Compas/Kompa Dance

Compas a traditional Haitain meringue, jazz and Vodou rhythm couples dance, primarily focusing on movements of the hips; also known as Konpa, Kompa, Compas direct, or Kompa direkt, Compas originated in Haiti in the 1950's and the root of this dance style was created by the Haitian band, Ensemble Aux Callebasses. Compas took off across the Caribbean and quickly became popular, especially in the French dominant speaking Islands. As the genre traveled, it influenced many new genres like Soca, Kassav, and the faster paced version of Compas called Zouk. Join us as we learn the basics of this sensual style of dance, solo or with a partner. Julio Jean & Robinson Mathurin will take you on a journey of blissfulness through movement.

Julio Jean is a renowned master Haitian dance teacher and choreographer. He blends traditional Haitian forms with modern and contemporary dance to create compelling movement narratives. His extensive career of over 20 years includes work with Katherine Dunham and performances of his company’s choreographies at Alvin Ailey and Central Park’s Summer Stage. Julio studied with Lavinia Williams, a company member of Katherine Dunham, at the National School of Arts in Haiti. In 1989, he moved to New York City and worked directly with Katherine Dunham, teaching traditional Haitian dance for her teacher training. He has been a guest teacher at Webster University in Saint Louis and Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany; and has taught workshops in San Francisco, Milwaukee, and at the Dance New England Dance Camp in Poland, Maine. Currently, Julio teaches in New York City and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Julio is also a songwriter and composer of traditional Haitian music; he released the album: “Kenbe la,” which encompasses the panorama of traditional Haitian music.

Robenson Mathurin is a professional Haiti-based dance artist performing, choreographing, and teaching Haitian Folklore, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, and Afro-based dance styles. Since 2012, he has been a principal dancer in the international Compagnie de Danse Jean Rene Delsoin, based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, through which he has toured in the USA, Trinidad, and Taiwan. In 2017, he created the platform "Robenson Dance & Fitness" to support better health and dance training in Haiti and abroad. His goal is to spread joy by building awareness of Afro-diaspora dance and exchanging with fellow dance artists in this industry.

Mathurin has worked with US-based companies including but not limited to Jean Appolon Expressions and Kriyol Dance! Collective. He has also choreographed for top Haitian artists including Ruthshelle Guillame and Darline Desca. He continues to expand his choreographic portfolio and training through international teaching opportunities and residencies.

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Host or Publisher Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance