Lahens Louis
41 – Port-au-Prince
What Are You Most Passionate About?
Teaching and creating dance: Haitian folklore, Jazz, Modern. My performance work integrates many forms but renovates Haitian traditions that are being forgotten.
Who Is Your Hero? Why?
Katherine Dunham because she brought Haiti to the world. Her staged performances communicated the elegant essence that is at the core of Haitian cultural traditions.
What Is Your Favorite Sound?
My favorite sound is the second drum, called segon or mitan, played in Haitian drumming. For me the sound of this drum is universal and resonates with the soul no matter where you are from.
What Project Would A Laptop Help You With?
A laptop would help me literally write the imaginative history of Haiti I’m creating as the basis of a performance work. It would also aid my research and sharing of my work.
Short Description Of Project
I create histories through performance to tell another story of Haiti. In one piece, 3 French ballerinas are brought to colonial Haiti and are so impressed with the virtuosity of the Haitian slave dancers that the two groups become friends.
How Would A Laptop Help You?
A laptop would help me gain access to texts and resources that are not available in Haiti. This would not only help me with my creative work, but also aid my children’s educational development. I would like a Mac or a PC.
What Languages do you speak?
French, Haitian Creole