Deeply rooted dance troupe takes a bow

Rhythm in Shoes will hang up its shoes after the current season ends.

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

vindicator entertainment writer

Rhythm In Shoes is about to call it quits, but before it does, the Dayton-based music and dance troupe will visit the Mahoning Valley one last time.

The Dayton-based troupe will give a full-production performance Tuesday at Packard Music Hall, as part of the Warren Civic Music Association’s annual series.

After the Packard show, RIS will begin a residency at Youngstown State University. The troupe will offer master classes in several forms of dance Wednesday and Oct. 29. It will end its visit with a free performance at YSU.

Sharon Leahy, artistic director of RIS, stressed that the YSU performance is for the campus community only and will be an abbreviated lecture-demonstration. It will not utilize the full company of dancers and musicians or the sound and lighting directors and will be performed on the apron of the stage. “If you want to see the full production, you have to come to Warren,” she said.

Rhythm In Shoes was formed in 1987 by Leahy, who is the choreographer, and Rick Good, the composer. It has toured the United States, Canada, Japan and Ireland in its 22 years, but it will disband after this season. “It’s just time to move on to something new,” explained Leahy. “It’s been an incredible run.”

The troupe is rooted in traditional forms of American music and dance — swing tunes, tap, hoedowns and clogging. But its programs blend in modern sensibilities, creating a product that is both original and recognizable.

RIS in no stranger to the Valley; it performed at Packard Music Hall in 2004.

Those who attend Tuesday’s concert at Packard will witness the percussive side of the troupe’s repertoire in a full-company production, said Leahy.

“It’s a joyous program of percussive dance, old-time music, clogging, swing, jazz and tap ... and one little theater piece, a humorous and witty piece that uses everyday items,” said Leahy.

She didn’t want to spoil the impact by giving too much away, but Leahy said it’s a restaurant scene that involves rhythmic activities.

“It’s not ‘Stomp,’ but they did the same thing,” said Leahy, referring to the famed dance production.

Rhythm In Shoes has always been committed to dance education and likes to connect with universities for master classes.

Christine Cobb, associate professor of dance at YSU, said, “We are happy to bring Rhythm In Shoes to YSU and to the community. Their unique brand of dance is appropriate for all ages and skill levels and we encourage those interested to participate in one of the free, open workshops.” For more information about the workshops, call the university box office at (330) 941-3105. The schedule is as follows:

Teaching dance in the elementary school classroom, noon-1:50 p.m. Wednesday.

Dance composition class, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Clogging, 4:30-5:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Tap, 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Oct. 29.

Swing, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 29.

Dance concert, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29, Ford Theater, Bliss Hall

The visit to YSU is underwritten through the Cliffe Family Visiting Artist Series program at YSU.