La Troupe Zetwal is a multicultural dance group performing traditional Haitian dance accompanied by live drumming and percussions. Founded in 2001 by Sherley Davilmar-St. Fort and Linda Pierre-Louis Elysee, La Troupe Zetwal has been based in the greater New York area for over ten years, performing in community events, theatre, and at private functions. La Troupe Zetwal embodies the vivacity of Haitian culture. Serving as an artistic ambassador of an island whose name translates to “mountainous country”, La Troupe Zetwal aims to share Haitian pride, as monumental as its terrain, through dance, music and storytelling.
Pictured here from left to righ: Linda Pierre-Louis and Sherley Davilmar, La Troupe Zetwal Co-Founders
La Troupe Zetwal invites you to take a fantastical journey that unfolds to the beat of live drums, is adorned in the brilliant colors of the quadrille dress, and comes alive with the dance and story of traditional Haitian folklore.
The company has produced a myriad of commissioned and sponsored performances and cultural events including "Let’s Explore The Traditions Of Haiti 2008" in collaboration with Brooklyn Public Library and the Caribbean Literary and Cultural Center, "The African Roots Of 2010," "Classic Rara vs Neo-Rara And It’s Lost Elements 2012," and "Brooklyn Bamboche: A Celebration Of Traditional Haitian Contra Danse 2014." Each were programs developed to commemorative Haitian Flag Day with dance & drum workshops and performances throughout schools in NYC. Programs have been sponsored by the Department Of Cultural Affairs and administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council.
La Troupe Zetwal has also recently re-launched the very successful educational dance and live drumming workshop, “The African Roots of Haiti 2011," implemented in collaboration with La Troupe Makandal. These talented and reverent dancers transform any space into an exciting story-telling adventure through their traditional Haitian dances.