Haitian dance has made a powerful impact on Miami in the past several years. Hands down, some of the most acclaimed and popular performances have come from the troubled Caribbean country to the south. One reason is because Haiti has unique traditions — in music, art, and dance — stemming from its heritage as a French colony and the first free black nation in the world. Whatever the case, extraordinary cultural traditions emerged and over the years have been influenced by extreme political and financial difficulties. The result has been beautiful and raw stuff. The latest to hit our shores is Compagnie de Danse Jean-René Delsoin, coming to the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center (10950 SW 211th St., Cutler Bay) this Saturday at 8 p.m. The company combines “rough-edged and vivacious rural dances” with Haiti’s sophisticated urban dance culture, mixing in African drumming and classical ballet moves — an exhilarating prospect. — By Anne Tschida of artburstmiami.com

Price: $10 - $25