Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Utahns are in for the ultimate repertory dance experience, 30 years in the making at the Odyssey Dance Theatre's "Shut Up and Dance" show. Whether you want a date night out or to entertain the whole family, this show is one to please any crowd.
Shows run April 2-5 at the Grande Theatre in Salt Lake City. You can get tickets for the "Shut Up and Dance" performances at odysseydance.com.
"Shut Up and Dance" includes a buffet of dance styes. The first act of the show consists of a repertory of new works. Christian Denice, a former Odyssey dancer, choreographed the first performance. His inclusion's contemporary style allows dancers to express raw emotion in combination with lighting and sound that gives the audience space to experience something unique and moving.
The second is also choreographed by a former Odyssey dancer, Jeffrey Louizia. His popular hip-hop work mesmerizes crowds with the intricate moves that involve nearly every muscle in the body. You'll love the catchy music and will leave feeling inspired by the incredible dancing and theatre of it all.
The last performance of the first act is choreographed by the owner of Odyssey Dance Theatre, Derryl Yeager. His choreography training stems from years of broadway, ballet, television and film experience. With decades of Odyssey shows under his belt, Yeager chose "Chichester Psalms" by Leonard Bernstein as the background music and as the inspiration for his choreography.
"Dance is an amazing form of expression that doesn't require manuals and textbooks to understand. It communicates to all and across all boundaries," Yeager says.
The show's second act is the "Can Can Club," which was originally called Moulin Rouge. The Theatre originally premiered this show back in 2007 and they brought it back 17 years later by popular demand.
The history of the can can, according to CBS News, dates back to the Napoleonic era in France. Wars were a major part of life back then, and the can can became a "sly commentary on the times."
The dancing and movement inspired the 2001 movie, "Moulin Rouge" and the 1960 musical, "Can-Can."
Now, Utahns can see the spectacle of the "Can Can" live and in-person! Yeager says, "I thought it would be a popular piece, because it has everything: excitement, love, humor, tragedy, the wonderful movie score and of course, fantastic dancing."
About the Odyssey Dance Theatre
The Odyssey Dance Theatre was founded in 1994 and is directed by Yeager. They have produced more than 60 original works including seven full-length productions. Their use of today's popular music along with classical makes it exceptionally appealing to lots of different people wanting an exciting experience.
Odyssey Dance Theatre dancers are equally proficient in every style of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, Irish, ballroom, and funk/hip-hop. Because so many artists and dancers in other cities and states aren't always compensated for their work, Odyssey made it a safe haven for dancers to perfect their skills and still take home a paycheck. They employ 24 dancers, and more than half of them were born in the Beehive State.
Secure your tickets before they sell out
With only a handful of shows left, the "Shut Up and Dance" tickets are going quickly. Secure your spot in the audience to see a lively show created by Utah dancers. Grab a date, a friend, or your kids and prepare for sparkly dresses, vibrant colors, and lots of impressive high-kicks.
Purchase your tickets on the Odyssey Dance Theatre website.
