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!
Divine Mystery. Mistè. Meditation in Movement. Dance is our route to find our personal truth. Our route to self-discovery. The Spiritual Power of Dance has transformed, healed and shaped each of our lives. We are artistic vessels, mediums and community servants, embodying Spirit - our life force, the person inside of us, the part of us that never dies, that is eternal, infinite and limitless.
WE are Rara Tou Limen.
WE are the Dancing Spirits.
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
RASANBLE!
HAITIAN ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL 2017!
CLICK on photo for Festival Schedule, Fees and Artist Bios!
Check out my BLOG! thoughts, opinions, feelings, rants. randomness... CLICK on photo!
TO GET HER: THERE
RTL's next dance project.
The journey continues...
Rara Tou Limen's next adventure?
WE ARE GOING TO CUBA!!!
“To Get Her: There”
is an ancestral story and journey from Haiti, Canada, to Cuba
that we are about to relive, study and share through our travels.
Together they went and together we shall go.
We are living herstory and to honor the herstory we are creating Together... right now.
To further artistic growth, and aid in both personal and professional development, RTL company members will partake in a dance intensive program that focuses on technical training in Afro Cuban dance styles, Yoruba/Lucumí traditions and Cuban-Haitian traditions. The company will specifically explore dance traditions that were brought to the Eastern shores of Cuba by waves of migration from Haiti, with Isaias Rojas Ramirez, and his company, Ban Rarra!
is an ancestral story and journey from Haiti, Canada, to Cuba
that we are about to relive, study and share through our travels.
Together they went and together we shall go.
We are living herstory and to honor the herstory we are creating Together... right now.
To further artistic growth, and aid in both personal and professional development, RTL company members will partake in a dance intensive program that focuses on technical training in Afro Cuban dance styles, Yoruba/Lucumí traditions and Cuban-Haitian traditions. The company will specifically explore dance traditions that were brought to the Eastern shores of Cuba by waves of migration from Haiti, with Isaias Rojas Ramirez, and his company, Ban Rarra!
Our devoted community came through for us BIG TIME, to get us to Haiti in 2014, and to Montreal in 2016. Will you consider donating to this campaign to get us to Cuba? ANY amount you feel called to give, will help us tremendously!
https://www.gofundme.com/rtl-vodou-voyage-destination-cuba
A preview of RTL's latest photo shoot with Luke Atwood Abiol.
Video: Tossie Long
Artistic Direction: Portsha Jefferson + Tossie Long
Location: the indigenous tea house/voudux
Friday Night Groove!
Dance Workshop + Final Fundraiser 4 CUBA!
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You don't need a club! Come through to the studio on July 7th and get your Friday night groove ON! This is RTL's fourth and final fundraiser to help us get to Cuba in August. Would love to see you there!
Come through and dance with Rara Tou Limen to the sounds of Rara/Kanaval, Racine (roots) and Afrobeat! Join us for a FUN and FESTIVE workshop that's guaranteed to get you moving, while raising funds for a worthy cause! 
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July 7 | 7:15pm-8:45pm Bliss Fitness and Health 4268 Broadway, Oakland (across from Oakland Tech) Donation: $20 |
Cuban-Haitian + Haitian Folkloric Dance Fundraiser
Haiti + Cuba UNITED!
Jose "Cheo" Rojas Ramirez (co-founder, Ban Rarra) and
Portsha T. Jefferson (artistic director, Rara Tou Limen)
joined forces, on June 25th to explore the relationship between
Cuban-Haitian and Haitian Folkloric dance!
SKIRTS. STEPS. SPIRIT!
AYIBOBO & ACHE!
What a beautiful spirit-filled class! Both traditions were aligned, skirts swayin', music thumpin' and energy RIGHT!
Give thanks to everyone in attendance! We raised $560!
Thank you for supporting the journey. We are gaining momentum!
Haiti. Canada. CUBA! The journey continues...
AYIBOBO & ACHE!
What a beautiful spirit-filled class! Both traditions were aligned, skirts swayin', music thumpin' and energy RIGHT!
Give thanks to everyone in attendance! We raised $560!
Thank you for supporting the journey. We are gaining momentum!
Haiti. Canada. CUBA! The journey continues...
A Celebration of Katherine Dunham
presented by
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center
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A visionary. A cultural icon.
