Dance with purpose: to build community, to facilitate community cohesion, and to learn dance practices that will help connect dancers and the dance floor while promoting community healing. This idea is no longer far-fetched because of Dansovillar, a dance company founded by Dr. Pierre Richard Villarson. Dansovillar is here to offer a unique opportunity for interested dancers of all levels, by taking calls and booking dance sessions with new members who join their group sessions at the Dansovillar dance studio, for two hours or sometimes longer. The dancers will enhance their skills with the help of their choreographer, who will offer simple tips and a set of easy maneuvers to learn Kompa, Kizomba, and Latin dance techniques. Join them dancing at the evening dance studio in Canarsie.
Choreography, together with “two-steps”, “shifting weight”, “side-to-side”, and more, is taught to students and dancers in the studio, along with dance lessons from his wife, Mitza Villarson, who also dances. Earlier this past week, they were dancing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It brings together people for education and community events, and it won’t stop there. Dansovillar’s inner character is dance and a belief in the unity of people, leading a community that believes in the transformative power of life, with a focus on Haitian culture and gratitude. At the same time, its efforts lie in presenting the tradition of dance to the largely unknown masses. Like Martinique and Guadeloupe, Haiti has a rich musical heritage, and the tambourine there closely resembles those in these regions of the Lesser Antilles. The islands also share Haitian Creole, the national language, and French, a second language. Another commonality among Haitians, Martiniquais, and Guadeloupiens is their cultural connections, which are deeply rooted not only in dance but also in a lens through which they view their people, food, and culture.
Dr. Villarson, who emphasizes community development and cultural growth, upholds the established characteristics of the artistic tradition and expresses Haitian culture through dance. He began dancing and teaching dance a few years ago in Haiti at Dance Vision and Africando, and most recently at DanceSport in Manhattan, New York. Other obligations are part of his life, starting with his roles in the community, including his position as Dr. Villarson, a social worker specializing in psychotherapy. He also took on the role of dance teacher and entrepreneur in the dance company Dansovillar, where he taught Kompa, Kizomba, and Latin styles. These activities contribute to creating a space for movement, which is vital in the culture of dance studios. They aim to prepare dancers to become familiar with the style taught there, while retaining the range of a rapidly growing space where dance teaching excels, having opened on July 24, 2025.
According to Dr. Villarson, the dance he teaches has become a form of therapy. Along with teaching members of the dance studio, his job is to provide entertainment, teach dance, and continue the showcase culture. The goal is to transform dance into a bridge that connects joy with the audience in the dance studio, links with the healing community, and provides a sense of belonging in dance. Dansovillar uses a variety of tips to create an environment of joy and community growth, inspiring dancers to continue dancing and evolving.
While the dance studio focuses on teaching and proper dance techniques, it provides Dr. Villarson with the opportunity to further his original goal of creating a culturally integrated environment for dancers. This environment allows dancers to incorporate dance into their cultural engagement ritual while keeping it accessible to them. It emphasizes the importance of being part of the community and celebrating Haitian culture and dance. They continue to focus on healing the community and developing ideas that align with their interests and values, while learning and participating in the arts and dances they explore with dancers from the Dansovillar dance studio. With this shared interest, Dansovillar is a welcoming space where dancers of all skill levels are encouraged to take to the dance floor, from beginners making their way through to advanced dancers, improving their overall dance skills.
Imagine yourself on a journey to connect with a dance community, reduce stress, build confidence, and improve your mental and physical health through dance healing. If so, the Dansovillar company invites you to join a growing community of dancers this year. Check-in is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays at 1778 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11236. Admission starts at $20 per lesson. They offer fun dance lessons on a large, spacious, and comfortable dance floor studio. Comfortable clothing and dance shoes are recommended; aspiring dancers can ask for help in choosing the proper attire for their dance sessions by coming to the dance studio and speaking with one of Dansovillar’s dance teachers.
