About The Shire

Through stories, humans not only gain a deeper understanding of others’ experiences, but insight into themselves—an idea that underscores The Shire, which explores New Hampshire’s distinct regions through contemporary dance.

An ancient impulse found throughout human history, dance has enabled humans throughout evolution to build and maintain social bonds and cooperation. These social bonds are explored in The Shire, a dance performance created by Zackery Betty of NSquared Dance Company in Manchester.

During the course of ten days, Betty traveled throughout New Hampshire, interpreting seven major regions of the state through dance. The Shire represents his exploration of each region conceptually framed as its own ‘shire’ with movements choreographed to reflect his personal experiences there.

The Shire is sponsored by the New Hampshire Dance Collaborative and presented in conjunction with New Hampshire Humanities as part of their program Becoming New Hampshire.

The Shire launches New Hampshire Humanities’ Humanities Roadshow.