Who We Were

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RHYTHM IN SHOES - MUSIC & DANCE

Rooted in traditional forms of American music and dance—swing tunes & tap, hoedowns & clogging—the varied repertoire of RIS, directed by choreographer Sharon Leahy and composer Rick Good, was at once original and recognizable. From 1987 to 2010, this critically acclaimed body of work infused the spirit of traditional dance and music with a thoroughly modern sensibility.

Based in Dayton, Ohio, the creative capitol of the Heartland, RIS toured in 48 states as well as Canada, Japan and Ireland, pursuing the company’s mission: to engage the world in music and dance.

From the concert hall, to the cabaret, to the classroom, the creation of exciting and thought-provoking work was achieved by maintaining a strong company of musicians and dancers, and by collaborating with other, like-minded artists who were steeped in tradition and pushing their boundaries.

Among our many supporters to whom we are ever grateful we acknowledge:

National Endowment for the Arts
Ohio Arts Council
Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District
The Dayton Foundation
Culture Works
New England Foundation for the Arts National Dance Project
Dance/USA - American Dance Touring Initiative
The Miriam Rosenthal Memorial Trust Fund
The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation
The Mead Family Foundation
The Cawley Family Fund
MBNA America
National City Bank
Premier Health Partners
Lexis Nexis