The “matriarch and queen mother of black dance”. All of this and more describes dancer and choreographer Katherine Dunham. Ashkenaz celebrates her legacy with an evening of community dance, storytelling, and performance. Come and try an Introduction to Dunham Technique led by Eyla Josie Moore. Then Danielle Hall will share her reflections on the Life and Legacy of Ms. Dunham followed by historic video footage. The evening will culminate with a special performance by the renowned dance company Rara Tou Limen. Come and join us on the 108th occasion of her birthday! Dance lesson 7:00PM - $10 Presentation/Performance 8:00 – 9:00 - $15 Dance Lesson and Presentation/Performance 7 – 9:00 - $20 |
I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge these beautiful souls. RTL - my dance family.
We were asked by Ashkenaz to perform for a tribute to Katherine Dunham in celebration of her birthday. Although the calendar was booked, and I'm knee-deep in projects, I couldn't decline the invitation to honor Ms. Dunham!
When you only have five weeks to create a piece, with ideas and choreography flowing, gathering photos and music to create a slide presentation within the piece + reverting back to that time in Haiti where you too went through that ritual rebirth that Ms. Dunham experienced...
Had my emotions in high gear throughout the process.
AS ALWAYS, RTL had my back! rose to the occasion, and came out winning like the champs they are! They trusted me throughout this emotional process, with my eye rolls, high expectations and all...
We aren't perfect. Trust, there are trials and tribulations, as in every family, but what holds us together is the genuine love and respect we have for one another, which clearly shines through on stage.
You all SHINED bright last night.
We were asked by Ashkenaz to perform for a tribute to Katherine Dunham in celebration of her birthday. Although the calendar was booked, and I'm knee-deep in projects, I couldn't decline the invitation to honor Ms. Dunham!
When you only have five weeks to create a piece, with ideas and choreography flowing, gathering photos and music to create a slide presentation within the piece + reverting back to that time in Haiti where you too went through that ritual rebirth that Ms. Dunham experienced...
Had my emotions in high gear throughout the process.
AS ALWAYS, RTL had my back! rose to the occasion, and came out winning like the champs they are! They trusted me throughout this emotional process, with my eye rolls, high expectations and all...
We aren't perfect. Trust, there are trials and tribulations, as in every family, but what holds us together is the genuine love and respect we have for one another, which clearly shines through on stage.
You all SHINED bright last night.
We presented Onè ak Respè, Manbo Ayizan, in honor of Katherine Dunham's birthday.
Not only a dance ethnographer, she was called to serve the spirits, and initiated into Haitian Vodou in 1980 as a Manbo Asogwe.
My love, respect and admiration runs deep for this woman!
As the inspiration behind this choreography, and also as a servant of Lwa, I give thanks to all the spirits for using me as a vessel to continue this important work, and to my dance family Rara Tou Limen, Honor and Respect to you all for your individual qualities, your commitment to the company, the craft, and your love for Haiti and Vodou.
Onward and upward...
Ayibobo. Ayibobo. Ayibobo!!
photo credit: me
*im behind the lens in this one. nice to take in all that beauty and appreciate it from a different perspective.
Not only a dance ethnographer, she was called to serve the spirits, and initiated into Haitian Vodou in 1980 as a Manbo Asogwe.
My love, respect and admiration runs deep for this woman!
As the inspiration behind this choreography, and also as a servant of Lwa, I give thanks to all the spirits for using me as a vessel to continue this important work, and to my dance family Rara Tou Limen, Honor and Respect to you all for your individual qualities, your commitment to the company, the craft, and your love for Haiti and Vodou.
Onward and upward...
Ayibobo. Ayibobo. Ayibobo!!
photo credit: me
*im behind the lens in this one. nice to take in all that beauty and appreciate it from a different perspective.
The San Leandro Library hosted Rara Tou Limen for a Night in Haiti. This was a fun filled family night, where we danced, drummed, sang, had an interactive dance session with participants, and spoke about Haiti. The kids loved their activities. They learned about metal art, made their own, and even used cornmeal to trace Veve's! What I appreciated about the library is that they were not afraid of Vodou. They GOT it! They gave us the platform to educate our audience about Haiti + Vodou in a family setting where all could participate, appreciate and enjoy!
Danse Kongo!
display/resource table created by Rara Tou Limen
Haitian dance comes to
Saint Mary's High School!
Haiti, The Underside of History
THEME:
GOALS:
THEME:
- Critical understanding of history, particularly how our single narrative leaves out/distorts the peoples' experience.
- How can we "feel" the underside of history?
- We will use multiple mediums to access this experience in hopes that we can get a more complete picture of history and our capacity to act as positive agents of change.
- The historical themes of plunder and lying will be exposed, but the focus will be on the idea that all humans long for freedom, liberty, and self-determination.
GOALS:
- Understand the history of colonialism and imperialism through the lens of art.
- Experience the urge for human freedom.
- Encourage students to take positive risks, try new activities.
- Create class community while having fun.
Rara Tou Limen presents:
The White Party 2017
New Year. New Energy. New Beginnings.
A new year is upon us,
and Rara Tou Limen would love to open our
2017 Dance Season with YOU!
New Year.
New Energy.
New Beginnings.
The White Party is a community offering. The healing space is created for participants to begin the new year with positive energy, good intentions, goals and manifestations. Our Sunday Haitian Folkloric dance class is more than taking steps across the floor. We are in “Church” and use DANCE as a form of worship. On January 22nd, we all come together as one, nourishing our own Body, Mind & Spirit, while honoring Haiti, Lwa and the Drum.
and Rara Tou Limen would love to open our
2017 Dance Season with YOU!
New Year.
New Energy.
New Beginnings.
The White Party is a community offering. The healing space is created for participants to begin the new year with positive energy, good intentions, goals and manifestations. Our Sunday Haitian Folkloric dance class is more than taking steps across the floor. We are in “Church” and use DANCE as a form of worship. On January 22nd, we all come together as one, nourishing our own Body, Mind & Spirit, while honoring Haiti, Lwa and the Drum.
WHEN: January 22, 2017
WHERE: The Humanist Hall
390 27th Street, Oakland CA.
TIME: 2pm-7pm
OFFERING: $20
ATTIRE: WHITE
*Community Potluck to immediately follow the dance section of the White Party. Please bring a dish, drink, or dessert offering to share with the community.
*Suggested Altar Offerings: White Flowers, White Candles, Fruit, Florida Water
WHERE: The Humanist Hall
390 27th Street, Oakland CA.
TIME: 2pm-7pm
OFFERING: $20
ATTIRE: WHITE
*Community Potluck to immediately follow the dance section of the White Party. Please bring a dish, drink, or dessert offering to share with the community.
*Suggested Altar Offerings: White Flowers, White Candles, Fruit, Florida Water
How was the White Party 2016?
Here's what our community had to say!
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"Attended this beautiful gathering on Sunday and it gave me Life. Portsha Jefferson you hold space for community like no other! Thank you for your beautiful company, drummers, and Daniel's generous leadership on the path. I am so thankful!! Love you all and may all your intentions and dreams come to fruition. Ayibobo!" "Rara Tou Limen your white party yesterday was awesome. Most spiritually, culturally, and physically uplifting and powerful. Thank you for the communal joining. Ayibobo!"
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"Thank you all so much for lending your time and energy to us today! The White Party was powerful. My spirit is full and overjoyed by the pure display of love, service, and community. So grateful to be spiritually and culturally enriched through RTL. Ayibobo!!!!" "Thank you Portsha, Daniel and all of RTL for creating such a beautiful space of release and healing."
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"On 01-17-2016 #raratoulimen brought the Spirit of #ayiti #vodou #haiti to #oakland #california It was an honor to be present at the top of the year while folks from all over came draped in all white to dance, sing, cleanse, shout, release, and Let Go. The awakening, enlightenment, energy, and Spirit that filled the The Humanist Hall in Oakland this day was unspeakable. I wouldn't be me if I couldn't do what I do. Thank you #raratoulimen for keeping the tradition of Haiti alive here in the Bay."
Inspired by the diversity and vibrancy of the Bay Area’s African arts scene,
Duniya Dance and Drum Company is presenting its second African Arts Festival!
RTL had a great time performing at the African Arts Festival in SF. Gede antics were alive and kicking! Gede season is upon us (November) and we look forward to honoring our Ancestors and celebrating with you all at our 13th annual Fet Gede on November 6th. Look out for the official invitation this week!
Thank you, Joti Singh and Bongo Sidibe for organizing and showcasing the amazing talent we have in the Bay. The day was filled with good vibes, great people, beautiful dancing and bomb Jamaican food!
#africanartsfest #raratoulimen #ancestorsalute #gede #haitiandance #blacklivesmatter
MUA: Halima Marshall
Artistic Design: Portsha Jefferson
Inspiration: Laolu Ori Ritual Body Art
Thank you, Joti Singh and Bongo Sidibe for organizing and showcasing the amazing talent we have in the Bay. The day was filled with good vibes, great people, beautiful dancing and bomb Jamaican food!
#africanartsfest #raratoulimen #ancestorsalute #gede #haitiandance #blacklivesmatter
MUA: Halima Marshall
Artistic Design: Portsha Jefferson
Inspiration: Laolu Ori Ritual Body Art
The VODOU Tee is HERE!
