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Jean Appolon ExpressionsSeptember 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023Annual Report Fiscal Year 2023 Message
1. Letter from the Directors2. JAE’s Mission and Vision3-4. Performance and the Professional Company5. Traka Tour6-7. Community Classes & Programming8. Community Retreat 9-10. Education - Summer Dance Institute11-12. Education - Harvard Leaders in Health13 -14. Education - Community Partnerships 15. Finances 16. IMPACT: SOCIAL DETRIMENTS OF HEALTH Table of ContentsArtistic Director: Jean Appolon (jean@jeanappolonexpressions.org)Executive Director: Meghan McGrath (megm@jeanappolonexpressions.org)JeanAppolonExpressions.org@jaebostonhaiti (Instagram)@Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) (Facebook)PHOTO ABOVE AND COVER PHOTO BY NADIA TODRESGRAPHIC DESIGN BY IJ CHAN/SKETCHMONCHAN
1. Letter from the Directors2. JAE’s Mission and Vision3-4. Performance and the Professional Company5. Traka Tour6-7. Community Classes & Programming8. Community Retreat 9-10. Education - Summer Dance Institute11-12. Education - Harvard Leaders in Health13 -14. Education - Community Partnerships 15. Finances 16. IMPACT: SOCIAL DETRIMENTS OF HEALTH Table of ContentsArtistic Director: Jean Appolon (jean@jeanappolonexpressions.org)Executive Director: Meghan McGrath (megm@jeanappolonexpressions.org)JeanAppolonExpressions.org@jaebostonhaiti (Instagram)@Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) (Facebook)PHOTO ABOVE AND COVER PHOTO BY NADIA TODRESGRAPHIC DESIGN BY IJ CHAN/SKETCHMONCHAN
Mission/and VisionJAE continues to grow in its mission to cultivate hope, healing, and social justice through the power of dance.One of the year’s most profound moments was JAE’s long-awaited return to Haiti during the sum-mer of 2023 for the Summer Dance Institute aer ve years. Reecting on the experience, Jean shared, “For me, going there grounded the kids in a way but also gave them hope in their lives. They are suering from violence and instability every day, yet the way they received us was very healing.”This summer, we hosted Summer Dance Institutes in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in part-nership with Jean Denis (former SDI student) and Fundación Funtepod. These programs highlighted how dance can inspire and transform, emphasizing JAE’s vital role in fostering empowerment and joy amid adversity. In collaboration with researchers from the Harvard T.H. School of Public Health, we collect-ed data to measure the SDI’s impact on participants’ social, emotional, and physical health (see more on Pages 7-9). This year also marked JAE’s 10-year anniversary as an ocially recognized nonprot organization—a mile-stone that lls us with pride and hope for the decades ahead. Reecting on a decade of transformative work motivates us to dream even bigger, knowing how far we’ve come and what’s possible for the future.Our year was further enriched by the expansion of Traka, which took the company on tour to New York City and New Orleans. These performances and work-shops were transformative experiences, allowing us to collaborate with organizations such as the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and Ashé Cultural Arts Center, Third Eye Theatre, and Seasons Center in New Orleans. Sharing Traka with new national audiences was a pow-erful reminder of the resilience and beauty of our art.The growth we’ve experienced is not only reected in our programming but also in our team. We are thrilled to welcome new sta and board members, including Meghan Riling, a champion for education and STEAM initiatives, whose board leadership inspires us to dream even bigger. As JAE continues to expand, our ability to reach and upli communities grows alongside us.From returning to Haiti to celebrating 10 years of JAE, Fiscal Year 2023 was a year of landmark moments. Thank you to our incredible funders, volunteers, and supporters—you make this journey possible. Letter from the directorsWith love and gratitude,1 2PHOTO BY Robert torresPHOTO BY NADIA TODRESDear JAE Community,As we look back on Fiscal Year 2023, there is a lot to celebrate. photo by olivia moon / halfasianlensMISSION: JEAN APPOLON EXPRESSIONS (JAE) is a Haitian folkloric and con-temporary-infused dance organization that cultivates hope and healing to foster more expressive and socially just communities through professional performances, education, cultural experiences, and the celebration of the joy of movement for all.VISION :JAE shares the liberating power of Haitian-folkloric dance to cultivate hope and healing towards a more expressive and socially just world.
