Voices 2022 Program

Artistic Director 

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott 

RECLAIM 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

17th Season | 2022-2023 

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From the President of the Board 



RECLAIM 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

17th Season | 2022-2023 

Voices – 

Rising Choreographers 

Oct 13-16, 2022 

SCD + enSRQ 

Producing SponsorS: 

Shane & Monique Chalke 

Dec 1-4, 2022 

Dance Makers 

Producing Sponsor: Sam Alfstad 

Jan 26-29, 2023 

Evolving/Revolving: 

Jehanne 

Music Sponsor: Bernard Friedland 

Apr 27-30, 2023 

It is with great joy that we present to you our strong, exciting 

17th season: RECLAIM. Last season showcased our tenacity 

and ability to thrive in challenging circumstances. This season 

exemplifies renewal in our strength and spirit as a company! 

We are propelling forward into a post-COVID era head first, 

working to refresh our In-Studio Series, revitalize our studio 

offerings, and reclaim the stage with both in-person and 

virtual viewing options for performances that will amaze 

our audiences. 

YOU, our patrons, donors, volunteers, and supporters, make this work possible. 

We are in awe of your commitment over the past 17 years, so thank you. Your 

continued support has been the defining factor in helping us become the robust 

company we are today. 

Because of you, our 4 1/2 year-old studio is bustling with activity and we are 

proud to offer more classes and workshops than ever before. Weekly it overflows 

with company rehearsals, master classes, and dance intensives, on top of ongoing 

workshops and classes ranging from beginning to advanced Contemporary dance, 

Jazz, Afro-Modern, Improvisation, Conditioning, and Tap. Our studio also houses 

our training ensemble for aspiring dancers (SCDE), and our In-Studio Series, which 

enables us to nurture, grow, and present various local artists through an incubation 

platform. All of this is a testament to the energy and vision that contemporary 

dance cultivates. 

Now, our dancers are rejuvenated and ready to perform with more passion and 

vigor than ever before. By being so committed to this passion, you are helping us 

reclaim the heart of SCD. Seeing you at our events with your encouragement and 

energy, is truly what sustains us and enables us to flourish and to expand our reach 

beyond our community. 

We send a special thanks to our inspirational Artistic Director, Leymis Bolaños 

Wilmott, as well as both our company dancers and administrative team, who pour 

their heart and soul into Sarasota Contemporary Dance. 

And with deep gratitude, we thank YOU, because every one of you helps make 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance possible. 

To become a Producer, 

contact Dan Barzel: Dan.Barzel@gmail.com 

Dan Barzel, President 

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From the Founder & Artistic Director 

About the Artistic Director 

In our seventeen years, Sarasota Contemporary Dance has continued making itself 

a profound force in the Sarasota Community. When we have faced adversity, our 

grit and passion pushed us forward. Now, we propel into this season fueled to rise 

to a new level as a company, reclaiming the stage, stories, and spirit of SCD in a 

performance season devoted to empowerment, collaboration, and forward motion. 

As someone who believes in the power of prayer, family, and dance, I understand 

the importance of renewing your perspective. That is exactly what we are doing this 

season: reevaluating what was, and shaping it into something stronger. This means 

restoring our bodies, our minds, our souls, and reclaiming all of it for the sake of 

growing and furthering ourselves as artists and as an organization. 

All of this, brings a new energy to this season’s Main Stage lineup. Launching 

this remarkable season is a dedication to the Voices of the next generation of 

choreographers, with more artists being presented than ever before. This year’s range 

of work reinforces SCD’s heart of nurturing artists in various stages and we aim to 

provide a performance platform that empowers these choreographers. We then kick 

off December with a live music collaboration with Samantha Bennett and George 

Nickson of enSRQ. Reinforcing our position as a collaborative force in Sarasota, this 

program explores rhythms from around the world along with St. Petersburg based 

multidisciplinary artist, Sharon McCaman. Roaring us into 2023 is “Dance Makers,” 

bringing a wide range of works from jazz to Afro-Cuban, all created by nationally 

acclaimed contemporary choreographers. And as a compelling finale to close the 

season, SCD’s striking work of “Jehanne” returns to the stage. Accompanied by live 

music and original composition by Mark Dancingers, this performance reflects on 

Joan of Arc’s strength and faith that carried her forward. 

These offerings continue to incite our spirited vision: being a versatile contemporary 

dance company and training ground that nurtures and provides resources for dancers 

and artmakers in various stages of development. Our dedication and purpose, along 

with your presence and support, enable us to share the joy of dance and make it 

accessible to all. 

Thank you for being a vital part of this vision. Having you here drives us to keep 

bringing performance, education, and collaboration to our community. You truly are 

a part of the SCD family and it means everything to us to share our passion with you. 

Because of you, Sarasota Contemporary Dance perseveres, grows, and thrives. 

And with that, I am so grateful to welcome you to our 17th season. 

