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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.
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 | Lecture Demonstration | Kanaval Group
PORTSHA T. JEFFERSON
FOUNDER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Hailing from a blazed Dance trek, her Dancestory is truly emblazoned by that of Ancestral commission. From Beaumont, Texas to the Bay Area for over 20 years Portsha Terae Jefferson also revered as, "Zetwal Ashade Bon Manbo" has cultivated a trajectory of Dance excellence, dynamic performance and a cultural legacy of training, education and cultural exchange. Often nurtured by Bay Area Dance luminaries Lynn Coles and Blanche Brown to name a few, to Haitian Dance Masters such as Pioneer Vivianne Gauthier [iba'e] with consistent training at Ecole Nationale de Artes [ENARTS], transcended through the establishment of Rara Tou Limen Haitian Performing Company in 2004, Oakland, California.
Ms. Jefferson's visionary Artistic leadership and RTL Company's unforgettable presentations have garnered her the attention as respected colleague and emerging cultural gatekeeper, forging new trailways through ancient traditions -- staying truth to the sojourn carving pathways for many to flourish crossing boundaries and dimensions in the Dance.
Click on Portsha's image for Oakland North Article | Photo: Bethanie Hines
Check out my BLOG!
thoughts, opinions, feelings, rants. randomness...
Vodou + Vodou Voyage Reflections: Haiti. Cuba. NOLA. Benin.
CLICK on photo for the BLOG!
DANCING SPIRITS:
Female Lwa Embodied through Movement, Song, Writing and Ritual
is evolving and expanding!
Now in our 2nd year,
Rara Tou Limen's latest collaboration is with an incredible line-up of
Artists, Healers and Wellness Practitioners!
CLICK ON PHOTO FOR DANCING SPIRITS PAGE
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The 2020 Apprenticeship Program cohort of 32 artists (16 pairs) represents California’s breadth of cultural diversity and intergenerational learning. The pairs range from mentor artists in their 70s to a 12-year old apprentice, spanning from San Diego to Contra Costa Counties. These apprenticeships continue thriving traditions, including indigenous California cultural practices like the Southern California tribal sport Waw’kish. Others celebrate traditions which have taken root in California, and originally hail from the Philippines, Laos, India, Iran, Haiti, Peru, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, West Africa, and the Andes of South America. |
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HAITIAN FOLKLORIC DANCE
In 2020, master traditional dancer Portsha Jefferson is joined by apprentice Halima Marshall in the study of Haitian Folkloric Dance rooted in the African spiritual practices of Vodou. The goal of the apprenticeship is to deepen Halima’s knowledge of Haitian folkloric dance and culture through the study of the distinctions and nuances of dances. More specifically, the apprenticeship will focus on technique, style and performance. Because dance is deeply intertwined with spirituality in Haitian folkloric dance and culture, the apprenticeship will include the historical study of folkloric Haitian dance forms and styles, as well as the meaning, energy and spirit attributed to them. |
Drastically shifted and altered,
with distance between us,
our Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) Apprenticeship continues...
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This isn’t simply “dance steps” or a “how to” process.
There is a curriculum: Mama Lola - A Vodou Priest in Brooklyn, is used as a resource + tool to connect my apprentice and her personal journey as a women to Vodou. The current chapter of study highlights the Ezili’s. La Sirene’s energy is strong with this one, so a site specific session was a must! We took it to the beach! Black August. The month I’ve reserved since 2014 to travel for artistic, personal and spiritual development. I was scheduled to return to Benin on Monday morning. Full itinerary with a few days in Togo too! Instead, I’m on this soil, as an active participant in my dear sister’s development, nurturing the process, while watching it unfold. Time. Dedication. Focus. COMMITMENT with intention! It’s a beautiful thing. Thank you community for cheering Halima on! The dance legacy continues... |
"La Sirene" | Pictured: Portsha T. Jefferson | Photographer: Bethanie Hines
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Presenting Apprentice Halima Marshall with Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn
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Excerpt. “Several female spirits belong to the group called Ezili. The three most important are La Sirene, the mermaid who links ancient African senses of woman power and water power; Ezili Dantò, the hardworking, solitary, sometimes raging mother; and Ezili Freda, the sensual and elegant, flirtatious and frustrated one. This chapter focuses on each of these powerful women spirits, in turn; all three are discussed in one chapter because each is more understandable in the relation to the others. Taken together, they give a remarkably accurate and detailed portrait of the forces that shape women’s lives both in contemporary Haiti and in Haitian immigrant communities such as the one in which Alourdes lives.”
Source: Mama Lola x Karen McCarthy Brown Apprentice: Halima Marshall 🎥: Portsha T. Jefferson |
Outdoor Movement Sessions
It was said that the drums were heard across the lake.
Rada + Petwo drums and rhythms shifting heavy energy (we better NOT see another noose in a tree at Lake Merritt), while providing much needed healing and protection for our crew. May everyone who’s curiosity prompted a pause, those who walked and jogged by, those who even sat, taking it all in - it is my sincere hope that this medicine fed your soul.
RTL’s first gathering since March.
Masked & distanced, while staying spiritually fed and connected.
Big Love and Supreme Gratitude for this dance + drum family.
Our Self Care rituals don’t stop.
We keep it moving... Honoring our well being is a MUST!
Give thanks to the healing powers of Dance & the Drum.
