Sunday, June 19th
2:15 - 4:30pm ET
$20
In-Person Only

Did you know that there is a strong Haitian influence in the dance and music of eastern Cuba? Come explore this connection between two important regions of the African Diaspora with two of Cumbe's beloved master teachers. Danys 'La Mora' Perez, a master of Afro-Cuban folkloric dance, specializes in the styles of the Oriente province, a region whose culture infuses Afro-Haitian influences into an Afro-Cuban context. Julio Jean is a renowned master Haitian dance teacher and choreographer who worked directly with Katherine Dunham.

Danys “La Mora” Pérez is a master of Afro-Cuban folkloric dance from Santiago de Cuba, and has special expertise in the unique styles of her native region of Oriente province. La Mora was a member of Cuba’s national folkloric ballet company, Cutumba, for 18 years, and was granted the designation of primera bailarina and primera profesora by the National Dance Commission of Cuba. She is the founder and artistic director of Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Experimental Dance Ensemble in New York City.

Julio Jean is a renowned master Haitian dance teacher and choreographer. He blends traditional Haitian forms with modern and contemporary dance to create compelling movement narratives. His extensive career of over 20 years includes work with Katherine Dunham and performances of his company’s choreographies at Alvin Ailey and Central Park’s Summer Stage. Julio studied with Lavinia Williams, a company member of Katherine Dunham, at the National School of Arts in Haiti. In 1989, he moved to New York City and worked directly with Katherine Dunham, teaching traditional Haitian dance for her teacher trainings.