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, 

a Cuban-American artist, mother, and teacher 

with rhythm inextricably in her bones found 

her voice through dance at an early age. As 

the Founder and Artistic Director of Sarasota 

Contemporary Dance, she has the privilege of 

using those bones to create art that has been 

called “stunning and imaginative” by Carrie 

Seidman of the Herald Tribune. As Artist-in- 

Residence at New College of Florida, she has 

the opportunity to share her love of dance 

and to be an influential member of Florida’s 

dance community. Featured in Sarasota Scene 

Magazine’s Arts & Cultural Issue: Ladies of 

the Arts, Leymis has been the recipient of 

numerous artistic achievement and leadership 

awards throughout her career. She was honored to receive the Dance Magazine 

award for “Southeast Best Choreographer” and was listed in Sarasota Magazine as 

one of the Top 28 Most Powerful People in the Arts. Her 80+ dance works include 

collaborations with artists and organizations of various disciplines from musicians 

to museums. Collaborative highlights include: Sarasota Orchestra, Choral Artists 

of Sarasota, Westcoast Black Theater Troupe, Asolo Rep, Salvador Dalí Museum, 

Kaleidoscope, John and Mable Ringling Museum, Art Center of Sarasota, Stephen 

Miles of New Music New College, composer Eduard Cosla, percussionist Scott Blum, 

Mark Dancigers of NOW Ensemble, multitalented Francis Schwartz, and legendary 

principal harpist, Ann Hobson Pilot. Her works have been performed nationally at 

the John F. Kennedy Center, Ailey Citigroup Theater in NYC, Colony Theater and 

Jackie Gleason Theatre in Miami, and internationally in Ramallah, Argentina, and 

Spain. Leymis pioneered the Dance and Healing certificate at the University of 

Florida and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography from 

Florida State University. Her research in dance as a healing art form and its ability 

to harness and foster community building came to fruition in 2006 when she and 

Rachael Inman founded Fuzión Dance Artists, now Sarasota Contemporary Dance. 

Leymis is a professor of dance at New College of Florida, a certified Pilates instructor, 

and through her Dance for PD certificate experience founded and developed the 

dance program at Parkinson Place in 2012. She served as Vice President of the Florida 

Dance Association from 2013-2017 and is a member of the Arts and Health Coalition 

in Sarasota. Her most precious honor, however, is being married to her husband 

Kavin of seventeen years and mother of twelve-year-old Charles Edward and 

six-year-old Valda Elizabeth who inspires her dance-making daily. 

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, Artistic Director 

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ARTISTS 

Melissa Rummel (Dancer/Associate Director 

of SCDE) was raised in Dryden, Michigan where she 

started dancing at the age of seven. She graduated 

from Belhaven University with a BFA in dance, emphasis 

on modern dance and choreography. She has trained 

with companies such as Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, 

RiverNorth Chicago, Ad Deum Dance Company, and 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance. This is Melissa’s eighth 

season with Sarasota Contemporary Dance and fourth 

as Studio Coordinator. Melissa is the Associate Director 

for Sarasota Dance Ensemble (Training Company) and the SCD Summer Intensive 

Administrative Director. She also enjoys fitness and the positive effect it can bring 

to others, and she strives to find new ways to combine her love of dance and 

fitness. She strives to never stop stretching herself as a performer, choreographer, 

and teacher. 

Jessica Obiedzinski (Dancer/Rehearsal Assistant) 

holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dance and a Master’s 

Degree in Science in Tourism and Hospitality 

Management from the University of Florida. She has 

performed professionally in works of New York City 

based artists, Elizabeth Streb, Laurie Devito, Vencl 

Dance and Beth Soll and has been most recently dancing 

with the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company for 

three seasons. Jessica has presented works for the New Grounds Festival, Creative 

Pinellas, and Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Jessica has a love for choreographing 

and teaching Yoga, Pilates, and Simonson dance technique, and has most recently 

been appointed the Rehearsal Assistant position at SCD. 

Juliana Cristina (Dancer/Development Associate) 

was born in West Palm Beach, FL. A graduate of the 

University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). 

She received her B.F.A Degree in Dance under the 

direction of Dean Susan Jaffe and Associate Dean 

Brenda Daniels. Juliana has studied in Trainee Programs 

with Nashville Ballet and Ballet Palm Beach. Juliana 

has performed works by Azure Barton, Kira Blazek, 

Helen Simoneau, Ming Lung-Yang, Juel D. Lane, Orange 

Grove, and Doug Giseppi. This is her fourth season with the Sarasota Contemporary 

Dance Company. 

Xiao-Xuan Yang Dancigers (Founding 

Company Member/Associate Director of SCDE) was 

nominated for Best Female Dancer in Australia in 2009, 

has performed throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, and 

the United States with Australian Dance Theater and 

Cloudgate 2. Previously Assistant Professor at the Taipei 

National University of Arts, she has danced with and 

choreographed for Sarasota Contemporary Dance since 

2012. In 2013, Xiao-Xuan co-choreographed Dreamfall featuring music by NOW 

Ensemble with Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. She has also danced as a soloist in Leymis’ 

Summer Days, of which the Sarasota Herald-Tribune wrote, “With…Dancigers’ 

total ownership of the characterization, it was stunning.” She was also a soloist in 

Gerri Houlihan’s Every Little Movement, of which the Bradenton Herald wrote, 

“A highlight on opening night was the long and unspeakably gorgeous solo 

by Xiao-Xuan Yang Dancigers. If you appreciate dance at all, you find yourself 

wishing the solo would never end.” In 2017, she choreographed and performed 

the solo Signal for New Music New College to music by Luciano Berio, with the 

Herald-Tribune calling the performance “stunning...precise”. Xuan is also the 

dance instructor at Parkinson’s Place in Sarasota, and Associate Director of Sarasota 

Contemporary Dance Ensemble. 

