ASSOCIATION

Founded by internationally renowned Haitian born choreographer, dancer, and educator Jeanguy Saintus Riché, Ayikodans is considered to be the premiere professional dance company of Haiti. Saintus has enabled the emergence of a new, contemporary Haitian aesthetic that, while rooted in tradition, reflects a modern Caribbean culture and creativity that would surprise many who associate the country with disaster, poverty and helplessness.

 

Ayikodans company members have danced on stages in Latin America, Europe, the United States and Asia at such venues Adrienne Arsht Center in Florida, Carnegie Hall in New York, The Netherlands’ Muziegebow and Tropentheater, Teatro Anayanzi in Panama, Centre des Arts and L’Artchipel in Guadeloupe,Teatro Nacional and Palacio de Bellas Artes in the Dominican Republic , L’Atrium in Martinique.The Foundation Tokyo Ballet in Japan…

 

Dance is a way of life for Jeanguy SAINTUS. As the founder of Ayikodans,he has continuously pushed the limits of modern dance over the past decades. In 25 years of passionate research he has mastered a cross cultural body language that speaks with the power of remote times and places.

 

To expand the local pool for dance, Saintus founded Artcho Danse a dance center and training program for children and adults in Port-au-Prince. He also

provides a scholarship program called Dansepyenu (Dance Barefoot) for talented young dancers unable to afford tuition.Saintus organizes cultural exchanges by inviting guest artists from around the world to teach at Artcho Danse, and takes his unique technique globally by teaching master classes.

 

In 2008, Saintus was a recipient of the prestigious Prince Klaus Award in The Netherlands for expanding the possibilities of the dance medium, fostering young talent, and inspiring pride in the strength, beauty and richness of Haitian identity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Websites:

http://www.ayikodans.com

 

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/cultist/2013/02/haitis_ayikodans_we_cant_get_e.php

 

http://www.islandvibesmag.com/haitis-ayikodans/

 

http://artburstmiami.com/2011/05/24/ayikodans-at-the-arsht/?t=Ayikodans+at+the+Arsht

 

hhttp://www.elnuevoherald.com/2013/02/19/1411582_lo-mejor-de-ayikodans-en-su-25to.html

 

 

 

 

For information, please contact:

Telephone: 202-681-0222
Email: info@lakouassociation.org

Mail: Lakou Association Leadership Gala Awards
2007 Osborn Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20910