Danie Etienne is a Haitian-American storyteller, movement author, and filmmaker from Fort Myers, Florida. Growing up in a Haitian household, movement has always been a vital part of her life and connection to others. Danie’s dance practice is rooted in using movement to reflect cultural narratives and personal experiences, particularly around Black femininity, history and liberation.

Danie holds a Master of Fine Arts in Choreography & Performance from Florida State University. Her movement style blends contemporary and Afro-Diasporic forms, constructing abstract narratives that amplify stories of the Black community. As a Black woman devoted to breaking the pressures of body image and “acceptable” shapes in dance, Danie choreographs without a mirror to focus on intention rather than aesthetic.

She has collaborated with Billboard and Emmy-nominated musicians, and studied and worked with award-winning dance makers like Stephanie Batten Bland, Juel D. Lane, Jawole Zollar and Ron K. Brown. Danie’s choreography has been featured in universities, films and various community engagements, demonstrating her commitment to using movement as a tool for healing and empowerment.