Compagnie Hervé Koubi
"Sol Invictus"
June 10, 2021
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 7:30 PM
Street and Davis Performance Hall, Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre
This performance will last approximately 80 minutes with no intermission.*
"They fly. They spin. They change how you see the amazing!"
— The New York Times
Direct from sold-out global tours, the world-renowned Compagnie Hervé Koubi arrives in Blacksburg to unleash the radiant power of Sol Invictus. Absolutely unique and utterly original, this fearless company reigns from France, Algeria, and beyond.
Named after the “Invincible Sun” deity of Ancient Rome, this New York Times Critics’ Pick is more than a performance — it’s a physical revolution. Watch as the stage becomes a high-stakes playground for the impossible, blending the raw energy of hip-hop and capoeira with the fluid grace of contemporary movement. It is a celebration that defies gravity and convention alike, proving our love isn't just a feeling; it’s our greatest power.
The music score includes a composition by Swedish composer Mikael Karlsson, with excerpts by Steve Reich and digital composer Maxime Bodson.
“I want to talk about light, solidarity, and those bonds that unite us,” says Hervé Koubi. “Here, the sun and the dance will emerge victorious.”
Drawing creative strength from choreographer Koubi's Algerian roots and the Mediterranean culture, Compagnie Hervé Koubi is a powerhouse player on the international touring circuit and has performed across the globe at TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND, the Joyce Theater, NYU Abu Dhabi, Holland Dance Festival, Venice Biennale, Belgrade Dance Festival, Monaco Dance Forum, and beyond.
About Hervé Koubi
Trained at the École de la danse, notably with Rosella Hightower, Hervé Koubi began his career as a performer in pieces by Jean-Christophe Paré and Emilio Calcagno. A dancer at the Centre Choréographique National de Nantes with Claude Brumachon and Benjamin Lamarche, then at the Centre Choréographique National de Caen with Karine Saporta and in the Thor Company in Brussels with Thierry Smits, he decided to develop his own choreographic project in 2000.
It was first tradition, and all the oral and physical transmission it carries within it, that captured Koubi's interest — a dance that brings together, unites, and creates connections between the balls of yesteryear, the rave parties, and the dance gatherings of today. It was then notions of traces, memories, and affiliations that led him to Algeria in search of his roots.
Koubi's artistic journey was deeply influenced by urban dance, even though it was already present in his earliest work. He has considered the interplay of techniques as a space for experimentation that transcends technical and aesthetic boundaries and affiliations. Since 2017, he has collaborated on all of his creations with Fayçal Hamlat, a dancer and choreographer with whom he shares a common vision.
Koubi was awarded the Order of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in July 2015.
This performance is supported in part by gifts from Ms. Ann Goette and Kelli Whitfield.
This is Compagnie Hervé Koubi's first performance at the center.
Photos by Daniel Roblin, Christophe Bernard, Mélanie Lhôte, and Nathalie Sternalski
* Run times listed here are based on information provided at this time and are subject to change.
FAQs
About This Event
While the dancers demonstrate extraordinary strength and athleticism, Compagnie Hervé Koubi's Sol Invictus is a contemporary dance performance, not a cirque production. The choreography combines contemporary dance with influences from hip-hop, capoeira, and martial arts to create movement that is both powerful and expressive.
The performance features a rich, cinematic musical score that blends contemporary and minimalist music. It includes a composition by Swedish composer Mikael Karlsson along with music by Steve Reich and Maxime Bodson. The music complements the choreography, helping shape the performance's emotional journey and dynamic energy.
What makes it especially interesting is how the music changes character throughout the performance. Critics describe it moving through:
- moments of complete silence,
- lush orchestral passages,
- pulsing electronic music,
- minimalist rhythms,
- almost club-like beats,
- and Beethoven's familiar, exhilarating melodies.
The music shifts with the choreography rather than remaining in one style.
Koubi has said he intentionally wanted to bring together these seemingly different musical worlds. In an interview, he explained that he'd long wanted to choreograph to American minimalist music like Steve Reich and paired it with new works by Karlsson and longtime collaborator Bodson. He even had Karlsson's music recorded in New York by live musicians because he wanted it to have a rich, organic sound.
It's pronounced “kohm-pahn-YEE air-VAY koo-BEE.” “Compagnie” is the French word for “company.”
Sol Invictus is Latin for "Invincible Sun" or "Unconquered Sun." The title refers to an ancient Roman celebration of light held during the darkest days of winter. For choreographer Hervé Koubi, it symbolizes hope, light, and the bonds that unite us, themes that are reflected throughout the performance.
