The New Hampshire

Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: Arts & Living

Media Credit: Courtesy Photo

Media Credit: Courtesy photo Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire are two of the classic icons that will be portrayed in this year's UNH Dance Company feature, Puttin' on the Ritz.

Fred Astaire. Shirley Temple. Ginger Rogers. José Greco. From April 2--April 6, the UNH Dance Company will honor these classic icons as they host their production of Puttin' on the Ritz, adapted from the 1930s musical film, in the Paul Creative Arts Center's Johnson Theater. Featuring the dance styles of swing, tap, aerial, and jazz, Puttin' on the Ritz incorporates the musical dance styles of the 1930s as we are taken back through Fred Astaire's mind to a dream of his. Incorporating no dialogue, Puttin' on the Ritz dreamlike dance scenes take place in an empty ballroom, where all the magic happens.

"The premise [of Fred Astaire's dream] is sort of like the Wizard of Oz. You'll see lots of fun characters, accompanied by the most beautiful music in the world," said Gay Nardone, director and choreographer of the production and associate professor and chair of the Theatre and Dance department.

Nardone believes, as stated in the Dance Company's program, that "the popular music of the thirties can be used as a lens to better understand the collective memory of the American people during a decade marked by the Depression, emerging technologies, and the growing population of cities as many Americans relocated from rural areas. During these times we turned to music, dance, and movie stars for enjoyment, entertainment, and cultural fulfillment."

"It's not a typical dance show," said Megan Godin, a UNH senior who plays Shirley Temple.

This is part of the reason as to why Nardone chose this production.

"We do something new every year and we always stay original. There are a lot of art forms and dance forms out there, and by portraying a story through dance, people can understand and find out about that time period," said Nardone.

Currently the UNH Dance Company students are making the final touches to their characters and practice routines to be featured next week. Normally practicing about 20 hours a week, the students partaking in this year's play will be upping their commitment in the next week to make this play the best it can be.

"[The students] are probably looking at 40-hour weeks ahead of them. It's just the way it is. But it's theater and they're getting a lot out of it. It's a true performance experience," said Nardone.

Relying simply on character and dance, the students are really making sure they can get their characters across. UNH senior Meggie Carpenter, who plays Ginger Rogers, even dyed her hair blonde to fit the part.

"It's fun and entertaining. It's very visual and has a lot of energy," said Carpenter. "It also tells a cohesive story through dance and it crosses generations so everyone can enjoy it."

Nardone agrees.

"The kids are really getting into it. They're really getting into character. They've researched their characters through old films as well as YouTube, which has been especially useful. Overall it will be great for people to find out who these people are through dance," said Nardone.

Nardone grew up with dance in her life by becoming a Radio City Rockette at the age of 17, and soon moved forward to the Jackie Gleason show. Having had dance in nearly the entirety of her life makes her very passionate about dance and the arts in general. Because of this Nardone became a professor in 1982 and about six years ago started the aerial program here at UNH.

"I'm really enjoying [the aerial dance program]. It's working out really great," said Nardone.

The students are just as welcoming to the new style of dance.

"Aerial dancing is a totally new form of art that has a different aspect which isn't in normal dance," said Andy Geary, a UNH senior who takes on the role of Fred Astaire.

"We now have everything here to make a well-rounded dancer-tap, jazz, aerial, ballet, swing, modern. You can make it in a company or a music and theater production. It's a very diverse program," said Nardone.

The UNH Dance Company may not be well know within the university to even having an existence, but it is to be noted that Nardone was featured on CBS last year to represent the fact that UNH is one of kind when it comes to dance.

"This is the only University in the United States that offers aerial dance in the dance program. Florida State has Circus incorporated, but not aerial specifically. We are the only University in America," said Nardone.

For this reason, Nardone believes the University needs to incorporate the arts more in students' time here at UNH.

"They really need to emphasize the arts. This is a school with an incredible music program…incredible art program… incredible theater and dance… some of the work we do is only done here. . We [as a department] do everything we can, but it costs money. Why there isn't more focus, I don't know. It would be nice to see more. We really need to be forceful in telling people we're here," said Nardone.

In the end, it's about the improvement. Over the years, more stories are being told through dance, and Nardone wishes that people will make the hike to the PCAC's Johnson Theater and add a new form of art into their lives that she is sure they will enjoy.

"We're constantly evolving as we grow…as I grow…as they grow. And I think people will love, laugh, and recognize the music [as far as Puttin' on the Ritz goes] from their parents or grandparents who knew it. It's fun with great music and recognizable dance… that is why music and dance has stood the test of time," said Nardone.

Come with me and we'll attend their jubilee /And see them spend / Their last two bits / Puttin' on the Ritz . . .

Along with Puttin' on the Ritz, Dinéhtah, meaning Land of the People, will take place as well. It's not a documentary, but is a drama based on fact. It is told through a classic ballet infused with themes of Native American dance and music created and choreographed by C. Laurence Robertson. Dinéhtah tells the story of a young man and a rebellious young Navajo woman who, through glimpses into their past, learn of a secret. It is a spiritual journey of self-discovery.

The UNH Dance Company presents Puttin' on the Ritz and Dinéhtah April 2-5 at 7pm, and April 6 at 2pm in the Johnson Theater. Ticket prices are $12.50 for the general public and $10.50 with an UNH ID/Seniors/Group 15+.

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