Mission/and VisionJAE continues to grow in its mission to cultivate hope, healing, and social justice through the power of dance.One of the year’s most profound moments was JAE’s long-awaited return to Haiti during the sum-mer of 2023 for the Summer Dance Institute aer ve years. Reecting on the experience, Jean shared, “For me, going there grounded the kids in a way but also gave them hope in their lives. They are suering from violence and instability every day, yet the way they received us was very healing.”This summer, we hosted Summer Dance Institutes in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in part-nership with Jean Denis (former SDI student) and Fundación Funtepod. These programs highlighted how dance can inspire and transform, emphasizing JAE’s vital role in fostering empowerment and joy amid adversity. In collaboration with researchers from the Harvard T.H. School of Public Health, we collect-ed data to measure the SDI’s impact on participants’ social, emotional, and physical health (see more on Pages 7-9). This year also marked JAE’s 10-year anniversary as an ocially recognized nonprot organization—a mile-stone that lls us with pride and hope for the decades ahead. Reecting on a decade of transformative work motivates us to dream even bigger, knowing how far we’ve come and what’s possible for the future.Our year was further enriched by the expansion of Traka, which took the company on tour to New York City and New Orleans. These performances and work-shops were transformative experiences, allowing us to collaborate with organizations such as the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and Ashé Cultural Arts Center, Third Eye Theatre, and Seasons Center in New Orleans. Sharing Traka with new national audiences was a pow-erful reminder of the resilience and beauty of our art.The growth we’ve experienced is not only reected in our programming but also in our team. We are thrilled to welcome new sta and board members, including Meghan Riling, a champion for education and STEAM initiatives, whose board leadership inspires us to dream even bigger. As JAE continues to expand, our ability to reach and upli communities grows alongside us.From returning to Haiti to celebrating 10 years of JAE, Fiscal Year 2023 was a year of landmark moments. Thank you to our incredible funders, volunteers, and supporters—you make this journey possible. Letter from the directorsWith love and gratitude,1 2PHOTO BY Robert torresPHOTO BY NADIA TODRESDear JAE Community,As we look back on Fiscal Year 2023, there is a lot to celebrate. photo by olivia moon / halfasianlensMISSION: JEAN APPOLON EXPRESSIONS (JAE) is a Haitian folkloric and con-temporary-infused dance organization that cultivates hope and healing to foster more expressive and socially just communities through professional performances, education, cultural experiences, and the celebration of the joy of movement for all.VISION :JAE shares the liberating power of Haitian-folkloric dance to cultivate hope and healing towards a more expressive and socially just world.