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of dance, martial arts, acrobatics, and music. Known for its flowing, athletic movements, it features spins, kicks, sweeps, and balances that resemble a choreographed dance. In Sol Invictus, choreographer Hervé Koubi draws on capoeira alongside contemporary dance, hip-hop, and martial arts to create the production's distinctive movement style.
Yes. Sol Invictus is appropriate for a wide range of audiences, including families with older children and teens. While there is no dialogue or storyline to follow, the performance's powerful movement, breathtaking athleticism, and evocative music make it engaging for viewers of many ages. Children who enjoy dance, gymnastics, or athletic performances are especially likely to enjoy the show.
Compagnie Hervé Koubi's Sol Invictus features 17 dancers from around the world. Together, they blend contemporary dance, hip-hop, capoeira, and martial arts into a powerful ensemble performance that celebrates connection, trust, and shared humanity.
Attending a Performance at the Center
The most important thing is that you're comfortable. There is no dress code, so do what feels right for you. Do you want to get dressed to the nines for a special night out? You won't be the only one. Do you feel like keeping things casual? You won't be alone there, either.
All campus parking, including along Alumni Mall, requires a parking permit from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted by signage.
Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street at 300 Turner Street NW.
- For many Center for the Arts performances and large events, this garage will be staffed by an attendant and payment ($10, cash only) must be made at the time of entry. This event parking price is $2 higher than the garage’s daily rate to allow us to provide staffing to make both entering and exiting the garage more efficient for larger numbers of cars. You may exit at the Turner Street gate.
- All other times, visitors can take a ticket upon entrance and pay the $8 daily rate using Visa or Mastercard when exiting.
Convenient parking is also located in downtown Blacksburg. Town parking is free every day after 5:00 p.m.
Patrons are always welcome to drop off and pick up guests directly at the main doors of the Center for the Arts on Alumni Mall and Turner Street.
Allowing yourself extra time improves the experience for everyone! We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance so you have plenty of time for the safety screening and to get settled in your seats. Our lobbies and galleries open 90 minutes before performances, and the theatre doors open 30 minutes before the performance start time. Ushers will direct you to your seat and are happy to answer any questions.
For the safety of our guests and performers, all patrons may be required to pass through a walk-through metal detector before entering the theatre. The process is quick and touchless, and you may keep your personal belongings with you. If you need an alternate screening method, please speak with a member of our security team.
A small or clutch-size purse or clear bag is recommended. Oversized bags, luggage, and backpacks will not be permitted inside the theatre. Coat check will be available to check these items.
Concessions from Blacksburg Wine Lab are available for most performances. Concessions availability and locations will be included in the What to Know email for ticket holders. Concessions are available beginning an hour before the performance, so arrive early to avoid the lines and enjoy a drink before the show.
Yes. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages purchased from concessions may be enjoyed inside the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre when served in an approved Center for the Arts reusable cup. The cup is yours to keep, so wash it at home and bring it back to be refilled at future events where Blacksburg Wine Lab operates concessions. Other cups, containers, and outside beverages are not permitted. Learn more on our blog.
Cameras and recording equipment are not permitted inside the theatre during performances. To avoid distracting the artists and those around you, please turn off or silence your cell phone and put away all electronic devices before the performance begins. Photography, video recording, and audio recording are not permitted unless otherwise announced.
If you’re late, you may hear the beginning of the performance from the lobby while you wait to take your seat — either until intermission or an appropriate break in the program as requested and advised by the artists. Admitting late arrivals into the theatre is timed to cause as little disruption as possible to other guests and the performers on stage. In some cases, you may be seated in an alternate location in the theatre.
You will receive a “What to Know” email approximately 48 hours before the performance with helpful information on approximate runtimes, pre- and post-show activities, and any other information you will need to know before you head out the door.
We are committed to being fully accessible to all patrons and their companions and strive to make our patrons’ experiences convenient and comfortable. In addition to our venue’s universal design features, we offer services and accommodations for parking, seating, listening, sensory support, courtesy wheelchair, elevators, restrooms, service animals, sign language, and visual aids. Find out more.
No. Mobile tickets displayed on your smartphone are welcome, though printed tickets are also accepted.
While all sales are final, tickets to most events may be exchanged for another Center for the Arts performance within the current season. Please contact the box office at artscenter@vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-5300 at least one hour in advance of the scheduled performance to request an exchange. Refunds may be offered in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the box office manager.