Monessa Salley (Dancer/Production Lead) South 

Carolina native, Monessa Salley, is in her 4th season 

dancing, teaching professionally, and currently serving 

as Production Lead with Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

Company. She is also an adjunct dance educator for 

the Booker High School Dance Dept. and serves as a 

teaching artist for several arts organizations including, 

The Van Wezel Performing Art Center (Artworks 

Anywhere), Wholehearted Education, Suncoast Black 

Arts Collaborative, and assistant choreographer for West Coast Black Theater 

Troupe. She holds a B.A. in Dance Performance from Winthrop University and an 

M.Ed. in Divergent Learning from Columbia College. After continued education and 

serving as a certified dance educator for 12 years in SC, she went on to pursue her 

MFA in Dance Performance and New Media at New York University’s Tisch School of 

Arts. She has previously toured and performed professionally with Sapphire Moon 

Dance Company, Vibrations Dance Company, T.O. Dance Inc., The Power Company 

Collaborative, and NYU’s Second Avenue Dance Company. Salley enjoys sharing 

the joy and passion of dance with all ages. She has a mind, body, spirit approach 

to dance and relishes in refining her craft as a performer and teacher, generating 

health, healing, and happiness through dance, and enhancing community relations. 

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Sea Lee (Dancer) Born and raised in South Korea, 

Sea (pronounced as “Say”) Lee was trained both 

conservatively and professionally at SunHwa Arts 

High School under the direction of Seung Yup Hong. 

She received a BFA with Cum Laude honors from the 

University of Florida and MFA with a fellowship from 

Hollins University/ American Dance Festival. Sea has 

performed professionally with Moving Current Dance 

Collective, independent projects with Paula Kramer 

and a photographer Tom Kramer, and collaborated with Asolo Repertory Theatre 

with Kaleidoscope Connect project. Sea has been on the faculty at the University 

of Tampa, St. Petersburg College, and directed a dance program at Cypress Creek 

middle school. Sea’s choreography has been presented by Co-motion Dance 

Theatre (2013, 2014), HCC Dance Ensembles (2015-2021), ACDFA in University of 

North Carolina Greensboro (2013) and Florida State University (2011), University 

of Tampa (2015, 2016), Moving Current Dance Collective (2019) and presented at 

Hollins University, NewGrounds Festival, Sarasota Contemporary Dance and the 

American Dance Festival. Sea currently serves as a dance faculty at Hillsborough 

Community College and Sarasota Ballet, and teaches and performs with SCD, 

and with a physically integrated dance company, REVolutions Dance, regionally, 

nationally, and internationally. 

Samantha Miller (Dancer) is an emerging 

dance artist originally from Kendallville, Indiana. 

She trained for 16 years in the areas of tap, jazz, ballet, 

and modern at Tri-County Dance Academy for the 

Performing Arts. In 2013, Samantha continued her 

studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA 

under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. During 

her time at the University of the Arts, Samantha was 

able to perform works by Curt Haworth, Douglas 

Becker, Esther Baker Tarpaga, Jen McGinn, Sidra Bell, 

Robert Burden, and Lauren Putty White. She was also able to work with Jeanine 

McCaine performing her work “Under Her Skin” in the Philadelphia Fringe Art 

Festival in 2015. Samantha received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance, 

in May 2016 and is now exploring the world of dance in St. Petersburg, FL. Since 

residing in Florida. Samantha has been able to work and perform alongside 

Helen Hansen French, Mary Chase Doll, and Lauren Slone. She is a member of 

RogueDance Company and in her thrid season with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. 

Jordan Leonard (Dancer) grew up in Michigan 

where her love for the performing arts developed. 

Through her training, she discovered the endless 

possibilities dance offered in exploration and storytelling. 

The idea that she would never stop learning 

intrigued her, and she began her journey at Point Park 

University earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, 

Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical and Pre-Professional 

Studies, and Minor in Chemistry. While at the 

conservatory, she had the privilege of performing works 

by Larry Keigwin, John Heginbotham, Mark Burrell, Jess 

Hendricks, Garfield Lemonius, Kiesha Lalama, Jason McDole, Robert Priore, and 

others. She furthered her training at Keigwin & Company, Sarasota Contemporary 

Dance, and chuthis. summer intensives. Youth education is an important part of 

her life and she strives to promote healthy, positive ways of movement and selfacceptance. 

When she is not dancing or teaching, Jordan enjoys working in the 

field of clinical research and spending time with family. This is Jordan’s second 

season with SCD. She is honored to be a part of the SCD family! 

Gabrielle Henry (Dancer) began her dance training 

with Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company & School under 

Jean Gedeon, at the age of three. She furthered her 

dance education at Slippery Rock University with Nola 

Nolen-Holland, Ursula Payne, and Teena Custer. Her most 

notable performances while at SRU, were the repertory 

works of Nora Ambrosio and Helen Simoneau. In just 

three years, she graduated Suma Cum Lade with her 

Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Dance. Professionally she’s 

danced with Vivid Ballet, Exhalations Dance Theatre and 

now Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company. Her other 

passions include teaching and choreographing. She loves 

to motivate students to reach their full potential and to create works that stimulate 

and captivate performers and audience members. Gabrielle has also completed 

her RYT200 Yoga certification along with her Lagree Fitness certification. Both of 

which she loves to practice in her free time to help keep her grounded and strong 

mentally and physically. This is her 1st season as a company member with SCD. 