IJ Chan (she/her, Company Dancer and Graphic Designer)Velouse Joseph (she/her, Company Dancer)Meghan McGrath (she/her, Company Dancer and Executive Director)Lonnie Stanton (she/her, Company Dancer)Mcebisi Xotyeni (he/him, Company Dancer and Artistic Manager)Professional company3CELEBRATING HAITIAN DANCEDancers (names, pronouns, company role)PHOTO BY julia cumesPhotos by robert torres /courtesy of celebrity seriesPerformance Highlights from Fiscal Year 2023Finding Home: Immigrant Stories from Boston and Beyond75 Sept, 17, 2022Piers Park in East BostonHoopla Productions in collaboration with ZUMIXCelebrity Series of Boston: Traka164Oct 2, 2022Multicultural Arts CenterCelebrity Series of Boston 6th Annual Banboche 180 Nov 5, 2022 Arts at the ArmoryTraka at Music & Brain: From Health to Healing80 Jan 20, 2023Harvard UniversityHarvard University, Conte Center at Harvard, Boston Children’s HospitalTyaka140 April 1&2, 2023The Dance ComplexBLOOM ResidencyLIBÈTE: Celebrating Haitian Art & Community296 May 18, 2023Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumIsabella Stewart Gardner MuseumTraka: site-specic at the Concert Grove Pavillion in Prospect Park75 June 11, 2023 Brooklyn, NYThe National Jazz Museum & The National Endowment for the ArtsBeyond the Bounds Orchestra80 June 24, 2023Cape Cod National SeashoreBeyond the BoundsBeethoven to Gottschalk4,200 Aug 23, 2023 Hatch Memorial ShellLandmarks Orchestraself-produced4
IJ Chan (she/her, Company Dancer and Graphic Designer)Velouse Joseph (she/her, Company Dancer)Meghan McGrath (she/her, Company Dancer and Executive Director)Lonnie Stanton (she/her, Company Dancer)Mcebisi Xotyeni (he/him, Company Dancer and Artistic Manager)Professional company3CELEBRATING HAITIAN DANCEDancers (names, pronouns, company role)PHOTO BY julia cumesPhotos by robert torres /courtesy of celebrity seriesPerformance Highlights from Fiscal Year 2023Finding Home: Immigrant Stories from Boston and Beyond75 Sept, 17, 2022Piers Park in East BostonHoopla Productions in collaboration with ZUMIXCelebrity Series of Boston: Traka164Oct 2, 2022Multicultural Arts CenterCelebrity Series of Boston 6th Annual Banboche 180 Nov 5, 2022 Arts at the ArmoryTraka at Music & Brain: From Health to Healing80 Jan 20, 2023Harvard UniversityHarvard University, Conte Center at Harvard, Boston Children’s HospitalTyaka140 April 1&2, 2023The Dance ComplexBLOOM ResidencyLIBÈTE: Celebrating Haitian Art & Community296 May 18, 2023Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumIsabella Stewart Gardner MuseumTraka: site-specic at the Concert Grove Pavillion in Prospect Park75 June 11, 2023 Brooklyn, NYThe National Jazz Museum & The National Endowment for the ArtsBeyond the Bounds Orchestra80 June 24, 2023Cape Cod National SeashoreBeyond the BoundsBeethoven to Gottschalk4,200 Aug 23, 2023 Hatch Memorial ShellLandmarks Orchestraself-produced4
5 6Traka Tour :Exploring Healing Through DanceThrough performances, workshops, and residencies, the Traka tour fostered connection, cultural exchange, and healing, touching the lives of dancers, students, and audiences of all ages and levels. Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the tour established partnerships with renowned institutions.Traka explores how dance, culture, and community are path-ways to healing for victims of traumatic events.New Orleans was a rejuvenating time of connection. Being able to share with so many dierent institutions and arts centers and also experience the healing power of JAE’s dance and music in a new community was truly amazing!” -Jean Appolon “In FY2023, JAE brought the transformative power of Haitian folkloric dance and music to communities in New Orleans and Brooklyn.• Workshops in collaboration with Loyola University, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), N’Kafu African Dance Company, and the Congo Square Preservation SocietyImpact HighlightsNew Orleans Residencies:• 245 Audience Members across all eventsBrooklyn events: • Collaboration with cultural leaders Monique Moss and Kai Knight• Set Traka repertoire on youth dancers from the Silhouette Dance Ensemble, Directed by Kai Knight at Loyola University• Free Haitian Folkloric Dance and Drum class in Congo Square, in partnership with Luther Gray.