Rara Tou Limen is thrilled to offer the community programmed activities featuring dance, music and cultural enrichment.
Here's to a dance season filled with CREATIVE ABUNDANCE * PROSPERITY * STRENGTH and SOLIDARITY within our dance community. We look forward to collectively celebrating the richness and vibrancy of Haitian culture with you!
Oakland | San Francisco | Haiti email: raratoulimen@gmail.com
DANCE * SONG * DRUM Workshops
Master Classes | Performances
School Residencies | Cultural Exchange Trips to Haiti | Kanaval Group
PORTSHA T. JEFFERSON
FOUNDER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Click on Portsha's image for Oakland North Article
DANIEL "BRAV" BREVIL
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Click on Daniel's image to hear the Haitian rhythm Ibo
SPRING FORWARD with RTL MARCH OFFERINGS!
MARCH 6
Spirited Sequins: Danbala & Ayida Wedo Craft Party
Ashade Designs + Ocha One Designs, in conjunction with RTL will host a series of Craft Workshops throughout RTL's Dance Season, which will focus on a specific Lwa (Spirit) within the Haitian Vodou pantheon.
Participants are encouraged to tap within, express ideas and inner visions through artistic expression. Let your creativity run wild! You will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on artistic creation representing Danbala & Ayida Wedo! Together, they embody gentleness, tranquility, wisdom and peace, which sustains the world. Danbala and his wife, Ayida Wedo play a significant function through healing processes, by offering a cool head, serenity and certainty. 
Participation Fee - $20 * includes materials, light meal Maximum Participants - 20 Location TBA upon registration 7pm-10pm Participation Fee can be paid on-line or at the door http://www.eventbrite.com/e/spirited-sequins-danbala-ayida-wedo-craft-party-tickets-15723681956 |
MARCH 14
MINOKAN: Dream It. Create It. LIVE IT!
RTL in Haiti Documentary RTL in Haiti Report Back! Documentary. Q & A. Youth Dance + Drum Performances. Lakou Souvenance Tribute. Haitian Cuisine. Vendors.
RTL Supporters & Loyal Community, where would we be without you? We value and appreciate you, for you too believed in our dream to travel to Haiti. Two weeks of vivid video footage, revealing interviews, and breathtaking photos (unpublished), are now compiled into a 90 minute documentary to share with you. We look forward to sharing our journey with you! 
Eastside Arts Alliance 2277 International Blvd. Oakland, CA 94606 7pm **DONATION BASED ** Pay what you can! ALL Donations will go towards RTL’s Kanaval 2015 contingent. |
MARCH 21
Kanaval Rehearsals Begin! (SF) * in preparation for SF Carnaval | May 24
You're Invited! Dance with
Rara Tou Limen in SF Carnaval! We took a break in 2014… but we're BACK for 2015! Inspired, and ready to take on the streets of SF! Join Rara Tou Limen's HAITIAN KANAVAL contingent...TODAY! All rehearsals will focus on dance technique, cultural context & choreography. All levels welcome! [click here for Kanaval 2015 NEWS!] 
Participation Fee: $25 Rehearsal Fee: $12 per class [$10 if you take Portsha's Haitian Folkloric dance class!*] *applies to classes taken BEFORE or AFTER rehearsal on the same day* Costume Fee: Additional Fees Required* * All associated costume fees and contingent theme will be announced at rehearsals* |
MARCH 21
RTL Kanaval Kick-Off Party with The Bay’s premiere Haitian Party King, DJ Dynamic!
Our Kanaval Season is HERE!
Let’s usher in our season with a spirited and festive dance party! Wear an RTL Kanaval T-Shirt from a previous year OR better yet, wear a costume! Bring your Haitian Flags, Bells, and Whistles! Come and get your GROOVE on and get a taste of the HOT Kanaval tracks DJ Dynamic will provide for us during the parade!
The Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts
Studio A, 2nd Floor
2pm-4pm, $15
VIV KANAVAL!
Let’s usher in our season with a spirited and festive dance party! Wear an RTL Kanaval T-Shirt from a previous year OR better yet, wear a costume! Bring your Haitian Flags, Bells, and Whistles! Come and get your GROOVE on and get a taste of the HOT Kanaval tracks DJ Dynamic will provide for us during the parade!
The Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts
Studio A, 2nd Floor
2pm-4pm, $15
VIV KANAVAL!
Rara Tou Limen presents:
THE WHITE PARTY 2015: NEW Year. NEW Energy. NEW Beginnings.
February 1, 2015
[photo credit: tatigrams] bel air, haiti (2015)
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Yes, it was Super Bowl Sunday, but that didn't stop us from having our own Super
Blessed and Spirited White Party! From the opening prayers to Papa Legba, to the down home Negro spirituals, into the sacred sounds of Lakou Souvenance, our "Church" space was cleansed and we were fortified! Your presence, energy, participation, and support of the White Party is deeply appreciated. This is RTL's offering to YOU. It is truly a privilege to provide a safe, sacred, non-competitive, healing space for you to begin your new year with positive energy and good intentions. My RTL family, WE stepped up and took initiative! I am beaming with pride! Your trust, love and support sustains me. Here's to constantly growing and evolving...together. I give thanks to the Spirit of the drum, and to the drummers who were lead by that Spirit to provide the foundation for us. Thank you. New Year. New Energy. New Beginnings. Claim it. Embrace it. Live it! Ayibobo! Special thanks to everyone who brought an offering for the altar, and FOOD for the community. You guys heard me! I didn't see a bag of chips or dip, LOL!: Cere Mony, Asatah HoneyChild, Christine Joy Amagan Ferrer, Love La Desarmes (that Soup Joumou, tho?!!!) and to the DIVA Tossie Long for the fabulous photos - MESI!!! You are appreciated! |
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Tune -Yards & Rara Tou Limen at the FOX Theater!
Photo Credit: Lorrie Murray
We recently performed at the Fox theater, to a large, responsive crowd who gave us so much love! An EPIC evening, creating, living, and sharing our respective crafts with the masses, while celebrating and giving thanks to an AMAZING woman, #merrillgarbus who helped make it possible for RTL to travel to Haiti. AYIBOBO!
Here's what the FANS had to say!
"Just saw the group perform at tune-yards last night and it was amazing! You all heightened the dance/music experience even more for me and it was really beautiful and powerful! Thank you!"
"Rara Tou Limen, that was probably one of the best live performances I've seen. It was so genuine and mesmerizing - truly inspiring!"
"These goddesses are dancing their hearts OUT on stage! You guys are GREAT! Love your costumes too!"
"You ladies ruled! Thanks for such a great performance!"
Here's what the FANS had to say!
"Just saw the group perform at tune-yards last night and it was amazing! You all heightened the dance/music experience even more for me and it was really beautiful and powerful! Thank you!"
"Rara Tou Limen, that was probably one of the best live performances I've seen. It was so genuine and mesmerizing - truly inspiring!"
"These goddesses are dancing their hearts OUT on stage! You guys are GREAT! Love your costumes too!"
"You ladies ruled! Thanks for such a great performance!"
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KWA Simbo! KWA Lakwa! KWA Deye KWA!
FET GEDE 2014 - Festival of the Ancestors
Rara Tou Limen's 11th Annual Fet Gede
- Photographer: Chaplin Street Studio
Our beloved Community came together to elevate, fortify and honor our loved ones that have crossed over into the Spirit realm. We learned traditional songs for Gede, taught by Daniel “Brav” Brevil and rotated our hips to the infectious rhythms of Gede’s dances: Maskawon, Zareyen, and Banda, taught by, Portsha Jefferson, ending with an impressive spread of tasty treats to nourish our bodies. Give thanks to the participants who sang beautifully and danced passionately. Deep gratitude for the entire ensemble of drummers who continue to inspire us to move! Rara Tou Limen Dance Company (Wi fanm Wi!), thank you for always going above and beyond. Your support is deeply appreciated.
Thank you ALL for making Rara Tou Limen’s 11th Annual Fet Gede a memorable experience.
We did it all for the Ancestors!
Thank you ALL for making Rara Tou Limen’s 11th Annual Fet Gede a memorable experience.
We did it all for the Ancestors!
Rara Tou Limen in HAITI!
Dream It. CREATE It. LIVE It...and WE did that! AYIBOBO!
In celebration of our 10th Anniversary, RTL traveled to Haiti for a two week adventure! Company members participated in folkloric dance workshops at Ecole Nationale des Arts (ENARTS) with celebrated instructors, and visited natural and historical landmarks to investigate and research Haitian cultural traditions. In addition, RTL presented our artistic offering, Limyè pou Ayiti... Lavi Kontinyè! to a responsive and receptive crowd at Le Villate, in Petion-Ville. As activists, educators, scholars, priests, vocalists, dancers and musicians, we were honored to serve as cultural ambassadors of Oakland/San Francisco and participate in "From the Bay to Haiti: RTL goes International!"
Limyè pou Ayiti... Lavi Kontinyè! WE DID IT RTL!!
Here's to celebrating the work, the incredible journey, the revelations, the lessons, and YOU for your tireless energy, commitment and dedication in making the dream become a reality.
Here's to celebrating the work, the incredible journey, the revelations, the lessons, and YOU for your tireless energy, commitment and dedication in making the dream become a reality.
RTL at Le Peristyle de Mariani, with Ati Max Beauvoir, Manbo Rachel Beauvoir, Manbo Tirèz, Houngan Isac Elien, Alphoncine Nyelenga Bouya and Massengo Ma Mbongolo (representing Brazzaville Congo) - Mariani, Haiti
Onè, Respè! Portsha with Haitian Folkloric Dance Pioneer, Madame Viviane Gauthier
Here's to honoring the master dance teachers and drummers, both Haitian & American (living and in the spirit world), the true folklorists, who have opened doors and paved the way for each generation to flourish in the advancement of Haitian Folkloric Dance & Musical Traditions. Limyè pou Ayiti is dedicated to you. RTL will continue to present the best of folkloric dance, music, and ritual theater, which carries in it the stories, struggles, and spirit of the first free Black Republic in the world. To my "Dance Mothers" in the Spirit realm: Manbo Katherine Dunham and Lavinia Williams - the amount of love, admiration and immense gratitude I have for you makes my heart burst! As Americans, specifically Black women, your incredible legacy lives within me. Your love and dedication to Haiti is remarkable. Ayiti Cherie! I too love her so! You inspire me to create. You motivate me to continue the dance journey. As a result, I recently embarked on a life changing, spiritual and artistic journey to Haiti that will remain a part of my love forever.
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RTL Supporters & Loyal Community!
 Creating Sacred Space for RTL's photo shoot. Montouis, Haiti
Community, where would we be without you? We value and appreciate you for you too believed in the dream. YOU donated to RTL's Go Fund Me Campaign, which raised $27,145!!! You shared the good news of our travels via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, attended dance class, participated in a Dance + Song Workshop, gave generously towards our "FUNraisers" and purchased RTL's 10th Anniversary T-Shirt. You offered words of encouragement, wisdom, displayed enthusiasm, offered a helping hand, donated time, energy and space, made periodic phone calls to check on my sanity, smothered me with comforting hugs, and so MUCH MORE! THANK YOU! MESI ANPIL! for allowing the dream to become a reality! Two weeks of vivid video footage, interviews and breathtaking photos (unpublished) are now being compiled into a documentary to share with you. Stay tuned for details about our RTL in Haiti: 2014 Report Back. We look forward to sharing our journey with you!
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A Day In PARADISE!
Imamou
An unforgettable day in one of my favorite places. Jacmel! Founded in 1698, Jacmel is located in the South East part of Haiti. The drive to Jacmel is picturesque, as you can fully appreciate the views of Haiti's lush mountains. It is truly breath taking. Known for its historic architecture that dates from the nineteenth century, an abundance of artists, beaches and great food, Jacmel is PARADISE!
