Find Joy & A Good Story with SHARP Dance Company

For SHARP Dance Company's Artistic Director, Diane Sharp-Nachsin, dance is more than a performance, it's an experience. "At SHARP, we blend classical technique with compelling storytelling to create work that connects to the human experience and feels accessible to all audiences," she said. "For us, meaning behind movement means each piece evokes emotion and invites the audience into the story we're telling." Sharp-Nachsin and her company bring their original and engaging storytelling, through their piece "The Journey," to The Colonial in Keene on May 2 at 7:30 p.m. "'The Journey' is a powerful performance that brings together work by three distinct choreographers, united through a shared intensity," said Sharp-Nachsin. "Within this power, moments of beauty emerge, not in spite of strength, but because of it. Precision control and vulnerability intertwine, revealing grace through resilience and softness within force. Together, the dancers embody a dynamic balance between power and beauty, creating an unforgettable experience." Established in 2005 by Sharp-Nachsin, SHARP has become a highly regarded and award winning nonprofit modern dance company known for its captivating storytelling through movement. SHARP believes dance should be an immersive experience, weaving classic technique with thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. From its beginning, as the director noted, SHARP was intended to "bring storytelling to life through movement and focus on what is happening in our world, both past and present." In that, the work reflects real life experience for audiences, and invites viewers to "engage, question, and connect on a deeper level." A rather large connector for Sharp-Nachsin is the interlinking between the stage and the audience, or more broadly, the art, the artists and the community. "Dance has a unique ability to connect people because it speaks in a universal language," she said. "It allows individuals from different backgrounds to share in a collective experience, to feel something together, and to see perspectives beyond their own. In that way, it builds empathy and opens the door for meaningful conversation." She continued, "When asked whether I see myself primarily as a choreographer or a storyteller, my answer is always a storyteller. My work is driven by experiences unfolding across communities, both locally and around the world. When a particular issue, moment, or individual resonates with me, I feel compelled to bring it to the stage, creating pieces that invite audiences to reflect, engage, and gain a deeper understanding." As a choreographer, the artists had always found passion and serenity in making sense of her experiences, including a career-ending Achilles injury that shifted her dance pathway. Her work now — bolstered and brought to life by an "incredible group of dancers" — leads with kindness, laughter, collaboration and safety in telling stories and making art. "At SHARP, we often refer to ourselves as the SHARP family because we truly care for one another both in and out of rehearsal," Sharp-Nachsin said. "Many of the dancers on stage have been with me for years, and over time we've built a deep sense of trust, connection, and love for each other. I believe that bond is authentic, and it carries through in our work — something audiences can genuinely feel and connect with." As for what she hopes the audience gets from the performance: "Dance should be a joy. It can be demanding, even difficult at times, but at its core, it should always remain a source of joy."