• A site-specic performance of Traka in June• Participation in MAAFA, a racial healing commemoration of the ancestors, known and unknown, from the Trans-atlantic & Domestic Slave Trades through a collaboration with the Ashé Cultural Arts Center• Haitian Folkloric Master Classes with live drumming at Mark Morris Dance Center• Free Traka workshop and performance with JAE’s Musi-cal Director, Val Jeanty, at Prospect Park Concert Grove Pavilion, presented by National Jazz Museum of HarlemBy the Numbers:• 5+ Partner Organizations: including e National Jazz Museum in Harlem, NOCCA, Kriyol Dance! Collective, Mark Morris Dance Center, and Seasons Center, Treme Community Center, and the Congo Square Preservation Society• 160 Workshop ParticipantsCommunity Classes & Programming I came to JAE looking for a way to con-nect with my heritage and it lled me in more ways than one. I feel so connected to the music, the rhythm and dances. At a time where we are seeing so much dishar-mony, joining a class of strangers where ALL are welcome has been a true balm to my spirit. I’m so happy to be part of this dance community!”“-Beyazmin Jiménez, JAE Community Member & Haitian Folkloric Dance student PHOTO BY wayne lake Weekly Community ClassesJAE offered weekly open classes that connected a vibrant community of dancers locally and globally.Haitian Folkloric Dance: Each Saturday aernoon, approximately 40 to 60 students gathered in person to dance to live drumming, with additional participants joining from around the world via Zoom.African Dance Workout:On Monday evenings at e Dance Complex and e Foundry, Bisi led high-energy work-out classes, with 5 to 15 students attending each session.Creative Dance for Kids: In Fall 2022, Creative Dance for Kids classes were held via Zoom and at e Foundry in Cam-bridge and e Somerville Library, with atten-dance typically ranging from 15 to 25 students.
5 6Traka Tour :Exploring Healing Through DanceThrough performances, workshops, and residencies, the Traka tour fostered connection, cultural exchange, and healing, touching the lives of dancers, students, and audiences of all ages and levels. Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the tour established partnerships with renowned institutions.Traka explores how dance, culture, and community are path-ways to healing for victims of traumatic events.New Orleans was a rejuvenating time of connection. Being able to share with so many dierent institutions and arts centers and also experience the healing power of JAE’s dance and music in a new community was truly amazing!” -Jean Appolon “In FY2023, JAE brought the transformative power of Haitian folkloric dance and music to communities in New Orleans and Brooklyn.• Workshops in collaboration with Loyola University, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), N’Kafu African Dance Company, and the Congo Square Preservation SocietyImpact HighlightsNew Orleans Residencies:• 245 Audience Members across all eventsBrooklyn events: • Collaboration with cultural leaders Monique Moss and Kai Knight• Set Traka repertoire on youth dancers from the Silhouette Dance Ensemble, Directed by Kai Knight at Loyola University• Free Haitian Folkloric Dance and Drum class in Congo Square, in partnership with Luther Gray.• A site-specic performance of Traka in June• Participation in MAAFA, a racial healing commemoration of the ancestors, known and unknown, from the Trans-atlantic & Domestic Slave Trades through a collaboration with the Ashé Cultural Arts Center• Haitian Folkloric Master Classes with live drumming at Mark Morris Dance Center• Free Traka workshop and performance with JAE’s Musi-cal Director, Val Jeanty, at Prospect Park Concert Grove Pavilion, presented by National Jazz Museum of HarlemBy the Numbers:• 5+ Partner Organizations: including e National Jazz Museum in Harlem, NOCCA, Kriyol Dance! Collective, Mark Morris Dance Center, and Seasons Center, Treme Community Center, and the Congo Square Preservation Society• 160 Workshop ParticipantsCommunity Classes & Programming I came to JAE looking for a way to con-nect with my heritage and it lled me in more ways than one. I feel so connected to the music, the rhythm and dances. At a time where we are seeing so much dishar-mony, joining a class of strangers where ALL are welcome has been a true balm to my spirit. I’m so happy to be part of this dance community!”“-Beyazmin Jiménez, JAE Community Member & Haitian Folkloric Dance student PHOTO BY wayne lake Weekly Community ClassesJAE offered weekly open classes that connected a vibrant community of dancers locally and globally.Haitian Folkloric Dance: Each Saturday aernoon, approximately 40 to 60 students gathered in person to dance to live drumming, with additional participants joining from around the world via Zoom.African Dance Workout:On Monday evenings at e Dance Complex and e Foundry, Bisi led high-energy work-out classes, with 5 to 15 students attending each session.Creative Dance for Kids: In Fall 2022, Creative Dance for Kids classes were held via Zoom and at e Foundry in Cam-bridge and e Somerville Library, with atten-dance typically ranging from 15 to 25 students.