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Katherine Acosta (Apprentice) is Hispanic American 

artist who was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. She 

began her classical training with The Sarasota Ballet School 

before attending Booker High School for the Visual and 

Performing Arts program. She recently graduated this past 

Spring from Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of 

Fine Arts Degree in Dance. While at Florida State, she had 

the honor of working with today’s leading choreographers; 

Jawole Willa Zollar, Gwen Welliver, Ilana Goldman, 

Caleb Mitchell as well as participate in many studentchoreographed 

workshops. During her time at Florida State University, Katherine 

joined the Dance Theater of Harlem team when she was offered an internship 

position, there she was given the chance to meet art leaders, teacher, and gained 

work experience in the dance community. In addition, Katherine has attended 

summer programs at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Jacob Jonas the Company, The 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance, & Ballet Hispanico ChoreoLab Intensive. Katherine 

is looking forward to beginning her career as a freelance dancer in Sarasota, 

beginning by holding an apprentice title with the Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

Company for their 17th Season. 

DANCE 

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10 11

Voices - 

Rising Choreographers 

October 13-16, 2022 

(i am there but) never clear 

Translucent: permitting the passage of light so that objects beyond cannot be 

seen clearly. allowing light, but not detailed shapes, to pass through. 

What does it mean to be translucent? Do you often feel only seen at the surface? 

Is it the inevitable truth that no one will truly know who you are? 

For the Time Being 

This piece centers around the unique and timely ways people are intertwined 

on their own journeys in life. Everyone comes from a different path, but paths 

cross throughout life. These experiences change us and join us for the time being. 

Eventually, we are left with memories of these people and those experiences. 

However, they stick with us, influencing our lives as wecontinue forward. 

Choreographer 

Rebecca Eurom 

Dancers 

Juliana Cristina, Gabrielle Henry, Sea Lee, Jordan Leonard, 

Monessa Salley, Melissa Rummel 

Music 

Sixth Breath, The Last Breath by Ezio Bosso & 

You Are a Memory By Message To Bears 

This work explores the inner turmoils of being unable to feel fully seen or understood 

from the outside perspective, and how the loneliness of that feeling can impact the 

connections we attempt to make throughout our lives.. 

Choreographer 

Laura Chambers 

Performed 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble (SCDE) 

Cast A (Thursday, Saturday) 

Katherine Acosta, Samantha Bean, Emma Blair, 

Alyssa Braud, Sabine Dimante, Dina Tigelerio 

Cast B (Friday, Sunday) 

Katerine Acosta, Emily Bailey, Samantha Bean, 

Alyssa Braud, Catherine Linenger, Dina Tigelerio 

Music 

Slow Moments by Vitor Joaquim, Boreal Kiss Pt. 1 

and Music of the Air by Tim Hecker 

For There to Be Light… 

Both internally and externally observing the power of choice in our lives, 

we explore what it means to surrender to the flow of our experiences versus 

being consumed by the weight of our grief, our fears. Many times we struggle 

to see the light in things that remind us of our darkness, but there is as much 

beauty in terror as there is in joy. Let us be emboldened by our affinity for 

evolution and understanding, and undaunted by the necessary discomfort 

that comes with allowing ourselves to be extraordinary. Duality is imperative, 

and for there to be light, there must be darkness. 

Choreographer 

Lex Diggs 

Dancers 

Juliana Cristina, Xiao-Xuan Yang Dancigers, 

Gabrielle Henry, Monessa Salley 

Music 

Terrified by Childish Gambino, Reverie by Arca 

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daydreaming 

The stream of consciousness that detaches from current, external tasks when attention 

drifts to a more personal and internal direction 

Choreographer 

Matthew Sommers 

Dancers 

Jessica Obiedzinski, Melissa Rummel, Jordan Leonard, Samantha Miller, 

Sea Lee, Monessa Salley, Juliana Christina 

Music 

San Solomon (reprise) & The Winter by Balmorhea 

The Moments from here and there 

Countless moments in life. Life is a dance. 

ChoreOgraphed and Performed 

Xiao-Xuan Yang Dancigers 

Music 

Sound Effects vol.2 by DV Sound Effects, Spiegel 

im spiegel by Arvo Part 

STANDING 

STANDING embodies all who “Stand with Ukraine.” It honors the beauty 

and strength of the Ukrainian people and their communities. 

Featuring Ukrainian street murals, a moving installation of wooden boxes r 

epresent the ever-changing architecture of Ukraine. 

Choreographer 

Sarah Emery 

Dancers 

Juliana Cristina, Samantha Miller, Jordan Leonard, Monessa Salley, Melissa Rummel 

Music 

Andrew Bird, Rhythm Scott, President Zelensky’s “Day of Remembrance” speech 

Visual Art - Street Mural Projections 

Yuriy Pitchuk; Box construction: Scott Slater; 

Box murals: Jill Kelly, Benjamin Guidry 

President Zelensky’s speech translation: Can Spring be Black and White? Is there eternal 

February? Are golden words devalued? Unfortunately, Ukraine knows the answers to 

all these questions. Unfortunately, the answers are “yes.” 

In support of set design, STANDING is produced with the support of Creative Pinellas. 

Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater and the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. 

rising choreographers 

Laura Chambers considers herself an intuitive thinker 

and creator that is continuously striving to explore and 

grow in a variety of creative fields. Originally from Sarasota, 

FL, she has spent the last several years living in New York 

City where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Arts 

Management and Marketing from The New School. Prior, 

Laura received an Associate of Arts concentration in Modern 

Dance from the University of South Florida. Laura has 

studied dance extensively with a variety of movement artists 

as well as attending numerous dance festivals including 

the American Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival, University of the Arts Summer 

Program, and the Florida Dance Festival. In addition, she has completed several arts 

administration internships, her first being through Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

(2014/2017) as well as MICHIYAYA Dance in New York City (2019). Laura is currently 

the Marketing Coordinator for SCD and joined the team in May 2021. She is thrilled 

to be combining her love of modern dance with the variety of administrative skills 

she has obtained. 

