The cast of Dance Nation, 6 women and 1 man, on stage screaming during a scene. They wear exercise clothes (shorts, t-shirts, and sweatpants) and the floor and walls are made of wood.

The company of Dance Nation. Photo by Joan Marcus.

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Eboni Booth and Ikechukwu Ufomadu. Photo by Joan Marcus.

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The company of Dance Nation. Photo by Joan Marcus.

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The company of Dance Nation. Photo by Joan Marcus.

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The company of Dance Nation. Photo by Joan Marcus.

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Clare Barron at Playwrights Horizons. Photo by Zack DeZon.

Clare Barron; photo by Zack DeZon

Dance Nation


Peter Jay Sharp Theater


Written by Clare Barron
Directed and Choreographed by Lee Sunday Evans

World premiere
2017 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize winner

Dance Teacher Pat
I want you to think about all the people in the world who are suffering…And I want you to go out there…And I want you to dance for them.

Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at the Boogie Down Grand Prix in Tampa Bay. But in Clare Barron’s raucous pageant of ambition and ferocity, these young dancers have more than choreography on their minds, because every plié and jeté is a step toward finding themselves, and a fight to unleash their power.

Featuring
Purva Bedi
Connie
Layla Khosh
Amina (Extension)
Christina Rouner
Vanessa/The Moms
Thomas Jay Ryan
Dance Teacher Pat
Lucy Taylor
Ashlee
Creative Team
Arnulfo Maldonado
Scenic Design
Ásta Bennie Hostetter
Costume Design
Barbara Samuels
Lighting Design
Brandon Wolcott
Sound Design
Erin Gioia Albrecht
Production Stage Manager
Bryan Bauer
Assistant Stage Manager

We recommend this show for ages 15 and up due to strong language and locker room nudity.

Reviews
  • “Critic’s Pick! A blazingly original play from the insanely talented Clare Barron. Directed and choreographed with gloriously rough magic by Lee Sunday Evans, marvel at how close what you see cuts to the bone.”

    — Ben Brantley, The New York Times
  • “I have seen the future, and it is Dance Nation.”

    — Peter Marks, The Washington Post