7 8Haitian Folkloric Dance for staff and families of Children’s Services of Roxbury:JAE has partnered with the Children’s Services of Roxbury (CSR)—a nonprot in Boston working to address the needs of children and their families by providing supportive resources such as food, shelter, and safety. JAE provides dance education to the sta and families CSR serves, supporting the organiza-tion’s eorts to promote community mental health and well-being. is partnership exemplies JAE’s eorts to engage in mission-aligned collaboration while expanding outreach and impact.Vacation Week Program at the Cambridge Public Library: Brought families together to learn and connect through dance and storytelling. Baldwin in the Park: A dance movement and healing workshop series at historic Boston sites signicant to the Black experience, welcoming par-ticipants of all ages and abilities, led in partnership with Anita Morson-MatraBoston Children’s Hospital and Department of Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School Collaboration: Featured a free company performance and Afro-Haitian Dance Workshop, uniting healthcare and arts communities in partner-ship with Harvard Medical School.Community DancersJAE hosted the annual Somerville Community Dancers Pro-gram—a 3-month comprehensive program where aspiring dancers from the community learn Haitian Folkloric dance cho-reography as well as mindfulness practices to support wellbeing. Somerville Community Dancers took the stage at Banboche and showcased the magic of their vibrant community! is group has been gathering weekly to dance, elevate community, and share wellbeing practices.Community Classes & Programming (continued)Suddenly, I nd myself in Haiti without moving, because culture has no borders. This af-ternoon the United States was like an extension of Haiti.” -Jean Robert, participant at Hyde Park Library class“In FY23, JAE brought the joy of Haitian-folkloric dance to diverse communities through special workshops and community col-laborations. These events engaged hundreds of participants, fostering cultural appreciation and meaningful connections through movement and music.HighlightsBanboche Workshop with Guest Artist: Led by guest artist Robenson Mathurin, this workshop kicked o a weekend of connection, joy, and remem-brance for Fèt Gede, the Haitian Day of the Dead. Community Retreat:: The Natural Connection ExperienceA Holistic Retreat in the Dominican Republic Create. Grow. Explore. April 11-16, 2023Proceeds from the retreat directly supported JAE’s free programming and ongoing eorts to share the transforma-tive power of Haitian Folkloric dance. Every participant’s ex-perience contributed to sus-taining JAE’s mission of foster-ing hope, healing, and justice through movement. is retreat embodied JAE’s mission to cultivate hope and healing toward a more expressive and socially just world. It provided a sanctuary for participants seeking soul-deep renewal and a richer understand-ing of Haitian traditions.Being outside in na-ture and dancing and moving together with perfect weather, it was meant to be. The land was giving back to us...” -Meg“JAE partnered with Aventura Rincon Ecolodge to host an inclusive, ve-night retreat designed to foster holistic wellness, personal growth, and cultural exploration. Through movement, mindfulness, and connection to nature, participants immersed themselves in the liberating practices of Haitian Folkloric dance and culture. Impact
7 8Haitian Folkloric Dance for staff and families of Children’s Services of Roxbury:JAE has partnered with the Children’s Services of Roxbury (CSR)—a nonprot in Boston working to address the needs of children and their families by providing supportive resources such as food, shelter, and safety. JAE provides dance education to the sta and families CSR serves, supporting the organiza-tion’s eorts to promote community mental health and well-being. is partnership exemplies JAE’s eorts to engage in mission-aligned collaboration while expanding outreach and impact.Vacation Week Program at the Cambridge Public Library: Brought families together to learn and connect through dance and storytelling. Baldwin in the Park: A dance movement