Quote of the Day: There are tears, but there’s a lot of laughter. I hope people come ready to play and enjoy and remember those people on their journey who made them who they are. Larissa FastHorse in an interview about her show Fancy Dancer, printed in the playbill for the show at the History Theatre in St. Paul, MN. 

Larissa FastHorse in Fancy Dancer at the History Theatre, thru 10/4/26. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Fancy Dancer, written and performed by Larissa FastHorse, is an autobiographical telling of her journey to become a ballerina, and later playwright, writer, teacher, and choreographer. My friend, who accompanied me to the show, said it was “Riveting, Powerful, and Genuine.” We both sat riveted to the stage. FastHorse is a beautiful storyteller who draws in the audience from the first movement. The story, her story, is centered around dance and how it pulled her through her life, was both a guiding light and a sometimes nearly impossible goal. But, she didn’t take no for an answer. She didn’t let bullying or prejudice, her own physical limitations, or personal struggles stop her. 

Larissa FastHorse in Fancy Dancer at the History Theatre, thru 10/4/26. Photo: Rick Spaulding

The set, designed by Junghyun Georgia Lee, is an open stage that feels, most of the time, like a studio, with ballet barres on each side. A single chair acts as a prop, or a set location. Projections, co-designed by Caite Hevner and Ann Slote, further set you in time and place, from storms to a moment of Lara dancing with her kind instructor, making it feel like they are truly dancing together again. Many pivotal moments in Lara’s life are represented by storms. A blizzard that cause delays in travel seemed to nearly derail Lara’s chance at an audition with an influential dancer/choreographer ended up being a godsend that change the trajectory of her dancing career. 

Larissa FastHorse in Fancy Dancer at the History Theatre, thru 10/4/26. Photo: Rick Spaulding

This very personal play, directed by Chay Yew, uses a conversational storytelling style mixed with dance/ballet moves, (choreography by Price Suddarth, and Fancy Dance choreography by Maxine Alex), as well as sound and songs (sound design by Robertson Witmer), and a feeling of being immersed in the experience. I laughed at certain moments, and also cried. I felt for young Lara who was bullied, but never let it stop her, and I felt joy as she was welcomed back into the circle of the Lakota people. She was born to a white mother, who abandoned her when she was a baby, and a Lakota father, who also abandoned her, leaving her to be raised by a white couple who adopted her, and gave her undying love and support. 

Fancy Dancer is a beautiful story that could inspire anyone to pursue their dreams and discover more about themselves and where they fit into the world. I hope many people, young and old, get a chance to experience this riveting and powerful story. You can see Fancy Dancer at the History Theatre through October 4, 2026.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What were (or are) your dreams? Who has been there to support and encourage you? What twists and turns have happened along that journey?