Purchase your Vodou Tee here: teespring.com/thevodoutee1
*the Vodou Tee created by Portsha T. Jefferson
Artistic Director, Rara Tou Limen*
Let's represent what Vodou really is, and how we choose to manifest it into our life.
LET'S RECLAIM OUR TRADITIONS!
*the Vodou Tee created by Portsha T. Jefferson
Artistic Director, Rara Tou Limen*
Let's represent what Vodou really is, and how we choose to manifest it into our life.
LET'S RECLAIM OUR TRADITIONS!
RTL's brother in Dance, Elvin Nathan Jones
spreading the movement all the way in Maui, Hawaii!
The VODOU TEE Movement is ALIVE!
"A wonderful woman just stopped to ask me about the shirt's meaning.
We made a nice connection! I love this life!" ~ Elvin Nathan Jones
Click on photo to read Reflections: AYITI CHERIE
One year and five months later...Reflections: AYITI CHERIE: A Black Woman's Journey (2003-2015)
is now published on RTL's website!
Reflections is a project that I decided to take on to document my travels to Haiti. It is a deep, personal journey in sacrifice, commitment and self discovery. This project has forced me to sit still on occasion and reflect on my humble beginning as a 5 year old ballerina to the 40+ dancer I am today.
I'm a private person. Many of you do not know me outside of the dance studio. At this point in my life, I don't have anything to loose. I'm learning that it's okay to be open and vulnerable. I'm sharing my journey with the world, and as scary as that may be, I feel good about it! My hope is that it will inspire young dancers who are thirsty and hungry about this dance life, to be fearless, and GO and get fed. My hope is that folks will SEE Haiti. In all of her glory and continue to salute the first free Black Republic in the world.
Please feel free to share the work. I would love to hear feedback, thoughts, suggestions and even critiques.
Use it as a resource, a source of inspiration to create the life you want. I am blessed to live a life that I have created through DANCE. On my own terms. My journey is far from over. I'm excited and ready for the next chapter. AYIBOBO!
is now published on RTL's website!
Reflections is a project that I decided to take on to document my travels to Haiti. It is a deep, personal journey in sacrifice, commitment and self discovery. This project has forced me to sit still on occasion and reflect on my humble beginning as a 5 year old ballerina to the 40+ dancer I am today.
I'm a private person. Many of you do not know me outside of the dance studio. At this point in my life, I don't have anything to loose. I'm learning that it's okay to be open and vulnerable. I'm sharing my journey with the world, and as scary as that may be, I feel good about it! My hope is that it will inspire young dancers who are thirsty and hungry about this dance life, to be fearless, and GO and get fed. My hope is that folks will SEE Haiti. In all of her glory and continue to salute the first free Black Republic in the world.
Please feel free to share the work. I would love to hear feedback, thoughts, suggestions and even critiques.
Use it as a resource, a source of inspiration to create the life you want. I am blessed to live a life that I have created through DANCE. On my own terms. My journey is far from over. I'm excited and ready for the next chapter. AYIBOBO!
Rara Tou Limen (RTL) Haitian Dance Company recently traveled to Montreal Canada to take the stage and perform with Mapou Ginen and Sole Danse Traditionnelle Moderne. Through the creative process of the three companies, TWA commemorated the 225th Anniversary of Ceremony Bwa Kayiman, while exploring the contribution of women who played an active role in the Haitian Revolution, specifically the contributions of Cécile Fatiman. What would it take for an ordinary woman to rise above her current circumstance and be a fundamental actor in a major turning point in Haitian history? What would her personal and spiritual process look like? What are the different ways the spirits that walk with her would accompany her, helping to fulfill her mission?
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WE DID IT!
RTL brought the fire to Montreal! What an AMAZING performance with our dance families Mapou Ginen and Sole Danse Traditionnelle Moderne! We've received so much love and support from everyone in Montreal! Thank you all for the warm welcome. This is just the beginning! Looking forward to the next one. Blessed and humbled for this opportunity to continue the WORK.
Dream it.
Create it.
LIVE IT!
RTL hosted a Song + Dance Workshop with Artistic Director, Portsha Jefferson and Musical Director, Daniel Brav Brevil. We were thrilled for another opportunity to share the Bay Area's love for Haitian culture and arts internationally!
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RTL Song + Dance Workshop, Montreal Canada | August 14
Mapou family, thank you for providing the space + opportunity to dance and sing with your community. The workshop was awesome! After we ALL put it down on stage the night before, with intense rehearsals in between, everyone came through to the workshop with great energy, positive vibes, and with the willingness to learn. Give thanks to everyone who came out to share in the culture! The singing, the drumming... just powerful. What a release and a great way to celebrate our collective efforts!