and healing workshop series at historic Boston sites signicant to the Black experience, welcoming par-ticipants of all ages and abilities, led in partnership with Anita Morson-MatraBoston Children’s Hospital and Department of Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School Collaboration: Featured a free company performance and Afro-Haitian Dance Workshop, uniting healthcare and arts communities in partner-ship with Harvard Medical School.Community DancersJAE hosted the annual Somerville Community Dancers Pro-gram—a 3-month comprehensive program where aspiring dancers from the community learn Haitian Folkloric dance cho-reography as well as mindfulness practices to support wellbeing. Somerville Community Dancers took the stage at Banboche and showcased the magic of their vibrant community! is group has been gathering weekly to dance, elevate community, and share wellbeing practices.Community Classes & Programming (continued)Suddenly, I nd myself in Haiti without moving, because culture has no borders. This af-ternoon the United States was like an extension of Haiti.” -Jean Robert, participant at Hyde Park Library class“In FY23, JAE brought the joy of Haitian-folkloric dance to diverse communities through special workshops and community col-laborations. These events engaged hundreds of participants, fostering cultural appreciation and meaningful connections through movement and music.HighlightsBanboche Workshop with Guest Artist: Led by guest artist Robenson Mathurin, this workshop kicked o a weekend of connection, joy, and remem-brance for Fèt Gede, the Haitian Day of the Dead. Community Retreat:: The Natural Connection ExperienceA Holistic Retreat in the Dominican Republic Create. Grow. Explore. April 11-16, 2023Proceeds from the retreat directly supported JAE’s free programming and ongoing eorts to share the transforma-tive power of Haitian Folkloric dance. Every participant’s ex-perience contributed to sus-taining JAE’s mission of foster-ing hope, healing, and justice through movement. is retreat embodied JAE’s mission to cultivate hope and healing toward a more expressive and socially just world. It provided a sanctuary for participants seeking soul-deep renewal and a richer understand-ing of Haitian traditions.Being outside in na-ture and dancing and moving together with perfect weather, it was meant to be. The land was giving back to us...” -Meg“JAE partnered with Aventura Rincon Ecolodge to host an inclusive, ve-night retreat designed to foster holistic wellness, personal growth, and cultural exploration. Through movement, mindfulness, and connection to nature, participants immersed themselves in the liberating practices of Haitian Folkloric dance and culture. Impact
Education : Summer Dance InstitutePHOTOs BY NADIA TODRES9 10JAE supports youth to foster connections, build resilience, and heal from traumaHaitiJuly 31-Aug 5, 2023In partnership with Jean DenisDominican RepublicJuly 19-29, 2023In partnership with Fundación FuntepodJAE celebrated its 10 year anniversary by returning to Haiti: the birthplace of the Summer Dance Institute! Summer pro-gramming in Haiti and the Dominican Republic centers around Kiltirèl Conexiones (Cultural Connections), using dance to highlight our shared connections and foster hope for a bright, new future. e Sum-mer Dance Institute has served over 2,000 students since its origin in Haiti in 2006.I’m very grateful that you all are here. And I also want to tell you all that I love you very much and I am also glad that you are here.”-Summer Dance Institute student, Dominican Republic“Total students served in Haiti, Massachusetts, and the Dominican Republic from 2006-2023: 2,000+Free lunches provided during JAE’s Haiti Summer Dance Institute in 2023:276Hours total of free instruction for the 2023 SDI programs in DR and Haiti: 50Summer Dance Institute alumni continuing in JAE’s yearlong free programming:20By the numbers:JAE’s Educators for the Summer Dance Institute include Jean Appolon, Meg McGrath, Raphaëlle Francois, and Mcebisi Xotyeni.JAE’s Drummers joining us for the Summer Dance Institute include Francois Ralph, Jean Ernst, Augustin Silvio, Richard Cadet, and Pierre Dormeant.