the drum, the dance, and the ocean
August 31. Visited Fosaj Art Galley, and was greeted by Director, Luckner Candio. Participated in a RTL photo shoot on the beach with Chaplin Street Studio. (Those photos are HOT! Ya'll ain't ready!) Took the bus to Ti Mouillage, and had my first dance class on the beach with my teacher, Dieufel Lamisere and his students, Dance To Save Lives, along with my RTL family. How fitting to dance for Met Agwe and La Sirene in their element! Next up a few dips in the Ocean, a family style lunch: lobster, fish, chicken, rice, banane peze, pikliz, and Prestige. Cant resist... back into the Ocean. We eventually heard the dreaded "Ann ale!" "to the bus, to the bus" (Brav's signal to get our tails on the bus, although we're not quite ready to leave). Back to PAP, curvy road, darkness, heavy rain turns into a massive thunder & lighting storm, but wait...we literally run into our 2nd Rara. They are partying big time, drenched, drums beating and singing IN A THUNDERSTORM! Confirmation #2. This is the 2nd Rara we "happen" to bump into. On the bus, our ears were stimulated with Reggae, Haitian Hip-Hop, Mizik Racine, Konpa, and even Rhiannon, thanks to DJ Brav. Two hours later. Turgeau. Home. Sleep. Dreams.
Dance Bliss at Ti Mouillage
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A Dancers Life!
Rara Tou Limen presented Haitian Folkloric Dance Workshops at Ecole Nationale Des Arts (ENARTS) during our two week tour in Haiti. Three days, ten classes, live singers, awesome drummers, flute and saxophone players, with a host of community dancers who came to dance for FREE. As part of our community service, RTL provided a daily lunch and beverage for the entire school! A special thanks to the Brevil family for providing the nourishment, and our remarkable staff of instructors: Dieufel Lamisere, Ramses Pierre, Marc-Elie Pierre, and Gerda Samson for deepening our knowledge and understanding of Haitian Folkloric Dance, and for providing professional, challenging, spirited, and engaging classes. A GRAND salute to you all!
The dance classes in Haiti gave me so much life! I'm happy to share a small fraction of what I experienced during this ground breaking, and historical journey. With Barbancourt and Florida Water in hand, Marc-Elie Pierre (Houngan Asogwe, Dancer, Choreographer) blessed our dance space and proceeded to give us that special kind of Yanvalou, that only exists in Haiti. Class ends with a festive Raboday, that we will never forget!
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Celebrating a Milestone of 10 years!
Since it's inception in 2004, Rara Tou Limen has grown tremendously! We're celebrating 10 years of representing the rich cultural traditions of Haiti, through educational platforms and performance!
Rara Tou Limen presents
Limyè pou Ayiti... Lavi Kontinyè! - in Haiti!
Confirmation #1
After RTL performed our hearts out, and left our mark on Le Villate's stage, we were surprisingly greeted with an impromptu Rara in the streets of Petion-Ville! THIS is how we celebrated our biggest accomplishment yet!!
Give thanks to our Sponsors: Le Villate, FOKAL, tune-yards, Le Nouvelliste, Scoop Radio, Caraibes FM AND.... a special thanks to: the beautiful dancers at ENARTS for collaborating with RTL That Rara was HOT! Linda Isabelle Francois, I am in complete awe of your dancing! Jean-Sebastien Duvilaire, brother, you got the gift! Thank you both for dancing so beautifully. MY TEACHERS IN HAITI who performed with RTL: Dieufel Lamisere, Ramses Pierre and Marc-Elie Pierre - What an honor and privilege to grace the stage with you. Thank you for believing in me! I am eternally grateful for your support.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Merrill Garbus & Tune-Yards
 Daniel Brevil and Merrill Garbus
Merrill Garbus - founder of tune-yards, singer, songwriter, band leader, musician, student of Haitian dance and musical traditions, activist, and all around GENTLE SOUL is one of the most humble and unique human beings on this planet. We are fortunate to have her as a member of RTL's artistic family.