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Photos: Camille Steneck
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Vinn Pran Baget 2016
Vinn Pran Baget is an annual Dance & Drum Retreat, located in the beautiful coastal city of Jacmel, Haiti. This was Portsha's first collaboration with Dieufel "Ferlo" Lamisere, who is the founder of Dance To Save Lives. As part of Vinn Pran Baget's faculty, Portsha taught a series of Haitian Folkloric dance classes focusing on technique, form and function.
What an honor to work with these young people! They are driven, eager, dedicated and talented individuals who live to DANCE! During this trip, I learned much from them. I am full and thankful for my guides for continually placing my feet on Haitian soil. I am so grateful for this opportunity to teach what has been passed down to me. I'm humbled that my brother, friend and teacher extended the invitation to work with these amazing kids. It was really an exhilarating moment in my dance career. This experience will always remain close to my heart. Onward and upward! I look forward to the next opportunity!
What an honor to work with these young people! They are driven, eager, dedicated and talented individuals who live to DANCE! During this trip, I learned much from them. I am full and thankful for my guides for continually placing my feet on Haitian soil. I am so grateful for this opportunity to teach what has been passed down to me. I'm humbled that my brother, friend and teacher extended the invitation to work with these amazing kids. It was really an exhilarating moment in my dance career. This experience will always remain close to my heart. Onward and upward! I look forward to the next opportunity!
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About Dance To Save Lives
At Dance To Save Lives, we provide kids in need the necessary resources to keep them off the streets. We train them in Haitian folkloric and modern dance forms. These accessible activities and services are provided daily for free in the city of Jacmel, Haiti. The students are immersed into the world of dance, allowing them to learn what it takes to be a professional performing artist, choreographer and/or dance Instructor. They also gain experience by touring as performers across the country of Haiti. We maximize the potential of our youth by exposing them to the rich traditional and contemporary aspects of Haitian culture through the lens of the performing arts.
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Dance To Save Lives performing at 'Seeking' | Photo Courtesy: Guy de Chalus
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Dance To Save Lives with Artistic Director, Dieufel Lamisere | Photo courtesy: Camille Steneck
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Dance To Save Lives hopes to increase the number of opportunities for these students to become successful performing artists of the future in Haiti. We are working hard to have a big impact on this community as a whole with our efforts. It is crucial that people in our community understand and acknowledge the importance of dance in our society. For more info about DANCE TO SAVE LIVES please go to www.dancetosavelives.com or e-mail Dieufel Lamisere at dieufel@gmail.com or call directly (509) 44505319 |
TOUT NASYON ANSANM
(All Nations Together)
at SF Carnaval 2015!
Solidarity. Unification. Comm(UNITY!)
Solidarity with the African Nations in Haiti, Unification between Haiti & The Dominican Republic.
Celebrating the principle of Community!
Rara Tou Limen & RTL Kanaval Group 2015 came together as a Family, a Community, or as they say in Haiti, a Sosyete (Society) that comes together to do the work. Our work is the Dance. The Singing. The Drumming. As the sole Haitian contingent in the parade, our job was to represent Haiti in full splendor! This year, we paid homage to the Indigenous people of Ayiti/Quisqueya: The Taino, along with the various African nations in Haiti. Ibo. Mayi. Dahomey. Nago. These nations fought for their freedom, and have made a way for us to be where we are today. These nations are REAL. They are relevant. Their strength, pride, determination and resilience needs to be honored, uplifted and celebrated. On May 24th, WE came together as ONE to pay reverence to these mighty nations.
Solidarity with the African Nations in Haiti, Unification between Haiti & The Dominican Republic.
Celebrating the principle of Community!
Rara Tou Limen & RTL Kanaval Group 2015 came together as a Family, a Community, or as they say in Haiti, a Sosyete (Society) that comes together to do the work. Our work is the Dance. The Singing. The Drumming. As the sole Haitian contingent in the parade, our job was to represent Haiti in full splendor! This year, we paid homage to the Indigenous people of Ayiti/Quisqueya: The Taino, along with the various African nations in Haiti. Ibo. Mayi. Dahomey. Nago. These nations fought for their freedom, and have made a way for us to be where we are today. These nations are REAL. They are relevant. Their strength, pride, determination and resilience needs to be honored, uplifted and celebrated. On May 24th, WE came together as ONE to pay reverence to these mighty nations.
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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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"Taino" | Photo Credit: Aja
