30 Years of Rhythm: The Legacy of Nadia Dieudonné & Feet of Rhythm

By Moses St Louis

Thirty years of movement, music, and community. That is the spirit behind the world premiere of : A Haitian Folktale Choreodrama, presented by Nadia Dieudonné & Feet of Rhythm Haitian Dance Company on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM at Anba Tonel, 1407 Flatbush, Brooklyn, in the heart of Little Haiti.

This anniversary is more than a show. It is a special fundraising party with delicious Haitian food, great music, a live DJ, and a powerful dance performance that honors heritage and lifts the community. Feet of Rhythm is opening its vault for one night, sharing archival gems, classic rhythms, and costumes that shaped the company’s voice.

Expect a joyful crowd, deep roots, and a guided trip through time. Read on for what to expect, how to get tickets, and how your support keeps Haitian arts and culture strong in Brooklyn. Bring family and friends and grab your tickets now.

The story began in 1995 with a simple goal, to teach Haitian dance with care, skill, and pride. Classes grew into a company. Small shows became full houses.  Cultural festivals, and community programs spread the art form across New York City.

At the center is founder and choreographer Nadia Dieudonné, a master teacher known for her clear, joyful style. Her work blends Haitian folklore with bold staging and storytelling. She honors ceremonial dances and drum patterns, then shapes them for the stage with character, emotion, and vivid images. The result is dance that feels ancient and fresh at the same time.

Feet of Rhythm has stayed close to its roots. Drummers and dancers train side by side. Families return year after year. Kids grow into artists, teachers, and leaders. As the community embraced the name Little Haiti, the company stood as a cultural bridge for the Haitian diaspora in NYC.

The vault concept makes this anniversary personal. Longtime fans will see classic repertory excerpts, iconic drum rhythms, and the costumes that told the company’s story. New guests will meet the beats and moves that put Feet of Rhythm on the map.

The impact reaches far beyond the stage. Youth mentorship, cultural pride, and strong community ties have shaped three decades of service.

Nadia Dieudonné’s Vision: Folklore, Story, and Joy

Nadia builds dances from the ground up, beginning with the drum. Traditional rhythms guide the feet, hips, and spine. Ceremonial dances, like Yanvalou or Nago, inform the shapes and pathways. She adds story and character, then crafts clear stage pictures that anyone can feel.

Choreodrama is a story told through dance, live drumming, song, and theater. In Foot of Rhythm, the stage becomes a village, a crossroad, and a memory. The piece leans on ancestors, community care, healing, and joy. The drums call, the voices answer, and the dancers move the story forward with power and grace.

The sound of Haitian drums fills the room, steady and bright. Call and response singing lifts the air. The movement carries weight in the hips and spine, then bursts into fast footwork. You feel the floor under you. You feel the drum in your chest.

Choreographed by Nadia Dieudonné and performed by Feet of Rhythm, Nadia marks a new chapter after 30 years. It honors where the company has been and points to where it is going. This celebration matters for Haitian dance in the diaspora, and for the cultural life of New York.

The core values are clear, honor the ancestors, protect culture, and find courage together. The mood shifts from quiet ritual to bright celebration, then back to a calm center. No spoilers, just trust that the journey lands in light.

Nadia leads the creative vision as choreographer. The Feet of Rhythm ensemble brings it to life with dancers, drummers, and singers working as one. This is an ensemble piece at its core. Each role supports the story and lifts the others.

You will feel the group’s bond in the way they share space and pass energy from one body to the next. The cast functions like a family, which fits the heart of the tale.

This anniversary wraps art in celebration. Expect delicious Haitian flavors, a live DJ keeping the energy high, a dance performance up close, and time to connect with neighbors and artists. The goal is joy, and the purpose is clear, raise funds to keep classes and programs strong.

Come for the premiere, stay for the party, and leave with new friends.

Haitian food brings warmth to the room. You might find griot with pikliz, fritay crisp from the fryer. The spice is bold, the hospitality even bolder. Come hungry and show love to Tonel who fuel the culture every day.

A live DJ will set the tone between program moments. Expect classic tracks and fresh cuts that will have you moving without thinking. Performance segments bring you closer to the artists, so you can see the detail in the steps and hear the breath in the drum.

Dancing is encouraged. Audience participation is part of the joy. This event welcomes families, friends, and neighbors. The goal is a respectful, joyful environment where all feel safe and celebrated.

Event Details, Tickets, and How to Get There

Here is everything you need in one place. Capacity is limited, so secure your spot early.

When and Where

• Date and time: Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM

• Venue: Anba Tonel

• Address: 1407 Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY 11210, in Little Haiti, Brooklyn

Arrive early to settle in and explore the neighborhood. Experience stunning costumes from over the years in this one-night-only showcase at Anba Tonel on October 18. Come snap some selfies, feel the rhythm, and get up close and personal with the artistry behind every piece.

Get Your Tickets Now: Pricing and Perks

Purchase your tickets as soon as you can. Every ticket keeps Haitian dance alive in the community and supports ongoing classes.

You can still support the mission. Consider a donation, sponsor a seat for a student, or volunteer with outreach. Spread the word on social media and share with local schools, churches, and community groups. Every action helps the work reach more people.

Feet of Rhythm is opening its vault for a reason. The past teaches, the present celebrates, and the future needs all of us.

Thirty years of art, teaching, and community deserve a bright night. On Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM at Anba Tonel, 1407 Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY 11210, Feet and Rhythm takes the stage in Little Haiti. You will get the vault experience, delicious Haitian food, a live DJ, and a room full of neighbors lifting each other up.

Every ticket fuels Haitian dance education and cultural joy in Brooklyn. Join the celebration, honor the legacy, and help write the next chapter. Get your tickets now and party with Nadia Dieudonné & Feet of Rhythm at 30.