Education : Summer Dance InstitutePHOTOs BY NADIA TODRES9 10JAE supports youth to foster connections, build resilience, and heal from traumaHaitiJuly 31-Aug 5, 2023In partnership with Jean DenisDominican RepublicJuly 19-29, 2023In partnership with Fundación FuntepodJAE celebrated its 10 year anniversary by returning to Haiti: the birthplace of the Summer Dance Institute! Summer pro-gramming in Haiti and the Dominican Republic centers around Kiltirèl Conexiones (Cultural Connections), using dance to highlight our shared connections and foster hope for a bright, new future. e Sum-mer Dance Institute has served over 2,000 students since its origin in Haiti in 2006.I’m very grateful that you all are here. And I also want to tell you all that I love you very much and I am also glad that you are here.”-Summer Dance Institute student, Dominican Republic“Total students served in Haiti, Massachusetts, and the Dominican Republic from 2006-2023: 2,000+Free lunches provided during JAE’s Haiti Summer Dance Institute in 2023:276Hours total of free instruction for the 2023 SDI programs in DR and Haiti: 50Summer Dance Institute alumni continuing in JAE’s yearlong free programming:20By the numbers:JAE’s Educators for the Summer Dance Institute include Jean Appolon, Meg McGrath, Raphaëlle Francois, and Mcebisi Xotyeni.JAE’s Drummers joining us for the Summer Dance Institute include Francois Ralph, Jean Ernst, Augustin Silvio, Richard Cadet, and Pierre Dormeant.
PHOTOs BY NADIA TODRES11Education Harvard Leaders in Health 12:In Summer 2023, JAE partnered with researchers at the Harvard T.H. School of Public Health to collect data on the impact of Summer Dance Institutes in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Summer Dance Institute students responded to surveys about their feelings before and after participating in the program. Survey responses indicated a signicant increase in feelings of well-being and social connection after the program. At the same time, Photovoice methods were used to bring light to the personal experiences of the dancers. Through a combination of photography and written captions, dancers expressed how the JAE Summer Dance Institute inuenced their lives.JAE collected surveys from participants to measure the impact of dance on their social, emotional, and physical health.
PHOTOs BY NADIA TODRES11Education Harvard Leaders in Health 12:In Summer 2023, JAE partnered with researchers at the Harvard T.H. School of Public Health to collect data on the impact of Summer Dance Institutes in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Summer Dance Institute students responded to surveys about their feelings before and after participating in the program. Survey responses indicated a signicant increase in feelings of well-being and social connection after the program. At the same time, Photovoice methods were used to bring light to the personal experiences of the dancers. Through a combination of photography and written captions, dancers expressed how the JAE Summer Dance Institute inuenced their lives.JAE collected surveys from participants to measure the impact of dance on their social, emotional, and physical health.
