Embracing Our Roots: Reclaiming Our Identity Through Haitian Folklore Dance

As a young girl, I remember eagerly attending my traditional Haitian dance classes. I loved the way the rhythms of the drums reverberated through my body and the intricate movements that were both challenging and empowering. However, I also recall the stares and comments from those within the Haitian community who held strong opinions about traditional dance, questioning why I would engage in such a “taboo” activity. One summer, as I stepped into a taxi, ready to head to one of my traditional Haitian dance classes, the taxi driver made a comment that left me speechless. “Oh, that Vodou thing, where are your parents that allowed you to dance such a dance?” These words are all too familiar for many of us, as we have all encountered the stigma surrounding Haitian folklore, particularly concerning our traditional dance.

But let me ask you this: How often do we use the term “Haitian folklore” and automatically associate it with Vodou? How many of us see it as a taboo, reserved only for spiritual or religious rituals? By doing so, we are simply denying ourselves a vital part of our identity as Haitians. You may be wondering, how so? So, let’s break it down.

“What does folklore even mean?”

Folklore, a compound of “folk” and “lore,” refers to the traditional customs, tales, sayings, and art forms preserved among a particular group, often passed down by word of mouth. It is a way for a culture to preserve its history, values, and identity. And for us Haitians, traditional dance is an integral part of our folklore. It tells the story of our people, our struggles, and our triumphs. So why is it still stigmatized? Why is it not celebrated and embraced?

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to have a powerful conversation with Dr. Weiselande “Yanui” Cesar, founder of Tradisyon Lakou Lakay Inc., a non-profit organization that aims to foster a positive image of Haitian arts and culture while empowering youth to become agents of positive social change. And let me tell you, it was a mind-feeding experience. As she eloquently put it, “dance is part of our folklore. But our folklore reflects the daily lives and values of our nation and our people.”

Dance, an integral part of Haitian folklore, is deeply intertwined with our history, emotions, and community. From the beat of the drum to the movements of our bodies, Haitian dance is a powerful portal that takes us back to our African roots. It is a way for us to honor our ancestors, to connect with our heritage, and to express our collective identity. Yet, there is often a one-dimensional view of traditional dance, limited to the misconceptions of Vodou or solely for women. It’s time to break these stereotypes and fully embrace the power and beauty of Haitian folklore dance.

“There are so many styles of dance within the traditional, such as parigòl, congo, mayi, yanvalou, petro…. The drums are essential to Haitian folklore dance, as the beat sets the pace for the movements and tells the stories of our ancestors,” Dr. Yanui shared with passion. And she is right. Haitian folklore dance is not just about the movements, but also the symbolism and meaning behind each step. It is a powerful metaphor for our heartbeat, reminding us of our connection to our heritage and each other.

But why is there still so much stigma surrounding Haitian folklore dance? Why is it often reduced to just Vodou or a taboo activity? According to Dr. Yanui, it goes back to the colonization period. “We can say that our colonizers did an amazing job for us to hate the core of who we are and beg others to define us. We have been stripped of our identity and brainwashed to believe that our culture is inferior. That the dance that freed us means nothing,” she explained. And unfortunately, these generational lies and trauma have been passed down, resulting in a disconnection from our culture and identity.

But it’s time to break this cycle. It’s time to reclaim our identity and be proud of who we are as Haitians. And this starts by reclaiming traditional dance and preserving it for future generations. As Dr. Yanui’s daughter, Naty, points out, many members of the younger generation do not even know what traditional dance is, beyond what others have told them. This is a sad reality, and it’s up to us to act and preserve our heritage.

Traditional dance is not just about the movements, but it has an important educational and healing aspect. “Traditional dance is one of the best cardio exercises and also heals me,” Dr. Yanui shared. It is also essential to understanding our identity and connecting with our roots. We must not continue to let our culture be reduced to just Vodou or a taboo activity. It’s time to reclaim our identity and be proud of who we are as Haitians.

And the first step towards reclaiming our identity is to educate ourselves and ask the necessary questions. We must not blindly accept the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Haitian folklore dance. We must challenge the stigma and embrace the truth about our culture and our dance. We must learn to ask why and all the crucial questions. “We must stop giving away our power to think for ourselves and reach a conclusion. Not because someone dances Haitian folklore dance, that person practices Vodou,” as Dr. Yanui emphasized.

It’s time to stop letting others define us and start defining ourselves. Haitian folklore is a source of strength, healing, and community. It is our heritage and our power. And traditional dance is part of our heritage. We must not let it disappear. It’s time to reclaim our identity and pass it down to future generations with pride. In Brazil, the Afro-Brazilian slave community used Samba music and dance to form active circles of resistance to colonial suppression of African religion and culture. About 100 years ago, it was persecuted and criminalized as the music of former slaves and their sons. In the early 20th century, playing samba was synonymous with being a criminal, a “malandro.” And yet, in just 100 years, it has become a symbol of the nation and a joyful, lively, and rhythmic dance celebrated during carnival.

So how can we change the narrative surrounding Haitian folklore dance and embrace our culture and identity? Let’s start by being curious and asking questions. Let’s educate ourselves and challenge the stigmas and stereotypes. Let’s break the cycle of generational lies and trauma and reclaim our identity. Traditional dance is a vital part of who we are as Haitians. And it’s time to take back our power and define ourselves on our terms. Let’s not let our culture and heritage disappear. Let’s celebrate and embrace the power and beauty of Haitian folklore dance. It’s both our past and our future. Let’s reclaim our identity, together.

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