We call ourselves the first generation of dancers because we started dancing when Tonel Lakay was in the midst of its development. Essentially, we "grew up" with the organization. Therefore just as Tonel Lakay stands today as a multifaceted organization, we too stand today as multifaceted women. We thank Tonel Lakay for its patience, its warmth, its understanding, its respect, and its love for Haitian culture, ultimately...for us.
Today we not only continue to dance, we choreograph and serve as mentors for the younger generations of dancers. We only hope these younger dancers gain from Tonel Lakay all that it has to offer, and more!
Mendy A. Mack
I am the daughter of Marie Jean
(founder and artistic director of
Tonel Lakay, Inc). I began dancing
with the organization at its inception
and have since been attached. I was
6 and am now 22. In my 16 years of
dancing, I have learned to be proud of
my heritage despite the constant
derogatory images flooding the media about
Haiti and Haitians. I have
learned history, dance, poetry, and most
importantly, I have learned to
strengthen my weaknesses and share my strengths.
It is my duty to pass
along these riches, and I will continue to do so whole
heartedly.
Danielle Mentor
I joined Tonel Lakay at the age of 6 thinking that it would just be a
pastime. Almost 17 years later, my pastime would give me not only
knowledge
of my ancestors but also the concept of teamwork, an extreme passion for
dancing and life-long friendships. It tickles me to see the young members
of
Tonel Lakay now. The happiness they exude while dancing, their attention
to
every minor detail and making sure to execute each step with perfection
reminds me of us, the 1st generation. I am comforted in
knowing that long
after we are gone there will still be a ‘tonel’ to shelter other youths.
Marie Andre
I remember being captivated by the sounds of the drums at the age of eleven when first invited to Tonel Lakay’s rehearsal class. I’ve always had a passion for dancing, however I didn’t realize that through my love for dance I could become an educator of the Haitian Culture. As I grew under Tonel Lakay’s discipline I not only learned the art of cultural dancing, but I was also taught to speak, read, and write Creole. Performing selections in dance, song and poetry provided me with an awareness of my cultural background and others. Most importantly, in being involved with this group I have been blessed with a family that continues to serve as my support system, providing me with the encouragement to surpass the challenges of life and achieve my goals.
Barbara Baptiste
I've been dancing
with Tonel Lakay since I was about 10 years old. I am
currently 21 attending Binghamton University. I have a younger
brother (John Baptiste) and a younger sister (Marilyn Baptiste) both of whom are also
members of the group. Being a member of Tonel Lakay taught me a lot about
my Haitian culture, heritage, and language. Thanks to Tonel Lakay, performing
anything before an audience is second nature to me.
Ange Dido
Kathy Guillaume
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