Straight out of Port-au-Prince, the dance group Ayikodans has shot eros arrows into the hearts and minds of dance enthusiasts around the world. For instance, its founder and director, Jeanguy Saintus, created a piece for New York’s Lincoln Center last August. Ayikodans captured Miami’s heart right after Haiti’s devastating earthquake in 2010, when its dancers performed in town as part of a collaborative effort with the Arsht Center and other community leaders to save the Haitian gem. It worked. The company celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Though employing contemporary moves, Ayikodans and Saintus are also deeply and lovingly grounded in the traditions of the country’s unique dance and percussion heritage. Drums play an equal role alongside choreography in the performances, and the combination has been widely described as some of the most innovative and exciting dance today. Because of that popularity, Ayikodans returns to the Arsht Center’s Carnival Studio Theater (1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami) this week for four performances from Friday through Sunday, with general admission costing $35.
Fri., Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 16, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 17, 2 p.m., 2013