Brigid Cleary, Louis E. Davis, Shubhangi Kuchibhotla, Michael Wood, Jasmine Joy, Ashley D. Nguyen, MaryBeth Wise, and Megan Graves. Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Consider “Dance Nation” as a prequel to “A Chorus Line” and you will have a better understanding of the teenage and pre-teen angst of becoming a dancer. Then add “Mean Girls” to the mix for a feel of a middle-school dance group that brings out the cruelty of adolescents “when the highs are so insanely high and the lows so desperately low,” as noted in the program.
…a talented cast…
“Dance Nation” is not an easy show to watch. Directed by Jenna Place, sex, puberty, and one-upmanship are the main topics of conversation, with pleasuring oneself as a popular topic in the dance studio, dressing room, and upper level of the stage where some of the sweeter moments take place. Luke (Louis E. Davis as the only male dancer in the troupe) asks Zuzu (Ashley D. Nguyen as the wannabe prima) how she pictures her “first time.” Zuzu snuggles next to Luke in what maybe her bedroom or the overlook at the dance studio and describes a New York City penthouse with fancy furniture and paintings where the act will take place when she is 23 and engaged.
Nguyen and the other five actors play 12- and 13-year-olds, though none of the actors are younger than 23 and many of them are much older. Brigid Cleary (Ashlee) has performed in 40 plus shows over 40 years at Olney Theatre Center and toured with the National Players. She has a defining moment as mature woman who speaks the words of a 12-year-old girl confronting her fears of her future, be it dance or something else. She wins my vote as the most interesting character.
Though dancing is part of the title and certainly the focus of the play, there wasn’t much to review in that aspect of the production. Most of the movements were upper body posturing and reaching out to the audience. In this nearly two hour show without an intermission, the ballet barre scene could have been eliminated. As a long-time dance critic and aficionado, it bothers me to see mediocre ballet—bodies not able to do a grand plié without floundering or a port de bras with arms bent in awkward positions.
There’s little surprise in the dance competition. After performing a brisk sailors’ jig as the curtain opens and winning first place in the Philadelphia contest, the gang prepares for the next competition which would open doors to the nationals in Florida. It is a dream trip for most of the team dancers who struggle with finances to pay for their classes and the ensuing competitions. Enter dance teacher Pat (Dance Captain Michael Wood) who turns to Ghandi for inspiration and his next soloist, to be determined by a dreaded audition—though Amina (Jasmine Joy) is by far the strongest dancer in the company and knows it.
The Ghandi piece could be categorized as a contemporary dance with lots of mime and prayer-like movements. Zuzu portrays the spirit of Ghandi but falls to the floor in her spinning solo. Amina takes over the lead a la Martha Graham in “Lament” with powerful, upper-body movements and facial expressions that demand attention. She’s rewarded with a tiara and a queen title that comes with a free trip to Orlando for the finals. The b****y comments continue in the dressing room and Mama Yesenia Iglesias (Vanessa/The Moms) chastises daughter ZuZu for remaining on the floor while her so-called friend danced center stage.
As it turns out, the judges thought the fall was intentionally choreographed and awarded first prize to the Liverpool, Ohio team. The show ended before finals, so we’re left to consider the possibilities and challenges of another piece. If a drama about youthful competition is your cup of tea, “Dance Nation” will satisfy. If you’re seeking topnotch dancing (TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance”), look elsewhere. It’s a talented cast—most making their Olney debut—that deserves more.
Running Time: One hour and 45 minutes without intermission.
Advisory: Strong language and sexual content.
“Dance Nation” has been extended through October 30, 2022 at The Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Olney MD 20832. For tickets and information, call the box office at 301.924.3400, open Wednesday – Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 pm or go online. For information on Covid safety protocols, click here.