As a choreographer, Laura is interested in investigating topics revolving around 

internalized dysphoria and thought, and how to bring a deeper, and sometimes 

uncomfortable, understanding of the human experience to surface. Laura is greatly 

inspired by experimental and improvisational practices and currently hones in on this 

work under the project titled “soft move” (@softmove_) 

Rebecca Eurom was raised in Jacksonville, Florida where 

she started dancing at the age of three. Growing up, she 

competed in many competitions and traveled as an assistant 

for the Revel Dance Convention. She recently graduated from 

the University of South Florida with a BFA in Modern Dance 

and a BA in Psychology. Rebecca has performed in many 

concerts, shows, commercials, music videos, and films such 

as the USF Fall and Spring shows, World of Dance Miami, 

and Arts4All Florida. Recently, Rebecca has performed for 

Tampa City Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Explore 

Program. Rebecca has taught and choreographed for several studios in Tampa/ St. 

Petersburg such as Tutterow Dance Academy, VYB Dance, Karl & Dimarco, Victoria 

School of Dance, and others. Her choreographic works have been presented at the 

American College of Dance Association and Sarasota Contemporary Dance. She has 

also received various awards for excellence in dance and choreography such as the 

Oscher Family Scholarship in Dance and the Bravo! Dance Scholarship. Currently, 

Rebecca lives in New York City pursuing her dance career. 

14 

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Lex Diggs is a 23 year old independent artist from 

Dayton, Ohio. Her dance experience encompasses modern, 

jazz, contemporary, ballet, and african training; her 

choreographic voice and teaching style are influenced 

by all of these styles. Lex previously trained with Dayton 

Contemporary Dance Company II, and recently performed 

Countess Winfrey’s “Homage: What Was, Is, To Come” for 

Cincinnati Arts Museum’s “Black Futures Now” Capstone 

Performance. Her most recent choreographic work, 

“Heavenly Bodies” was premiered in New York City as a part 

of Doug Varone’s Devices 7 showcase. Her central artistic mission is to create and be 

a part of environments that provoke thought, feed soul, and ignite a desire to learn, 

love, and share within the collective. 

Sarah Emery Sarah is a freelance choreographer and 

performing artist based in St. Petersburg/Tampa, FL. She 

teaches ballet at the Patel Conservatory/Straz Center for 

the Performing Arts as well as community contemporary 

classes for Project Alchemy. She is a Creative Pinellas 2022 

Professional Artist Grantee and a recipient of the 2020 

Dance on Screen Alabama’s (DOSABAMA) Viewer’s Choice 

Award for her dance film, TRINITY. She received the 2017 

Choreography Connection Award through Regional Dance 

America’s Choreographer Intensive. Sarah has taught ballet 

and contemporary dance for many schools over the past 20 years including Atlanta 

Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Open Door Studios (Charlotte, NC) and Ponte Vedra Ballet 

and Dance Company. She began her training under Gene Hammett and Patricia 

Sorell at the Tidewater Ballet Association in Norfolk, VA. She continued her dance 

education at the North Carolina School of the Arts (now UNCSA) and studied under 

Balanchine prima ballerina, Melissa Hayden. There she danced principal roles in 

Arthur Mitchell’s Holberg Suite and Balanchine’s Western Symphony. Her summer 

studies included the Boston Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB), and 

the Hungarian National Ballet in Budapest. Upon graduation from UNCSA, she 

was offered apprenticeships with Ballet Arizona, Pittsburgh Ballet and Tulsa Ballet 

Theatre. After accepting an apprenticeship with the Tulsa Ballet, she later went on 

to dance with North Carolina Dance Theatre (now Charlotte Ballet) and the Omaha 

Theatre Ballet as a soloist. 

Matthew Sommers is a dance artist currently residing 

in Austin, Texas. Matthew began dancing in Jacksonville, 

Florida, under the training of Debra Ford and Jennifer 

Turbyfill at Debbie’s Dance Company. He graduated Douglas 

Anderson School of the Arts in 2018 , and then went 

on to study at the University of South Florida, where he 

graduated with distinction with a degree in dance and a 

concentration in Modern. While at USF Matthew received 

multiple talent scholarships including the WWD Scholarship 

and the Victoria Catherine Seldon Scholarship. Matthew has 

gotten to work with a variety of choreographers including Charles O. Anderson, 

Andrew Carroll, Jeanne Travers, Alex Jones, Joshua L. Peugh, and Marc Brew. 

Matthew believes dance is a way to interpret questions and ideas through art, and 

enjoys the connections and stories that come from it. 