Merrill traveled to Haiti in 2013, as part of Daniel Brevil's annual Cultural Exchange Trip. During one of our many late night conversations in Haiti, I expressed my ultimate dream for RTL to celebrate our 10th Anniversary touring, training and performing in Haiti. Merrill unexpectedly said, "There is NO reason why RTL can't perform in Haiti. It's time. I am going to do whatever I can to get the company to Haiti." Upon hearing RTL's plans to finally make our trip a reality, this generous human being, remaining true to her word, decided to donate one dollar from every ticket sale from her current Nikki Nack world tour, to our "Help Rara Tou Limen travel to Haiti" campaign. I am completely, utterly, speechless, and blown away by your GENEROUS donation. With tears of gratitude, on behalf of Rara Tou Limen, I humbly accept you and Nate's offering. Merrill, you are a shining example of a true humanitarian. Thank you for your love for Haiti, the culture, and most importantly, give thanks to you for believing in US, Rara Tou Limen. Although you will not be with us physically, you WILL be with us in Spirit. We LOVE you! A BIG Ayibobo for you! Continued success on your tour. |
RTL salutes Merril Garbus for her generous donation to the company's Go Fund Me campaign.
"Thanks to Daniel Brevil, who so generously brought us through the doors and into the heart of Haitian culture, and to Portsha Jefferson and Rara Tou Limen for imparting the spirit at Sunday church."
- Merrill Garbus |
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
"Men anpil chay pa lou"
Many hands make the load lighter
Thank you for your generous donation towards Rara Tou Limen's Cultural Exchange Trip to Haiti
Rebirth
Amanda Amburgey
Kendra Barnes Nina Baley El Beh Molly & Jim Brown Nzo Califa Dance Works Cere Davis Laura Diamondstone Elizabeth Foggie Carla Pinheiro Gray Cho young Kim-Wiles Hana Lee Pascale Michel Kysha Mitchell Jennifer Norris Malika Omawale Michael Reed Rose Rothfeder Cecily Shores Omari Weaver |
Three Streams
Lauren Adams-Lateef
Roxanne Cobbs Vanessa Daniels Nancy Emde Jeanne Ewald Dudley Flores Anthony G. Madeleine George Heather Harshbarger Alex Hersler Nick James Lakshmi Kerner Kathleen Messer Troy Mingo Melpomene Ratakalos Ray Renati Renee & Aldo Jahanara B. Romney Hugh Romney Gueveny Saint Georges Amirah Salaam Nina Schnall Roxanne Shakoori Amara Tabor-Smith Danielle Wahab Daphney Washington |
Freedom Rising
Joel Ambroise
Esther Aviva Cora Barnes Saharah Moon Chapotin Harriet Chessman Wendy Ellen Cochran Lynn Coles Tiffany Cothran Angela De Clama Eboni Gayton Michelle Hensley Brenda Jones Sam Luckey Maria Massella Marian & Paul McGlothlin Nairobi Leah Penniman Karen Ransom Roz Romney Erin Stuart Naomi Teplow Catherine Williams Rosa Williams Parousha Zand |
Zanset Ibo/Nago
Teresa Joan Baum
Andrew Cooledge Laurie Gundling J. Hilfinger Ruthie Holland Antinette L. Jackson Isaiah & Viola Lane Dr. Calvin & Amanda Lawrence Parker Leventer Jacqueline Margron Pinay Mujer Chi Chi O. Annette Osenga Luis Pardo & Sharmon Adrienne Philpart Electra K Price David Roberts & Elsie Lee Rhythm N Dance Teryl Saunders Katherine Schoellenbach Terry Tibble Kat Wentworth |
Limyè pou RTL
Joseph & Cynthia Battershall
David Karlberg Fredrick & Patricia Reeder Luanda Wesley 
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Bon Apeti!
Anonymous
Yvette Binns Konbit!FOKAL (Fondasyon Konesans ak Libete)
Tune-Yards 
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From the Bay to Santa Cruz, South Dakota, Georgia, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Haiti,
VEVE Sessions: Lwa EMBODIED T-Shirt is on the MOVE!
Give thanks to our supporters who are representing Rara Tou Limen in style! Let's continue to celebrate 10 years and many more to come.
Onward, Upward and BEYOND!
What's the inspiration behind RTL's 10th Anniversary T-Shirt? What is a Veve? Want to purchase a T-Shirt? Click on the link: http://raratoulimen.bigcartel.com/pr…/rtl-10th-anniversary-t
*Also available for purchase (after dance class) at Dance Mission Theater (SAT) and The Malonga Center (SUN)
Houngan Daniel Andreus Di Ankagole representing in Maryland!
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Ayibobo! Mesi anpil for your support!
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