Dance Party: Konpa Swaré with HAMOC

The Alliance is thrilled to partner with the Haitian-American Museum of Chicago to host their monthly konpa swaré!

This special edition of their beloved dance party will feature:

• Carribean beats by DJ Frantz
• romantic konpa moves
• delicious homestyle Haitian food for purchase from the talented Myrtha Briette
• complimentary Prestige beer

Beginners welcome! Join us for an introductory lesson from 7:30–8:00 pm.

Doors at 7:00 pm. Konpa lesson at 7:30. Dance floor opens at 8:00. Haitian menu available for purchase on-site, $5/plate.

About Konpa

Konpa dirèk (compas direct) is a modern meringue dance music genre of Haiti, created by Port-au-Prince native Nemours Jean-Baptiste.

Konpa blends African, Latin, and European influences, reflecting Haiti’s cultural heritage. As konpa evolved in the 1960s and 1970s, it began to influence other Caribbean genres like Dominican merengue and zouk in the French Antilles, contributing to its international reach. Jean-Baptiste’s contributions established konpa as a cornerstone of Haitian cultural identity.

In 2025, konpa was recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Wikipedia contributors. “Compas.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 16 Dec. 2025. Web. 12 Feb. 2026.

About the DJ

Frantz Reginald Dossous grew up in Petion-Ville, Haiti and migrated to the United States in his late teens. He is an active member of the Haitian Catholic Mission, serves on the Board of Directors of the Dusable Heritage Association, and is both organizations’ resident DJ. He also coordinates and DJs the Haitian American Museum of Chicago’s popular monthly Konpa Swaré after-work socials every third Thursday of the month. Frantz enjoys dancing and listening to diverse genres of music, both Haitian and worldwide.

Getting Here

The Alliance Française de Chicago is one block from the CTA Red line stop at Chicago Avenue. Best bus routes are the 22 on Clark and the 66 on Chicago Avenue. A Divvy station is located in front of the 54 W Chicago Ave entrance.

Parking Information

$10 for 12 hours at 100 W Chestnut St. Validation is available at reception.

Photography Notice

Please be advised that students, members, and attendees at cultural events or programs may be photographed, and these images may be used for marketing purposes.