Uncomfortable and important. These two words echoed in my head as I watched American University’s production of Dance Nation, written by Clare Barron and directed by Tara Giordano.
Dance Nation is a visceral exploration of women’s bodies at one of their most vulnerable and biologically sensitive stages, adolescence. Set in the Midwest, Dance Nation highlights the lives of several pre-teen competitive dancers striving to make it to the Boogie Down Grand Prix in Tampa Bay and etch their place in dance history by becoming National Champions.
Competition and social dynamics within the team threaten to derail their aspirations. Alongside this, we watch the riveting ensemble cast grapple with the transformations that accompany entering puberty and biological womanhood.
Giordano’s direction juxtaposes themes of self-discovery, friendship and ambition against those of isolation, loneliness, and the fear of being “othered.” The play exposes these layers of complexity through humor, dance, and the raw exploration of female bodies.
There’s a content advisory accompanying this play for a reason. The cast delivers unflinching performances that confront taboo issues head-on. From examining how youth begin to explore their sexual desires and navigate the male gaze to dealing with intense psychological issues that lead to self-harm and mutilation, this play goes there. For some the approach taken may feel extreme, but these experiences are the reality for many teens.
The lighting, set design, costumes, and dance numbers work in tandem to create an immersive experience, placing the audience in a relatable world that is eerily similar to reality shows like Dance Moms. Simultaneously, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of pre-teen competitions and gives the audience several characters to root for with equal fervor.
A standout element of this production is that there are no mean girls in this story, just girls navigating an oftentimes mean world that saddles them with unfair expectations and comparisons that force them to question themselves — who they truly are and how they want to show up. The adults in the picture are either unequipped or unwilling to be the support pillars these youth need.
While the play hits on some universal themes it lacks cultural nuance. The one character portrayed by a Black actress did not get a monologue like several of the other leads, so a broader exploration of her wants, desires, fears, and struggles was not present. Nonetheless, her performance of Sofia (Thulilani Chiura) was enthralling and relatable, especially as she grapples with the bodily transformations that come with puberty. Still, with more cultural nuance layered in, the story would have been a richer, more dynamic viewing experience.
Also, the final scene concludes a bit abruptly. Stylistically this could have been by design. Regardless, viewers are left invested in the characters and wanting more.
Ultimately, the play builds in a way that keeps the audience leaning in, and the dance routines punctuate the intensifying stakes the girls find themselves railing against, both within and among themselves. Initially, I bristled at the discomfort the play unlocked within me, but then realized that was an invitation to re-examine preconceived notions around what’s acceptable for girls/women to do with their bodies and the importance of autonomy in self-expression. I hope other viewers felt challenged as well and now find themselves rooting for Team Dance Nation.
I would now certainly tune in to watch a dramatized web series version of this crew’s journey to Nationals and beyond!
Running Time: 90 minutes with no intermission.
Dance Nation played February 13 to 15, 2025, presented by the American University Department of Performing Arts, performing at the Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre – 4200 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC.
The program for Dance Nation is online here.
Dance Nation
By Claire Barron
Directed by Tara Giordano
Choreographed by Jennifer Hopkins
CAST
Thulilani Chiura, Laura Dodge, Finn Fairfield, Olivia Levin, Megan Kempton, Maya-Marie Ramnath, Lila-Rose Roberts, Sedona Salb, Gavin Schulman, Charles Sinche, Dan Zavilowitz, Elena Zimmerman, Katie Zimmerman, Jason Zuckerman
CREW
Molly Jane Brennan, Hannah Digiovanni, Sirra Faal, Tara Giordano, Kate Grimble, Rebecca Morris