We are nourished.
“We Will Stay Breathing”
Rada + Petwo drums and rhythms shifting heavy energy (we better NOT see another noose in a tree at Lake Merritt), while providing much needed healing and protection for our crew. May everyone who’s curiosity prompted a pause, those who walked and jogged by, those who even sat, taking it all in - it is my sincere hope that this medicine fed your soul.
RTL’s first gathering since March.
Masked & distanced, while staying spiritually fed and connected.
Big Love and Supreme Gratitude for this dance + drum family.
Our Self Care rituals don’t stop.
We keep it moving... Honoring our well being is a MUST!
Give thanks to the healing powers of Dance & the Drum.
We are nourished.
“We Will Stay Breathing”
SWA KONGO!!!
The sweetness of Kongo is always a VIBE! Just what we needed. Sun. Smiles. Skirts. Trees. ...and the DRUM! What a JOYFUL VIBE! |
Saturday • Dance SALUTE!
Meditation + Libations were in order to open the space. Water, Rum, heartfelt prayers, and reflections around our activated tree that serves as our Poto Mitan... Fly, sis Efeya, FLY! Sweet Ascension, fierce, amazing, beautiful dancer! We danced in your honor. This Parigol/Mayi Pop Up Session was right on time. Give thanks to my Dance Mission & Malonga students who came for the medicine. I’m honored to provide a sacred, safe, space. We are HERE... using dance & music to heal. |
Virtual Movement Sessions
Petwo Fire! Participants
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ROOTS! Renew & Rebirth Participants
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Warrior Wednesday | Ibo Participants
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BREATHE, MOVE & EXPRESS with Black Arts Retreat!
Sound Meditation by Black Arts Retreat Foundress, Kelly Greenlight
Writing Meditation with Marie Casimir
Movement Meditation lead by Portsha T. Jefferson
Writing Meditation with Marie Casimir
Movement Meditation lead by Portsha T. Jefferson
Channeling Anger Participants
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KONBIT Participants
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Queen Mother Manbo Dòwòti Désir Honou Houna II Guely in the BAY!
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QUEEN MOTHER MANBO Shine!
Most recently enthroned as Kpodjito of the Royal Palace of Dada Daagbo Hounon Houna in the Republic of Benin, she is a Manbo Asogwe, independent scholar, human rights activist, author, photographer, and faith leader of African Religious Traditions. She is the Founder of the AfroAtlantic Theologies & Treaties Institute, and the Chairperson of the NGO Committee for the Elimination of Racism, Afrophobia & Colorism located at the United Nations.
March 4
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March 6
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March 7
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March 8
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Dancing Spirits 2019 Participants | CLICK on photo for DANCING SPIRITS PAGE!
Bon Fet Kouzen Zaka!
May is Haitian Heritage Month!...It’s also Kouzen’s time!
Saluting the Minister of Agriculture, the tireless farmer who works the earth with his hands.
We seek Kouzen's assistance to ensure that everything we plant in our lives, (job, project, finances, etc.) grows strong in abundance.
Through hard work, dedication, and a strong work ethic, we reap the benefits of our labor.
I pray our essential workers, and those who are working the earth for our benefit are covered, safe and always protected.
Thinking of my dance community, as we won't be able to celebrate our annual KONBIT for KOUZEN in person.
The footage below is a clear visual of how we come together to collectively honor dance, music and cultural traditions in the Bay.
Alaso Kouzen! Alaso Kouzin!
Saluting the Minister of Agriculture, the tireless farmer who works the earth with his hands.
We seek Kouzen's assistance to ensure that everything we plant in our lives, (job, project, finances, etc.) grows strong in abundance.
Through hard work, dedication, and a strong work ethic, we reap the benefits of our labor.
I pray our essential workers, and those who are working the earth for our benefit are covered, safe and always protected.
Thinking of my dance community, as we won't be able to celebrate our annual KONBIT for KOUZEN in person.
The footage below is a clear visual of how we come together to collectively honor dance, music and cultural traditions in the Bay.
Alaso Kouzen! Alaso Kouzin!
RTL WHITE PARTY
SAVE THE DATE!
January 10, 2021
"Attended this beautiful gathering 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!"
through the years...
"Rara Tou Limen your white party yesterday was awesome.
Most spiritually, culturally, and physically uplifting and powerful.
Thank you for the communal joining.
Ayibobo!"
TO GET HER: THERE
RTL's dance project.
The journey continues...
“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!
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
RTL Vodou Voyage: Destination CUBA!
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Havana, Cuba | August 2017 | Haitian Folkloric + Cuban Haitian Workshop with Rara Tou Limen & Ban Rarra
Ban Rarra (Cuban-Haitian) + Rara Tou Limen (Haitian Folkloric) Dance Workshop
featuring Isaias Rojas Ramirez & Portsha T. Jefferson
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 |
RTL 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.
The VODOU Tee is HERE!
Purchase your Vodou Tee here: teespring.com/thevodoutee1
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!
*the Vodou Tee created by Portsha T. Jefferson
Artistic Director, Rara Tou Limen*
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
One year and five months later...
Reflections: AYITI CHERIE: A Black Woman's Journey (2003-2015)
is now published on RTL's website!
Click on photo to read Reflections: AYITI CHERIE
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.
Use it as a resource, a source of inspiration to create the life you want.
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 |
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
