Peniel Haitian Dance

Peniel began his formal dance training in 1987. Herve Maxi, the most prestigious teacher in Haiti, was impressed with his dancing and invited Peniel to study in his school. Subsequently, Peniel danced with the National Dance Theatre for 8 years and toured all over the world: Venezuela, Paris, Hungary, Japan, Montreal, Germany, Santo Domingo, and the United States. During this time he also toured with the Baccoulou Dance Company. Peniel pursued his studies at Ecole Nationale des Arts (ENARTS) and researched Haitian folkloric traditions at Lakou Soukrie, Danache, Lakou Souvenance, and Badjo. While in Haiti, Peniel taught at the National Dance Theatre of Haiti and ENARTS. He moved to the United States and currently teaches two classes per week at Djoniba Dance and Drum Center in New York City. He also teaches at Connecticut Ballet Center, Stamford, CT; Wellesley College, Boston, MA; and Dance Forum Studio, NYC. He is a guest artist at Smith College, Mt. Holyoke College, Greenfield Community College, Amherst College, and Brown University. He is also Artistic Director of the Tamboula Dance Company.