The Resurrection Dance Theatre of Haiti is an internationally recognized dance troupe of orphans, former street children and child slaves in Haiti. The troupe uses drumming and dance to vibrantly tell their story, dancing in venues such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music for Dance Africa and for the Pope at World Youth Day in Canada.
They will perform at Elon on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Whitley Auditorium.
The dancers are part of the St. Joseph Family, formed under the leadership of Michael Geilenfeld 25 years ago to bring street children into a family setting. The family now occupies three homes in Haiti – two for former street children and one for boys and girls with disabilities. Transformed from being the rejected ones in Haiti to being among the very best of servant-leaders, members of the St. Joseph Family have reached out to other Haitians.
On Jan. 12th, Haiti was devastated by an earthquake, and the St. Joseph Family was hit very hard. Fortunately, there was no loss of life or lasting injury to the children or staff of the St. Joseph Family. Two of the three homes were severely damaged in the earthquake and are no longer habitable. Although their lives changed irrevocably, these young dancers did not lose their determination to make a difference in the lives of others. They have sewn new costumes, repaired damaged drums and are now ready to dance the good news of their story once again.