Tradisyon Lakou Lakay Inc (TLL)

HFDC Season 2024-2025 

Onè. Respè. Byenvini.

Tradisyon Lakou Lakay is Haitian Kreyòl and loosely translated to Hometown Traditions. More specifically, "lakou" is a community or shared space where everyone collectively has access to the process of wholesome living. TLL, Inc. is a non-profit, 501-c3 arts and culture organization. Your participation and contributions are vital to sustain our "lakou" and help to continue providing and expand authentic programming to communities throughout Miami Dade and Broward. We are always looking to form partnerships and welcome a variety of artists. 

The Spring Fest and Summer Intensive Institute (Sii) camps may be another way to show your support by volunteering your time, donate supplies, serve as a chaperone or provide scholarships to our campers. Since its inception, TLL impacted over 7,000 children/youth and 1,500 adults with arts and cultural programming. In 2024 during Haitian Heritage Month activities, TLL Dance Ensemble had over 10 performances, in two counties and eight venues. We are meeting our mission to leverage Haitian performance art and educate, empower and elevate communities' spirit.

Spring Fest is a week long camp and Sii is our four-week Summer program. TLL Youth Engagement Study Circle (YES-C) is a monthly meetup providing a safe place for individuals ages 12 -21 to engage in meaningful conversations fostering mental wealth, emotional intelligence and self advocacy skills. TLL welcomes mentorship opportunity for our YES-C leaders, who are Agents of Positive Social Change. The work of TLL also consists of cultural data through its HFDC LAB (Lakou's Artelier Bootcamp), which was first presented on a national platform in 2018 at the National Dance Education Organization Conference at the Hyatt Regency. In 2023 it was held at Future of Cities Climate Innovation Hub. We were grateful to  have Alexander J. Thome host an interview with Dr. W. 'Yanui' César which was one of the first podcast writen on Haitian Folkloric Dance as it relates to restorative and innovative and community healing work. Read more on this article by clicking on the link in the custom tab.

TLL, Inc is in need of a space to call its own "lakou" or home. TLL will also benefit from having a team of people who share the same passion for the arts and culture to spread the TLL Story. If you have attended any of our events, please share a comment or a review to help us promote the amazing work we do as well as the Haitian Folkloric Dance as a performance art. The experience of a "leveled plane field" may not be common for most. However, the goal and desire t  leverage the arts and culture may be more common for all.  At times,  this work may be lonely and difficult; however, passion, consistency and having equitable access to needed resources, while fostering positive relationships, are vital to the LAKOU's process. The LAKOU has become more of concept, an experience and a vibe, and not so much a physical place. Once you have experienced the LAKOU'S energy, it's a lasting one. You may carry it with you for a long time. So make some of your carbon footprint with us, by stepping into the LAKOU's spirit and powerful energy.