Zydeco has never seemed more fun, flirting and sensual. Those words best describe “Zydeco, Zare’,” the first modern dance project based on the Louisiana music. The Elisa Monte Dance Company of New York City recently unveiled the historic production, which was commissioned two years ago by the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana.

During that time, Monte and dancers spent time at zydeco dances, trail rides and festivals soaking up the black Creole culture of southwest Louisiana. Judging from the standing ovation they received, Monte and company channeled those influences into something powerful. The dancers, powered by Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, told zydeco’s story from its African roots to its present popularity. The performance began with the journey to America. Six of Monte’s dancers slowly carried a writhing woman across the stage to the pulsating sounds of African drums.

Dancers progressed to jure’, the hand-clapping, foot-stomping, testifying beats that slaves and free people of color laid as the foundation of zydeco. Accordion sounds came next with male and female dancers acting out courting rituals that have filled dancehalls for decades.

Another steamy scene featured one couple endlessly tangled in as web of moves that started with dancing and ended close to lovemaking. Thankfully, both parties brought out their white handkerchiefs before things went too far.