Xiao-Xuan Yang Dancigers was nominated for 

Best Female Dancer in Australia in 2009, has performed 

throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, and the United States 

with Australian Dance Theater and Cloudgate 2. Previously 

Assistant Professor at the Taipei National University of 

Arts, she has danced with and choreographed for Sarasota 

Contemporary Dance since 2012. In 2013, Xiao-Xuan 

co-choreographed Dreamfall featuring music by NOW 

Ensemble with Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. She has also danced 

as a soloist in Leymis’ Summer Days, of which the Sarasota 

Herald-Tribune wrote, “With…Dancigers’ total ownership of the characterization, 

it was stunning.” She was also a soloist in Gerri Houlihan’s Every Little Movement, 

of which the Bradenton Herald wrote, “A highlight on opening night was the long 

and unspeakably gorgeous solo by Xiao-Xuan Yang Dancigers. If you appreciate 

dance at all, you find yourself wishing the solo would never end.” In 2017, she 

choreographed and performed the solo Signal for New Music New College to music 

by Luciano Berio, with the Herald-Tribune calling the performance “stunning... 

precise”. Xuan is also the dance instructor at Parkinson’s Place in Sarasota, and 

Associate Director of Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble. 

Following her passion for contemporary dance, Sarah joined the multi-disciplinary 

dance company, Moving Poets Theatre of Dance in Charlotte, NC. She was a principal 

dancer with Moving Poets for eight years under the direction of Till Schmidt-Rimpler 

and was later brought on as co-artistic director for three years. Sarah also works as a 

freelance graphic designer and received her BFA from the Savannah College of Art 

and Design. She enjoys combining her love for design, film and dance and continues 

to push the boundaries, connecting dance with community. 

16 17

Production Team 

Technical Director and Lighting Designer.............Celeste N. Silsby Mannerud and 

Flip Flop Productions 

Stage Manager.............................................................................................KaCie Ley 

House Managers................................................... Bristen Groves & Laura Chambers 

Videographer................................................................................. Sharon McCaman 

Production Video Editor......................................................................Bristen Groves 

Sound Engineer...........................................................................John Francis Banker 

Costume Alterations............................................................................Terese Guiterz 

Green Room Volunteers.............................................Rob Gibson and Jerry Unland 

Costume/Props Storage Volunteer.................................................... Syclla Liscombe 

All music rights by agreement with ASCAP 

Thank you to our Sponsors and Media Partners 

CREW 

Celeste N. Silsby Mannerud (Technical Director 

and Lighting Designer) is co-founder of Flip Flop Productions 

and specializes in design and archival for theatrical and 

private events. She received her BA in theatre design from 

USF and her MFA in design management from IADT, and her 

repertoire includes lighting design and production video/ 

photography for local and international dance and theatre 

companies; stage lighting instruction at various Florida 

colleges; and production management, technical/artistic 

design, and lighting/audio installations for the Dali Museum, Tampa Museum of 

Art, L’Unione Italiana Ybor City, and ArtLab Studios in Germany. Aside from her 

“real job,” Celeste is in the midst of renovating an old Airstream to tour the U.S. 

and is most at peace when under sail with her husband, Andreas, and son, Cobyn. 

SRQ 

SRQ 

Fluid Body ~ Fluid Movement 

An Integrated Approach to Healing 

KaCie Ley (Stage Manager) is delighted to begin working 

with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Previous Credits include: 

Godspell Jr. (Stage Manager), WROL (Stage Manager) Carrie 

(Artistic Director, Props Designer, Assistant Sound Designer), 

Young Frankenstein (Assistant Stage Manager), A Doll’s 

House Part Two (Stage Manager), Perfect Arrangement 

(Stage Manager), Tuck Everlasting (Stage Manager), Dead 

Man’s Cellphone (Assistant Lighting Designer, Master 

Electrician), Brontë (Stage Manager). 

Massage, Movement, Craniosacral Therapy 

Ease tension, aches and pains 

Increase energy and well being 

Move better, sleep sounder, live fuller 

John Francis Banker (Sound Engineer) graduated 

from St. Petersburg College’s Music Industry and 

Recording Arts program (MIRA). He has contributed to live 

events, feature films, studio recordings and commercial 

AV integrations. This is his first season with Sarasota 

Contemporary Dance. 

Donna Waks MA7229, CST, CMA 

(202)363-9156 

info@donnawaks.com 

www.fluidbody-fluidmovement.com 

18 19

adMinistration 



DECEMBER 1-4, 2022 

PRODUCING SPONSORS: SHANE AND MONIQUE CHALKE 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance is reclaiming its position 

as a COLLABORTIVE force in Sarasota by re-igniting 

relationships with other arts organizations that had to be on 

pause during the pandemic. 

This season, SCD is thrilled to collaborate with Samantha 

Bennett and George Nickson of enSRQ on a program 

exploring rhythms, dance, and song from around the world. 

SCD + enSRQ also features stunning scenic design by St. 

Petersburg-based multidisciplinary artist Sharon McCaman. 

Photo by Sorcha Augustine 

Bristen Groves (General Manager) currently studies 

Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at New College of 

Florida and has always had a strong passion for dance. She 

started training in dance at the age of seven and has since 

become well-trained in multiple styles, traveled nationally 

for dance, and danced pre-professionally. Once coming to 

New College in 2020, she got involved by being a part of 

SCDE, SCD’s training company, two years ago, and then later 

worked closely with Leymis through Dance on Campus and a 

Digital and Production training workshop series. From there, 

she worked backstage for SCD’s In-Studio Performances and 

started training with the admin team. Bristen officially took on the role of General 

Manager in July and has greatly enjoyed working under Leymis’s leadership and 

working with everyone at SCD. She looks forward to helping the company continue 

to grow and thrive and is grateful to be the new General Manager of Sarasota 

Contemporary Dance. Also a dance teacher at Woodland Fine Arts Academy, Bristen’s 

strong faith and love for the arts drive her to work hard in all she does and be loving 

wherever she goes. 

