Give It a Whirl

Compagnie Thor, a world-renowned Belgian dance company, makes its U.S. debut in Miami today with its latest project, D’Orient. Choreographed by founder Thierry Smiths, D’Orient focuses on the mystic spirituality and strength of Northern Africa and the Middle East. Smiths wanted to combine the area’s rich history with a sense of its modern urbanism.

Smith’s vision is brought to life by eight male dancers, and the physically demanding choreography is infused with traditional dance from the region, including astounding Turkish whirling dervish turns. There is a strong concentration on the sacred and intangible, from the purification and rituals of hammams to the vast silence of the Sahara. Do some traveling this tonight at the Colony Theater.
Fri., April 4, 8 p.m., 2008