Undertoe’s performance repertoire represents a wide spectrum of dance: from fun and flirty tap pieces to emotionally charged jazz pieces, rounded out with the exciting and unexpected fusion work, Undertoe offers something for everyone. Novice audience members will be excited by the familiar music and the explosive nature of the tapping, seasoned theater goers will be awed by the complex choreography and nuances of the dancer’s performances.
This twenty minute suite comprised of four sections is the newest finished piece in Undertoe’s repertoire. In Nobody’s Business, Ms. Fisch and her dancers explore the role of a strong woman in the context of a relationship: the coy first meeting and exciting beginnings, the sensual and selfish stage where couple-hood is all-important and defining, the unsatisfying decline, and the eventual parting of the ways. Unlike many other relationship stories told through dance, the female voice in Undertoe’s work is strong, independent, and self-assured. A mix of fusion and single-genre pieces set to music by three different female Blues artists, this suite explores the independent, contemporary woman’s role as she rides out the roller coaster of a real modern relationship until she packs her bags and leaves to move on to what else life has in store for her. Uplifting rather than depressing, the suite takes you on an emotional and visceral journey.
Work supported in part by an artistic residency at Camp Ballibay.
Funk Sweet! is a work which showcases the choreography of Artistic Director Dana Fisch in conjunction with her two dance captains. This suite consists of three new fusion works, in which technique is disguised and contrasted by larger, simpler movements, and even some good old fashioned grooving that you might see any person do on the dance floor. Funk Sweet! is an upbeat and uplifting way for the audience to connect to dance, one of Ms. Fisch’s main goals.
Moondance is one of the company’s signature repertory fusion pieces. Danced to an extended jazz version of Van Morrison’s classic, this piece puts Jazz and Tap dancers side by side, highlighting differences and similarities while welcoming the audience in through the smooth, relaxing beat. The choreography is complementary, displaying fusion work at its best and making the marriage of Jazz and Tap dancers and choreography seem effortless and natural.
A uniquely moving trio, Don’t Ask is a lyrical jazz piece danced to the dulcet tones of Matt Duke. Highlighting the beauty and fluidity of its dancers, this piece tells of loss and heartbreak while also reminding us of the versatility of Jazz choreography. Don’t Ask engages the audience through its haunting music, graceful movements, and emotional veracity leaving it’s impact something far more than just visual.
A fun, upbeat, tap twist on the Jackson 5 classic.
Full List of Repertoire:
FUSION
Funk Sweet! (2011)
Music: Cameo, Con Funk Shun, King Floyd
Number of Dancers: Full Company
Run Time: 11 minutes
Heartburn (2009)
Music: Alicia Keys
Number of Dancers: 6
Run Time: 3:36
Killing Time (2010)
Music: Joss Stone
Number of Dancers: 1
Run Time: 3:28
Moondance (2009)
Music: Van Morrison featuring Georgie Fame
Number of Dancers: 8
Run Time: 7:19
Nobody’s Business (2010)
Music: Rory Block, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Susan Tedeschi,
Number of Dancers: Full Company
Run Time: 20 minutes
Try a Little Tenderness (2008)
Music: The Commitments
Number of Dancers: 5
Run Time: 4:33
With You (2011)
Music: Sonya Kitchell
Number of Dancers: 1
Run Time: 4:33
JAZZ PIECES
Don’t Ask (2007)
Music: Matt Duke
Number of Dancers: 3
Run Time: 2:58
Fairytale (2010)
Music: Sara Bareilles
Number of Dancers: 4
Run Time: 3:42
TAP PIECES
Heartbreak (2007)
Music: Rob Thomas
Number of Dancers: 5
Run Time: 2:38
Set It Up (2009)
Music: TJ Moss Band
Number of Dancers: 5
Run Time: 3:43
EVENING LENGTH WORK
Soul to Sole
Music: live accompaniment by The Truthseekers
Number of Dancers: Full Company
Run Time: varies, 50 minutes – 120 minutes