Laura Chambers (Marketing Coordinator) considers 

herself an intuitive thinker and creator that is continuously 

striving to explore and grow in a variety of creative fields. 

Originally from Sarasota, FL, she has spent the last several 

years living in New York City where she completed her 

Bachelor of Science in Arts Management and Marketing from 

The New School. Prior, Laura received an Associate of Arts 

concentration in Modern Dance from the University of South 

Florida. Laura has studied dance extensively with a variety 

of movement artists as well as attending numerous dance 

festivals including the American Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival, University 

of the Arts Summer Program, and the Florida Dance Festival. In addition, she has 

completed several arts administration internships, her first being through Sarasota 

Contemporary Dance (2014/2017) as well as MICHIYAYA Dance in New York City 

(2019). Laura joined the SCD team in May 2021 and is thrilled to be combining her 

love of modern dance with the variety of administrative skills she has obtained. 

TICKETS: SarasotaContemporaryDance.org or 941.260.8485 

20 21

Make Dance 

Happen 

donate here 

Producers $25,000 

*Produce entire production 

• Four tickets to every show for you and three guests 

• VIP access to open dress rehearsal of mainstage production 

• VIP access to In-Studio Showcase of your choice 

• Name and recognition on all production publicity 

• Exclusive dining with Dancer and Director of SCD 

Dance Maker Over $10,000 

*Sponsor a dance work 

• Two complimentary tickets to a performance of your sponsored work 

• VIP access to “Behind The Curtain” 

• Name and recognition in program insert 

• Exclusive lunch with a Choreographer 

Contributors $2,500–$4,999 

*Sponsors a live music collaboration 

• Two complimentary tickets to two In-Studio 

performances of choice 

(4 tickets) 

• Invitation to watch company rehearsal 

• Name in program and newsletters 

• Exclusive brown bag lunch with SCD Company 

Dancers at Home Studio 

Supporters $1,000–$2,499 

*Sponsors a dance choreographer 

• Two complimentary tickets to an In-Studio 

performance of choice 

• Invitation to watch company rehearsal followed by 

Coffee Time with SCD Manager 


S 

C 

D23 

Sustainers $7,500 –$9,999 

*Sponsors 3 months payroll for a dancer 

• Two complimentary tickets for two mainstage performances (4 tickets) 

• VIP access to SCDE (Training Company) dress rehearsal 


• Exclusive lunch with SCDE Associate Director 

Devotees $5,000–$7,499 

*Sponsors 1 month of Home Studio expenses 

• Two complimentary tickets to a mainstage performance 

• VIP access to one In-Studio of choice 

• Invitation to watch company rehearsal 


• Exclusive Coffee Time with In-Studio Production Lead 

Enthusiasts $100–$999 

*Sponsors our training program for aspiring dancers 


• Invitation to watch SCDE Rehearsal Training Company 

Admirers Up to $99 

*Sponsors a SCD teaching artist 


22 

23

SCDE is a pre-professional dance training company under the direction 

of Xiao-Xuan Dancigers and Melissa Rummel, with strong guidance 

and support from Sarasota Contemporary Dance Artistic Director, 

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. 

The mission of SCDE is to offer dancers high-caliber contemporary dance 

training, opportunities to perform alongside professional dancers, and 

preparation for a future professional career in dance. 

Upcoming Performances at SCD’s Home Studio: 

• SCDE Winter Showcase: December 16-17, 2022 

• SCDE Spring Showcase: May 12-13, 2023 

For more information, head to: 

sarasotacontemporarydance.org/scd-ensemble 

24 25

SCD’S IN-STUDIO SERIES 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s In-Studio Performance Series is 

an incubation platform for artists at varying stages in their careers. 

Conceived by Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott to provide 

creators a nurturing and formative artistic opportunity, artists 

receive access to SCD’s home studio and its resources. Whether 

they’re showing a work-in-progress or adding the final touches to 

a developed work, the residency culminates in a live performance 

followed by a Q&A with the featured artist. 

FALL 2022 PERFORMANCES 

• Jennifer Nuesi (poet) 

September 23–24, 7:00 pm 

• Eduard Cosla and 

Michael Rutherford (musicians) 

October 21–22, 7:00 pm 

SPRING 2023 PERFORMANCES 

• Scylla Liscombe (poet) 

collaboration with SCDE 

January 13–14, 7:00 pm 

• Francis Schwartz 

(composer/musician) 

February 10–11, 7:00 pm 

• Charlotte Johnson (dancer) 

February 24–25, 7:00 pm 

• Ann Morrison and 

Blake Walton: SaraSolo 

March 3–4, 7:00 pm 

March 10–11, 7:00 pm 

March 17–18, 7:00 pm 

• Tania Vergara Perez 

(choreographer) 

March 24–25, 7:00 pm 

TICKETS 

$20, $10 student rush | Virtual Tickets: $10 

sarasotacontemporarydance.org/in-studio | 941.260.8485 




contributors to 

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE 

Thank you to everyone who has generously donated from August 13, 2021 to 

September 19, 2022. All contributions are vital to our growth as a dance company. 

Without your generosity, this 17th year would simply not be the amazing reality it is. 

