In 2009, a new modern dance company was launched by Haitian-born Gaspard Louis in Durham, NC. Despite achieving international acclaim for his work as a dancer and choreographer with the Pilobolus Dance Company, Louis is still relatively unknown among the African American community. Louis' goal is for Gaspard & Dancers to become the top modern dance company in NC. “Just as Carolina Ballet is (known) for ballet in North Carolina. I would like to be that for modern dance.” Louis has the drive and experience to achieve his vision. According to the Herald-Sun, “(Louis’) work exhibits his own quality of movement that seems effortless even when it requires great strength, flexibility, and control. His work also can embody emotion that touches the core of our humanity.”
Louis moved from Haiti to Newark, NJ when he was just 13. Although male dancers typically start studying at age 11, Louis didn’t take his first dance class until he was in college. During his sophomore year at Montclair State University, a female dance student saw him lead a martial arts demonstration and asked him to be her partner for a piece she was developing. Initially Louis turned her down, but since he was interested in getting her phone number he ultimately agreed. During his first dance class, he had an amazing experience. “It felt like I belonged there.” Louis changed his major from business to dance but he did not tell his mother until after he graduated. Louis says, “I come from an environment where being a dancer was not considered to be a real profession.”
Not long after graduating from college, Louis joined the internationally-renowned Pilobolus Dance Company. After ten years Louis retired and took a job in the banking industry in NYC. Although he was successful, two years later he decided that he wanted out. “If you have a heart, you can’t be in that business.” At a cross roads, Louis had to reevaluate his career path. “I lived my dream once and I experienced my Mom’s dream for her.” A job opportunity for his wife enabled Louis to relocate to Durham, NC. Louis then spent two years teaching Creole at Duke University. He found that he enjoyed working with students and decided to obtain his Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Duke University.
Today Louis serves as the Director of the American Dance Festival’s Creative Movement Outreach Program. He also teaches free dance classes to children throughout the Durham community and recently joined the faculty of North Carolina Central University.
Louis’ desire is to express and experience the joy of creative movement. That is what inspired him to become a dancer. That is the approach that he takes when introducing dance to his students and collaborating with his dancers. And he hopes his dance company will enable him to share his passion, love and joy of dance with the North Carolina community and beyond. For more information about his company, visit www.gaspardanddancers.org.
Louis moved from Haiti to Newark, NJ when he was just 13. Although male dancers typically start studying at age 11, Louis didn’t take his first dance class until he was in college. During his sophomore year at Montclair State University, a female dance student saw him lead a martial arts demonstration and asked him to be her partner for a piece she was developing. Initially Louis turned her down, but since he was interested in getting her phone number he ultimately agreed. During his first dance class, he had an amazing experience. “It felt like I belonged there.” Louis changed his major from business to dance but he did not tell his mother until after he graduated. Louis says, “I come from an environment where being a dancer was not considered to be a real profession.”
Not long after graduating from college, Louis joined the internationally-renowned Pilobolus Dance Company. After ten years Louis retired and took a job in the banking industry in NYC. Although he was successful, two years later he decided that he wanted out. “If you have a heart, you can’t be in that business.” At a cross roads, Louis had to reevaluate his career path. “I lived my dream once and I experienced my Mom’s dream for her.” A job opportunity for his wife enabled Louis to relocate to Durham, NC. Louis then spent two years teaching Creole at Duke University. He found that he enjoyed working with students and decided to obtain his Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Duke University.
Today Louis serves as the Director of the American Dance Festival’s Creative Movement Outreach Program. He also teaches free dance classes to children throughout the Durham community and recently joined the faculty of North Carolina Central University.
Louis’ desire is to express and experience the joy of creative movement. That is what inspired him to become a dancer. That is the approach that he takes when introducing dance to his students and collaborating with his dancers. And he hopes his dance company will enable him to share his passion, love and joy of dance with the North Carolina community and beyond. For more information about his company, visit www.gaspardanddancers.org.
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