The Shire — a celebration of New Hampshire’s seven distinct regions through dance. It was created by Zackary Betty, Artistic Director of NSquared Dance
Location: The Rex Theater, Manchester, New Hampshire
Date: 10/13/2022
While many contemporary dances often delve into somewhat esoteric and philosophical themes, The Shire is a sharp departure from that model. Choreographer Zackery Betty traveled through the state of New Hampshire and took his physical cues uniquely from a sense of place. New Hampshire is diverse in almost all ways, and our regional differences reveal cultural, geographical and environmental elements that set each region apart. The Shire pulls all of this information together into a one powerful, mysterious and joyful dance while also capturing the essence of region.
When a place is experienced physically, the sensory stimuli provides bareboned, transparent inspiration. Betty choreographed in fields, on the seashore, in the mountains and in the mills that characterize New Hampshire. While he did “learn” about the regions through reading, he reflected the regions through the “felt sense” and sent videos of himself back to his dancers for them to interpret. Through the universal language of dance, the audience tours the state via their own sympathetic ability to feel the movement as much as watch exquisite dance.
The Shire will have its place in the cultural and educational offerings of New Hampshire. If someone wants to understand the complexity and beauty of the state, witnessing The Shire in-person or even through video will be transformative.