A show of growth, ambition and important conversations
Dance Nation is a story of an army of pre-teen competitive dancers who plot to take over the world. If their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at Nationals in Tampa Bay. It’s a play about ambition, growing up and how to find our souls in the heat of it all.
Dance Nation is directed by Acadia Barrengos, a New York-based director whose work engages audiences on a deep and emotional level. She was inspired by the study of epigenetics, which led her to stories about DNA coding, intergenerational trauma and inheritance. She also has a knack for creating rehearsal rooms filled with joy, and uses theatre to question and learn.
Southern Plains Productions said it was inspired to produce Dance Nation because the play boldly explores themes of ambition, power dynamics and the pursuit of dreams, particularly through the lens of young female characters. You can expect themes of growing up and challenges of identity in this show. It is targeted to adult audiences, particularly women. Director Barrengos said to expect a messy set, as the time of life the play explores is messy.
Fun fact: This is the first production Southern Plains has presented in a space intended for theatre. It strives to use the space to its fullest potential to create a more immersive experience.
Joining the production crew are sound designer Jacob Henry, assistant professor of sound design at Oklahoma City University, and choreographer Michelle Rambo, who teaches dance at the University of Oklahoma.
Artistic Director Jackson Gifford said he hopes Dance Nation will spark conversations. He invites audiences to engage in discussion with friends and family after seeing the events on stage. Gifford also said, “Dance Nation aims to resonate with audiences by authentically portraying the struggles and triumphs of young girls grappling with identity, ambition and societal pressures.”
This production features many characters such as Amina, the star dancer; Luke, the only male dancer on the competitive team; and Dance Teacher Pat, who is loosely inspired by Abby Lee Miller from “Dance Moms,” and is played by Ronn Burton. Other actors to look out for are Ashley J. Mandanas (Connie) and Gianna Hoffman (Sofia).
Watch these characters come to life onstage Aug. 15-17 at the Civic Center’s Little Theatre, 201 N. Walker in Oklahoma City. Purchase tickets HERE.
