This series documents a Haitian Dance Class at the Beach. This was a beautiful, magical and healing dance class.

Something about dancing water dances at the beach and water gives Yanvalou, Mayi, Parigol a different feeling.

A ritual dance originated in Benin. It honors all the spirits of the rada nation. Yanvalou honors the spirit Damballa, the primordial creator of life in the Vodou tradition. Yanvalou represents the undulation of the waves as they rise and fall and also the movement of spirit Dambalah, represented by a serpent. Dambalah is the source of energy and life. White is the color of the very pure rada spirits.

Damballa is one of the most important of all loa, spirits in Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo traditions. He is portrayed as a great white serpent, originating in the city of Wedo (Whydah or Ouidah) in modern-day Benin.

Parigol is a graceful and subtle Yanvalou associated with La Sirene, the mermaid.

Mayi is a dance named after the Mayi people. It honors Erzulie Freda and St. Jack of the Nago nation.

This was such a beautiful day full of positive energy and community. Dance is life!

AYIBOBO!!!