13Educational PartnershipsSomerville Public LibraryOne time 60 minute Haitian folkloric class with drummingOne time 60 minute Haitian folkloric class with drumming20 Elementary school studentsHyde Park and Mattapan Boston Public Library15 Adults and childrenCambridge Public SchoolsOngoing weekly classes in 5 schools with the Community Schools programElementary SchoolSomerville Public SchoolsOngoing weekly classes in 2 schools with the Community Schools programElementary School Andover Public SchoolsSTARS Residency professional company per-formance and mini workshop seriesHigh SchoolMedford Public SchoolsOngoing weekly class; Professional company performanceHigh SchoolThe Park School Aer school Enrichment Haitian Folkloric classes with choreography and performancesPrivate school grades 1-4New Orleans Center for Creative ArtsHaitian Folkloric Class with drumming for dance students at this performing arts schoolHigh SchoolFarley Elementary SchoolHaitian Folkloric classes with drumming for 400 dance studentsPre-K through 4th gradeThe Winsor SchoolWeekly Haitian Folkloric dance classes for performing arts studentsPrivate Middle SchoolLoyola UniversityIntensive professional dance workshops blending Haitian and Modern danceUniversity Dance Department and Season’s Center Dance CompanyEducation: To extend our reach to new students, JAE has been partnering with schools across Massachusetts and beyond. This enables us to meet kids and young adults where they are, and empower them through Haitian culture, dance, and drumming.14:photos taken at the new orleans center for the creative arts
13Educational PartnershipsSomerville Public LibraryOne time 60 minute Haitian folkloric class with drummingOne time 60 minute Haitian folkloric class with drumming20 Elementary school studentsHyde Park and Mattapan Boston Public Library15 Adults and childrenCambridge Public SchoolsOngoing weekly classes in 5 schools with the Community Schools programElementary SchoolSomerville Public SchoolsOngoing weekly classes in 2 schools with the Community Schools programElementary School Andover Public SchoolsSTARS Residency professional company per-formance and mini workshop seriesHigh SchoolMedford Public SchoolsOngoing weekly class; Professional company performanceHigh SchoolThe Park School Aer school Enrichment Haitian Folkloric classes with choreography and performancesPrivate school grades 1-4New Orleans Center for Creative ArtsHaitian Folkloric Class with drumming for dance students at this performing arts schoolHigh SchoolFarley Elementary SchoolHaitian Folkloric classes with drumming for 400 dance studentsPre-K through 4th gradeThe Winsor SchoolWeekly Haitian Folkloric dance classes for performing arts studentsPrivate Middle SchoolLoyola UniversityIntensive professional dance workshops blending Haitian and Modern danceUniversity Dance Department and Season’s Center Dance CompanyEducation: To extend our reach to new students, JAE has been partnering with schools across Massachusetts and beyond. This enables us to meet kids and young adults where they are, and empower them through Haitian culture, dance, and drumming.14:photos taken at the new orleans center for the creative arts
15Financials (FY 2023 September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023)16IMPACTSocial Determinants of Health PHOTO By robert torres for celebrity seriesfy2023 support and revenuefy2023 expensesChange in net assetsMajor Granting Organizations (FY 2023):Barr FoundationBoston Cultural CouncilCambridge Community FoundationCity of BostonCity of Somerville Massachusetts Cultural CouncilMovement Arts Creation Studio (MACS)National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)New Orleans Tourism and Cultural FundSocial Equity Access Fund Schlomo Fund
15Financials (FY 2023 September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023)16IMPACTSocial Determinants of Health PHOTO By robert torres for celebrity seriesfy2023 support and revenuefy2023 expensesChange in net assetsMajor Granting Organizations (FY 2023):Barr FoundationBoston Cultural CouncilCambridge Community FoundationCity of BostonCity of Somerville Massachusetts Cultural CouncilMovement Arts Creation Studio (MACS)National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)New Orleans Tourism and Cultural FundSocial Equity Access Fund Schlomo Fund
I would like to let the community know how much we appreciate their support and energy. With your support and energy we were able to go to the Dominican Republic and Haiti this summer. We were able to really transform the communities we serve and transform JAE’s mission even stronger.The way those kids and their communities received us from the DR and Haiti was very, very amazing. In a way it was very healing be-cause those kids were looking for something to really in-spire them. I feel like the kids in Haiti were also looking for that kind of inspiration because the kids in Haiti are in worse predicaments than the kids in the Dominican Republic...because they are suering from a lot of vio-lence every day and instabil-ity. So for me, I feel like going there we kind of grounded them in a way, but also gave them hope in their lives...“...I felt like it was very magical because we haven’t been in Haiti for the past ve years, and going to new places was magic as well. As you can see in the pictures and videos, we were able to visit many historical places that were very meaningful to the trip. I want to express my grat-itude and my appreciation for all your prayers and all the support you sent to us. Your contributions are very meaningful because without them we would not be able to have the success we had this summer. We are very blessed and very happy.”-Jean Appolon, Founder and Artistic DirectorDonate today:www.jeanappolonexpressions.org/givePHOTO By nadia todres