Haitian modern dance company celebrates post-earthquake survival

MIAMI – A Haitian modern dance company is celebrating its 25th anniversary with performances in Miami.

Ayikodans survived through years of political instability, disasters and a lack of theatrical resources in Haiti’s capital. A massive earthquake in the Caribbean country in 2010 nearly shut down the company. Then it got a lifeline in the form of financial assistance from Florida’s Haitian-American community and the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.

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At the end of Friday night’s performance, founding artistic director Jeanguy Saintus thanked Arsht Center’s audience for their support by inviting them on stage to dance.

Ayikodans also performs Saturday and Sunday. Saintus’ works feature traditional Haitian drumming, music performed by Haitian singer James Germain and movements inspired by religious ceremonies.