 1994, the group has personified Haitian pride by performing at cultural events worldwide, including the Wasshoi International Dance & Music festival in Osaka, Japan; Brooklyn Museum of Art; several cultural festivals in Canada; Downtown Dance Festival in Battery Park; Summer stage-Central; Prospect Bark-Band shell; Bryant Park; The African Heritage Guggenheim Festival; The Dance Theater Workshop/NYC; Schomburg; Lincoln Center-Out of Doors; Jacobs Pillow, and American Folk Festival. Feet of Rhythm specializes in Haitian folklore in dance, theater and live musical accompaniment. Each choreo-drama reflects traditional vodou dances fused with Dieudonné's stylized movements. Feet of Rhythm's trademark is the energy of its dancers and drummers. The dynamic choreography is based on an original arrangement of live drumming and soulful traditional songs coupled with Cynthia Karaha's original sets and costume brings these African/Haitian cultural productions to life! The performances are suitable for theater, concert stage, and outdoor festivals. ARTISTIC PROFILE
Nadia Dieudonné is a veteran traditional Haitian dancer, choreographer and a certified teacher for the New York City Department of Education. She received her MA in Dance Education from New York University and MA in TESOL from Grand Canon University. Nadia is the founder of Rhythm Haitian Dance Company, which specializes, in Haitian folkloric dances. Mentored by Jean León Destiné, Haitian dance icon Nadia has worked along side him as a performer and assistant teacher. At the age of twelve she was performing with the well-known Haitian folk singer and activist Myriam Dorismé. Nadia is regarded as one of the best Banda dancers outside of Haiti. Her expertise comes out of her diligent study of the folkloric heritage of Haitian dance. She honed her skills by attending several Lakous (communities that preserve and practice specific Vodou ceremonies) in the countryside and in reputable dance schools with esteemed dancers/teachers in Port-au-Prince and New York.
As part Nadia’s commitment to preserve Haitian culture, a Children's Program & Dance Company was created to introduce and educate underserved youth to the vibrant Haitian culture. Since its founding she has diligently extended her services to underserved youths within the public schools, community based organizations, and daycare centers in the tristate area. In recognition of her work she has been awarded by Council Member Jummane Williams with a NYC Proclamation for her commitment to the youths (May, 2014). Nadia has conducted adult master classes at many prestigious institutions such as New York University-NYC, City College-San Francisco, State University-San Francisco, Lincoln Center-NYC, Jacobs Pillow-MA (assistant to Jean-León Destiné), Lincoln Center Mid Summer Night Swing- NYC, The Katherine Dunham Dance Institute-NYC and Alvin Ailey NYC(as a substitute instructor). As a performing artist Nadia has also danced with many acclaimed dance companies and musical bands that preserve various cultures from the African Diaspora such as Dinizulu African dancers, drummers and singers La Troupe Makandal, Charles Moore Dance Theater; Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Ensemble, Forces of Nature, Tabou Combo; Rara Machine, Bolou Valcourt & Azor to name a few. In 1994, she was one of the principal dancers in the Rolling Stones Voodoo Lounge Tour. Nadia’s vocation has allowed her to be commissioned to perform throughout the US and abroad: Canada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Holland, Japan and Trinidad. LEARN ABOUT THE FOUNDERS
|
