In the village of Bel Ombre, Emma Marie’s rhythm began long before the world heard her name. A natural-born performer, she stepped into the world of dance at just four years old. For over a decade, she trained rigorously in dance academies before taking a break at sixteen to focus on her studies. With a diploma in Business Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing, Emma was determined to forge a successful professional path, but her heart never strayed far from dance.
“I’ve always loved marketing,” she says. “But I also love travel, experiencing life, and connecting with people. I’m full of life, and Konpa became the perfect way to express that.” Emma’s discovery of Konpa, a sensual dance with deep Haitian roots, happened during a particularly stressful chapter of her life. “Work pressure was building up, and I needed a therapy of some sort,” she recalls. “One day, scrolling online, I stumbled on a dance I didn’t even know was called Konpa. The moment I saw it, I was hooked.”
What resonated most with Emma was Konpa’s language of movement. “I’m someone who believes that connection isn’t just verbal. You don’t always have to talk – movement can speak louder. And Konpa is exactly that. It’s emotional, it’s expressive, it’s healing.” Inspired, Emma taught herself the moves by following renowned Konpa dancers online. In 2022, Emma launched her first Konpa classes, starting with women and focusing on Gouyad, a hip-centric movement dance style. “Women carry most of the movement in Konpa,” she explains. “Gouyad helps them unlock confidence and femininity. It’s empowering.”
Despite early venue challenges that forced her to pause, Emma made a powerful return in 2024. This time, the timing was right, and Konpa was gaining attention locally. Seychellois artists were even beginning to release Konpa-inspired tracks, creating a cultural wave that Emma took advantage of. “Now, when you look at our classes, it’s amazing,” she smiles. “Sure, many beginners come in stiff, unsure, but they stay. They grow. And slowly, their confidence begins to spark.”
For Emma, the mission runs deeper than rhythm. “Konpa brings back something we’ve been missing -connection,” she says. “Back in the day, dancing was about holding someone, moving together. Konpa and Zouk are helping revive that intimacy and emotional connection.” But it’s also about women’s empowerment. “When women dance Konpa, they take the spotlight. It encourages femininity, strength, and boldness, things we sometimes feel are fading. The classes help women own their power again.”
While male participation is slowly growing, Emma notes a cultural shyness among men. Many wait for others to try first. “But during our events, you see them show up. You see the balance and the joy. It’s only the beginning.”
Social media has played a huge role in Konpa’s rise in Seychelles. “We get engagement not just locally but internationally. People are watching, connecting, and inviting us to collaborate.” Emma proudly shares that they’ve already been approached by Konpa instructors and artists abroad. “The world is opening up to us. Mauritius and Reunion got their recognition, why not us too?”
From successful events at The Beach Shak, The Boat House, Maison Marengo, and even hotel partnerships, the journey is no longer just about classes. “It’s evolving into full-scale events, collaborations, and cultural celebrations. We’re working on projects with international dancers and musicians. Konpa is moving forward,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Emma sees no end in sight. “In five, even ten years, I’ll still be with Konpa. It’s part of me now,” she says with conviction. “Haitian Konpa is growing, and we’re just scratching the surface. I believe we’ll go even further, even internationally.”
To anyone considering a dance journey of their own, Emma’s advice is simple yet profound: “Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Yes, there’ll be challenges. Yes, people might try to discourage you. But your dream is yours – and that makes it worth fighting for. After every storm, there’s always sunshine.”
