ABOUT ME

I am Djenane Saint Juste, a native of Haiti. I am a professional choreographer, dancer, storyteller, and writer specializing in Haitian traditional dance and folklore. I received a BA in Physical Education in Cuba, a MAEd at the University of St Thomas in Minnesota and a license in ELL.

 

I am also the founder and artistic director of AFOUTAYI, an Haitian dance, music, and arts company based in Minnesota "www.afoutayidmaco.com".

 

I have dedicated myself to the research, development and promotion of traditional Haitian dance, song and storytelling and some of my works towards the preservation of Haitian culture has been documented in works such as "Making Caribbean Dance" by Susanna Sloat, as well as "Lavil: Life, Love, and Death in Port-au-Prince (Voice of Witness)" by Peter Orner, Evan Lyon, and Edwidge Danticat.

 

In 2018 I received the Award of Excellence from the Haitian Community of Minnesota and the NAACP for my outstanding contributions and commitment to advancing the culture and causes of communities of color in Minnesota.

 

My latest work is my first children's book "The Mermaid and The Whale '' launched in August 2020. Stay tuned, I have four more books coming up very soon!

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Djenane Saint Juste's Favorites!

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  • Favorite animals: Dogs and Turtles

  • Favorite colors: Rainbow

  • Favorite food: Diri kole ak pwa (rice and beans), Legum ak crab (vegetable stew with seafood), Bannan Peze (Fried plantain).

  • Favorite dessert: Pineapple cakes, mango ice cream with coconut.

  • Favorite thing to do when not working:

Spending quality times with my family

Walking barefoot on the beach

Hiking in mountains and forest

Reading fun books in a hammock while listening to music

playing dominoes with family and friends

gardening,

creating new recipes,

and organizing parties.