Compagnie Hervé Koubi (France/Algeria)

With gravity-defying athleticism and mesmerizing grace, 12 high-velocity performers astound in a lyrical, explosive marriage of traditional Sufi dance and contemporary hip-hop. French-Algerian choreographer Hervé Koubi, who trained as both a medical doctor and dancer, grew up in France unaware of his Algerian heritage. When he learned about it at age 25, the revelation launched a personal and artistic journey that led to the founding of his contemporary dance company. Compagnie Hervé Koubi is a brotherhood of dancers primarily from North Africa, most with backgrounds in street dance. The internationally-acclaimed performers combine expertise in capoeira, martial arts, hip-hop, and contemporary styles.

One of the company’s signature works, What the Day Owes to the Night uses explosive movement and powerful imagery to metaphorically retrace Koubi’s family history. The dynamic choreography draws audiences into a world of human architecture, diving bodies, and mesmerizing whirlwinds. The New Yorker describes the performance as “an exploration of masculinity and male beauty, meditative and at times tender, containing moments of striking virtuosity.”