How do today's Afro-descendants reconnect with Vodou, an animist culture rooted in West Africa and carried across the Atlantic through colonial history? Smaïl Kanouté explores this question through dance in SÔ AVA, a performance that examines how bodies hold knowledge and connect with the world, nature, and the sacred. Vodou, whose name means "to be well with," emphasizes maintaining balance and harmony between the visible and invisible worlds. SÔ AVA is the final piece in a choreographic triptych that reflects on black heritages and colonial memories. Through rhythm, movement, masks, and costumes, the dancers revive ancestral traditions. Inspired by Vodou dance practices, the performance delves into the balance between the seen and unseen, moving beyond stereotypes to present a living philosophy of connection and harmony. SÔ AVA is choreographed by Smaïl Kanouté, with performers Aston Bonaparte, Lisa Dwomoh, Smaïl Kanouté, Flamy Joyce Kounzilat, and Karel Kouelany. Moustapha Ziane collaborates artistically, and Rébecca Chaillon offers dramaturgical support. Sound design is by Paul Lajus and Julien Villa, while Olivier Brichet is responsible for set and lighting design. Costumes are created by Smaïl Kanouté, Eugénie Delorme, and Rachel Axel. The production is by Compagnie Vivons, supported by the Hermès Enterprise Foundation, the Caisse des Dépôts, the Francis Kurkdjian Foundation, and the Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs of Île-de-France. It is co-produced with CCN Ballet national de Marseille, MC93 - Maison de la Culture de Seine-Saint-Denis - Bobigny, and Les Ateliers Médicis - Clichy-sous-Bois. Residencies are held at Théâtre de la Cité Internationale, Théâtre du Châtelet, CCN Ballet national de Marseille, MC93, and Studio H Pantin. Performances of SÔ AVA are scheduled for 3 and 4 October 2026 at the Theatre de la Cité Internationale, as part of the Hermès Enterprise Foundation's Transforme Festival. Additional shows are planned for 6 October at LaMAM in Marseille, 1 and 2 April 2027 at Les Subs in Lyon, and 26 to 29 May 2027 at MC93 in Bobigny.