Biography of Mikerline Pierre

The soulful rhythms of Haiti steadily flow through every inch of Mikerline Pierre, a dance instructor of Haitian folklore at Djoniba Dance and Drum Center in Manhattan. Her mantra of "energy" illustrates her passion for keeping the Haitian dance culture alive.

Pierre's dance background is steeped in the rich Haitian tradition. She studied under Haitian dance giants, including Vivian Gauthier and Pierre Desrameaux. She also studied at the renowned Enarts Dance School of Haiti in Port-au-Prince. She danced her way onto the music scene as a backup singer for the roots band Ram in Port-au-Prince. From 1988 to 1994, she traveled with the group and performed for audiences in Cuba, Santa Domingo, Miami, New York, New Jersey and New Orleans. After leaving Ram, she moved to Paris and joined a Haitian folklore group headed by Gertrude Francois of the Haitian embassy in France. Her dance roster also touts dance companies including Ayiti La and Anacaona. An unstoppable performer, she was the artistic director and choreographer for Troupe Makandal in Brooklyn.

Pierre's talents have been called for a solo performance for the legendary Katherine Dunham during a tribute for the dance giant. Her dancing and singing talents are featured on music videos by Boukman Eksperyans, Kampeche and Bamboche. Pierre has conducted dance workshops at Columbia University.

"Dance without expression is just exercise," Pierre says. "You must put passion in every move. Let the drums talk to your dancing soul and the audience will believe that you can fly. Always give more energy."