Out of the fire, the mythical phoenix rises. Bestowed with great beauty, the phoenix creates intense excitement and deathless inspiration. So it is that the Haitian company, Ayikodans has emerged. Now six years after the devastating earthquake of 2010, the troupe has its own thrilling aesthetic and energetic style in dance that reflects modern Caribbean culture and creativity. The opening night at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Carnival Studio saw dynamic dancers under the guidance of director and choreographer, Jeanguy Saintus, who are committed to showing the vitality and exuberance of the Haitian culture through enthralling dance, mesmerizing voice and the thrilling pulse of live music. And a wonderful performance it is.
The dance is raw and gritty. No refined technique here. Each Ayikodans member carries a unique look with an immaculate and sleek physicality bundled in a compelling ferocity that captivates and engages even in the quietest, most still moments. The dancers move with purpose and extreme focus cutting through space with a passion and soul that carries the weight of struggle, defiance and ultimately, community and hope.
The program opened in darkness with only sounds. It was a peaceful and theatrical atmosphere to set the tone for what was to come as the lights grew. Saintus created Phases drawing from three decades of exploration in form, style and texture. While the three movements had no “story” each solo conveyed a journey.
With flexed foot turns and quaking stillness accompanied by the subliminal rustles of the forest, Emmanuel Gérant proudly writhed and twisted in strength and command in the first solo. When the erie, high pitched, almost castrati sound of James Germain joined from the back of the room, the atmosphere carried a surreal tone as Gérant ritualistically enveloped himself in red fabric and walked off the stage. Perhaps red, which was prominent throughout the evening, was the color of life. The exotic Sephora Germain, swirling a broom, convulsed explosively into extreme moments of breathless stillness where frustration and desire were prominent in the simplest pointing and flexing of her feet. Mackenzon Israel Blanchard blended with the melodic voice of Renette Désir as the mature depiction of resolution.
With long braids flying, Blanchard went from quick contractions and jumps to curls on the floor. There were occasional glimpses of gold under his dark skirt. Taking off the skirt and revealing the exuberant gold, he is free. There was no story, but the hope, determination and authenticity of the movement was clear. Beautiful lighting for the entire evening by Al Crawford and Roya Abab of Arc3 design, left a lasting impression, especially in the final still tableau of Phases with the two men back to back on the floor and Germain’s face peering through to the future.
The world premier of M’Angaje (I am committed) was made possible through the alliance and support from the Arsht Center. It speaks of the need to return to one’s roots, the need for alliances to advance our cause and how the cry for the spirits can offer safe passage through times of great distress. Again, opening in darkness with chanting voices against the waves of the ocean, the audience was transported to a serene place that was no longer the Carnival Theater. As the lights came up, we saw a singer, facing away with an empty chair. Longing and an ode to the future could be seen in her elegant stance. The dancers were revealed with a medley of golden bowls that had Haitian symbols inside on a floor that was also patterned with Haitian symbols.
All wearing red gauzy costumes, there was a ceremonial feel to the unison intensity of the company, with the droning, expectant pulse of the music and the added texture of the bowls. Sporadic balancing on one leg created a hypnotic tension as the dancers stood and slowly started to move.
The patterns changed and the room exploded in powerful drum rhythms as three barely clad men burst onto the stage in huge leaps, dazzling drops to the floor, and expansive kicks that took the audience by surprise. Changing the environment was a selection of flag pageantry, a tribute to the Haitian culture, with a flavor of Caribbean aesthetic that included hip undulations and heaviness in foot work. One dancer caught a round of applause for his continuous vibration as the company moved in controlled chaos around him. There was a beautiful harmoniousness that ensued as the pageantry continued. The two voices of Désir and Germain, that had come in and out during the piece, blended to sometimes overtake, sometimes recede until the final parade that took us off the stage and into the distance with dancers, flags, singers and the fading music.
A performance of Ayikodans is an exhilarating visual and audible journey of raw passion and focused energy. With an overwhelming soulfulness and a commitment to pursue and survive, one can only admire the intense experience that is brought to fruition with each performance.
Performances continue through February 6, 2016 in the Arsht Center’s Carnival Studio Theater. Tickets to Ayikodans are $40 at the Adrienne Arsht Center Box Office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org.
