Peniel Guerrier began dancing in 1987 with Professor Herve Maxi in the group Tamboula D'Haiti. Maxi was impressed with his dancing and invited him to study in his dance school, Shana, located in Petionville, Port-au-Prince. After that he auditioned with the National Theater and subsequently danced with the company for eight years. He pursued his studies in L'Ecole Nationale des Arts (ENARTS) for one year. He then danced with Madame Odette Wilner's company, Bacoulou.

His love of dance comes from his belief that it is a cultural element that reflects every country, region and society. That dance permits different peoples of various origins to distinguish themselves from one another. It is also a physical means of expression that allows him to communicate his predilection and passion for art. The variety of choreographies, rhythms and movements allows him to open himself to the public, expressing his joy, happiness, anger and sadness. Essentially, Peniel believes that dance is a physical exercise that assures well being of both the body and soul.

Peniel's dream is to learn and master as many traditional dances, of Haiti and Africa as time allows and to become the ambassador of Haitian culture in order to represent Haitian culture worldwide.

Experience: Peniel Guerrier is a master dancer, of Haitian, West African (specifically Guinea & Senegal) and Brazilian dance. He is also a drummer, choreographer and singer. His accomplishments include the following;

• Taught and performed in Chicago, Illinois • Taught at Buxton Academy, Williamstown, MA, USA • Choreographed for Bamidele Dancers & Drummers, MA, USA • Choreographed for Rhythmic Response, VT, USA • Guest Artist at Smith College, Mt. Holyoke College & Greenfield Community College, MA, USA • Primary School Teacher, Saint Thomas D'Aquin • Choreographed Tamboula D'Haiti's performance "The History of Haiti Through Dance" • Danced in Natl. Theater's performance "On the Beach" • Teacher at ENARTS & The National Theater • Led workshops at Djoniba Dance & Drum Center, Abizaid, & Dinizulu in NYC, USA • Lead dancer in Nocole Lumarque's company, Ballet Folklorique D'Haiti's performance "Erzulu" • Collaborated on Choreography of joint performance of Tamboula D'Haiti & Artcho • Led workshop at Alenn Dance Studio, Buffalo, NY, USA • Dancer in Calumet Arts Cafe's performance • Guest Choreographer, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA • Led workshop, Museum of Natural History, NYC, USA • Led workshop at Doigts de Fee Dance Company, Elizabeth, NJ, USA• Choreographed for Tamboula D'Haiti's performance "Encounter of Two Worlds" • Choreographed music videos for the following groups: Chandel; Rasin Mapou D'Azor; Rara Music Machin, USA; Congo, USA; Bwa Kayiman, Bonswai for the Kongo Group • Researched Soukr Danache; Lakou Souvenans; Lakou Badjo; Dereal; various peristyles • CD's; Kongo, Afro Haitian Roots, Bamidele Dancer's & Drummers

Peniel is available for private dance, drum & song classes, along with his work with Tamboula D'Haiti. For more information or for bookings please see contacts on home page.

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