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: [email protected]                                                                                                            

DANCE * SONG * DRUM Workshops
  Master Classes | Performances 
School Residencies | Cultural Exchange Trips to Haiti | 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

DANIEL BRAV BREVIL
MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Click on Daniel's image to hear the Haitian rhythm Ibo

The month of MAY has TWO wonderful opportunities to immerse yourself in
informative workshops celebrating the vibrancy of Haitian culture.

Join us as we celebrate Haitian Heritage Month!

MAY 5

Bon Fet Kouzen Zaka!
Rara Tou Limen presents: Konbit for Kouzen


The Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, OAK
| 2pm-4pm | $14

May is the feast month for Kouzen Zaka (Azaka, Azaka Mede, Minis), the patron Lwa (spirit) of farmers, work, and agriculture. Known as a Lwa travay, a work Lwa, Kouzen Zaka is a hard worker who works the earth with his hands and enjoys the simple things in life. 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. For the workshop, we come together as a community, in the spirit of a Konbit.

Konbit - a communal work gathering that includes harvesting, planting, cultivating the earth, and building the community in solidarity.

Join us as we sing and learn Zaka's dances: Djouba, Konbit, and Chawo Pye!

Suggested attire:
Straw hats, straw/wicker baskets, (denim/chambray) skirts, shirts, patchwork, plaids, gingham prints, etc.
Offering:
Please bring a fruit or vegetable for the altar.
🌽🍉🍏🍎🍐🍊🍅

MAY 18

[CLICK on photo for location, fees and materials]

Dancing Spirits is a Wellness Workshop Series exploring Female Lwa in Haitian Vodou


Facilitated by Portsha T. Jefferson, Artistic Director, Dancer, Choreographer and Vodou Practitioner, participants will have the opportunity to retreat inward, channel energy, release, write, affirm, learn traditional healing practices, inquire about Lwa + Vodou, sing and of course DANCE!

Sacred space will be created to provide an intimate setting. Participants who are interested in honoring spiritual growth, self-care, learning and healing are encouraged to attend.

May 18: It's Haitian Flag Day! | Session 5 - "FruitFULL Flow"

Lwa: Kouzin (The Merchant)

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Affirmations:

"I have the power to create the success and build the wealth I desire."
" I am grateful for the abundance that I have
and the abundance on its way."
"I deserve to be paid for my skills, time and knowledge."
"I give myself permission to prosper and grow."
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May is officially Haitian Heritage Month! May is also the feast month for Haiti's Agriculture Spirits: KOUZEN & KOUZIN, the powerful duo of farmer and merchant who are both healers. Unbeknownst to many, Kouzin is a woman, a successful Merchant (Machann), with a keen business sense, and beastly bargaining skills. She is a business woman who ensures her survival, and that of her family.

What are your manifestation rituals to achieve your "FruitFULL FLOW?"

What does your Financial Freedom look like?


Come! Tap in and cultivate your Entrepreneurial Spirit! Let's honor and salute Kouzin's energy through Movement, Song & Ritual!

"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!"

"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!!!!"

WHEN: January 14, 2018
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

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!"

Rara Tou Limen presents:
“RTL Vodou Voyage: Destination Cuba” Photo Exhibit & Documentary Premiere
January 27, 2018

Join us as we celebrate the work of Documentary Photographer, Woosler "Ti Woose" Delisfort, who accompanied Rara Tou Limen on their recent trip to Havana, Cuba this past summer.

Rara Tou Limen Haitian Folkloric Dance Company embarked on a 10-day dance intensive program focused on personal development and technical training in Afro-Cuban dance styles, Yoruba/Lukumi ceremonial traditions, and Cuban-Haitian folkloric traditions. The company specifically explored dance traditions brought to the Eastern shores of Cuba by waves of migration from Haiti.

In addition to the documentary screening of “RTL Vodou Voyage: Destination Cuba”, which chronicles the company’s immersive dance journey, we will also present the work of Woosler's 2-year documentation of Vodou ceremonies in his hometown of Little Haiti, located in Miami, FL.
Additional programming to include Ritual Works by Awon Ohun Omnira Choir, Grupo Mbele (Folklor Afro-Cuban) with Musical Director Pablo Soto Campoamor and Guest Choreographer Asatu Hall, Rara Tou Limen Dance Company, Artist discussion with Woosler "Ti Woose" Delisfort, and Orisa and Vodou altar installations.

 January 27th, 2018 | Joyce Gordon Gallery
406 14th Street
Oakland, CA 94612

 
1:00PM - 5:00PM Photo Exhibition Only (Doors Open) - Suggested Donation $10 and up (Pay at door)

6:00PM - 10:00PM Photo Exhibition, Performances & Screening ($15) - Pay on-line or at Door

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rtl-vodou-voyage-destination-cuba-photo-exhibit-documentary-premiere-tickets-40959581210

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!

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

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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

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...

A Celebration of Katherine Dunham
presented by
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center

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 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.

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:

• 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.

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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

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!

---

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

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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!

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?
 

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!

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!

Photos: Camille Steneck

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!

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.

Dance To Save Lives performing at 'Seeking' | Photo Courtesy: Guy de Chalus

Dance To Save Lives with Artistic Director, Dieufel Lamisere | Photo courtesy: Camille Steneck

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 [email protected] 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.

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!"

"Taino" | Photo Credit: Aja