SUSTAINERS: OVER $10,000 

Shane Chalke 

Bernard Friedland 

Shirley Foss 

Sam Alfstad 

DEVOTEES: $5,000 - $9,999 

Dan Barzel 

Kira Lee 

Alden Keyser 

Ken Partyka 

CONTRIBUTORS: $2,500 – $4,999 

Adam & Jaime Still of Smile Sarasota 

Deborah VanEvery 

SUPPORTERS: $1,000 - $2,499 

Bernard Gerber 

Patricia Gebauer 

Georgia Higgins 

Patrick Kenny 

Rick & Karen Lanese 

Muriel G. Mayers 

Jeff and Janice Newman 

Celia Perkins 

Tania Vergara Perez 

Charles & Terry Pishko 

Tom Roberts & Winny Rush 

Sharon Rusnak 

Diana Smith 

Michael & Robin Strauss 

26 27

Juli Daulton Abraham 

Nancy Blitzer 

Laida Bolaños 

Peter & Judy Carlin 

Karly Christine 

Jane Cirksena 

Joyce Cooper 

Elizebeth Bergmann 

Michael Bigelow 

Terry Black 

Marsi Burns 

George Dancigers 

Robert Eddy 

Susan Feltus 

Shelia Foley 

Whelma Indrid Thompson Ford 

Lonnetta Gains 

Ronda Gallehue 

Carol Gaskin 

Ronald Gibson & Jerry Unland 

Patricia Golemme 

Amy Gordon 

Anamaria Guerra-Vera 

ENTHUSIASTS: $100 – $999 

Helen Habbert 

Matthew Hassler 

Robert Hildebrand 

Pat Houppert 

Doug & Pocha Horton 

Mark Kauffman 

Ike & Judith Koziol 

Donna Labik 

Shila LaGrua 

Kathryn Lee 

Patricia Loudis 

Maya Liebermann 

Amanda Mason 

Evalyn Milman 

Sarah Miller 

Cory Mitchell 

Valentim Oliveira 

Lorelei Paster 

Lynn Gurach-Pardo 

Cyd Pearl 

Ann Pilot 

Angela Rauter 

Andrea Dasha Reich 

Joanne Rodland 

Jack Shapiro 

Julienne Smith 

Sue Spigel 

Judilee Sterne 

Rhiana Taylor 

Brenda Topp 

José Luis Rodriguez 

Nancy Roucher 

Remy & Julie Rubin 

Carlos Ruiz 

Becky Schowe 

Christine Schlesinger 

Arthur Siciliano 

James & Joan Sprouse 

Glenn & Carole Swope 

Bob & Donna Titterington 

Michael Vlaisavljevich 

Dona Waks 

Frederick L. White 

The Oaks Womens Club 

board of directors 

Dan Barzel – President 

Jaime Still – Vice President 

Shane Chalke – Treasurer 

Robert G. McLain, Jr. – Secretary 

Sam Alfstad – General Board 

Norbert P. Donnelly – General Board 

Muriel Gordon Mayers – General Board 

Georgia Higgins – General Board 

Founders Circle 

The Founders Circle is a funding initiative through which 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance seeks to establish a circle of ten 

leadership funders committed to a three-year giving term 

($10,000 per year), which will further secure the Company’s ever bright 

present and future. To become a member of our Founders Circle, 

please contact Dan Barzel: Dan.Barzel@gmail.com. 

Barbara Baccari 

Amy Blair 

Wade Botkin 

Lysell Bolaños 

Maria Cisneros 

Michele Chinskey 

Alyson Dolan 

Harriet Hobson 

Joan Golub 

Jean Kirshenbaum 

Eliza Ladd 

Marcella Levin 

Admirers: Up To $99 

Hedda Matza-Haughton 

Melina Magistri 

Jane McCormack 

Kelly Menke 

James Monaghan 

Bernedette Oliveira 

Chris Palaskas 

Terry Rixse 

Bethany Smith 

Emily Steeb 

Karen Stults 

Kathleen Sullivan 

Elizabeth Wallace 

Andrea Weissleder 

Selma Goker Wilson 

Sarah Vanderveen 

Ilona Vrba 

Janine Ward 

Olivia Weinberger 

Barabra Young 

Dawn Zapiec 

Sam Alfstad 

Steve & Lynn Blackledge 

Shane & Monique Chalke 

Norbert & Ann Donelly 

Steve & Isabella Lehrer 

Janice Bini & Dean Scarborough 

Shirley Foss 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance is a 

non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. 

28 29

Inside In C 

You will be inside the music as NMNC presents Terry 

Riley’s mesmerizing experimental work In C, with 

musicians surrounding the audience on all four sides of 

our outdoor arcade. 

Saturday, November 19 at 8 p.m. 5313 Bay Shore Rd. 

Tickets $15. 

newmusicnewcollege.org 

30 31

32 33

Theater... Music... Dance... Visual Art... Literature... 

where it all begins. 

20 th Anniversary Season 

A Proud 

Supporter of the 

Community 

Shop Tervis.com Or A Store Near You 

928 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 

St. Armand’s Cir. 319 John Ringling BLVD., Sarasota, FL 

GREAT ART ONLY EXISTS 

BECAUSE OF GREAT ARTISTS. 

The Hermitage brings the world’s leading artists 

to Sarasota for free public programs... 

15 Pulitzer Prize Winners, plus 

Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy Winners, and more! 

“My time at the Hermitage was truly magnificent and productive! I completed 

full drafts of two plays, and I couldn’t have done that without the solitude, 

space, and inspiration provided by the Hermitage.” 

~James Whiteside, ABT Principal Dancer & Choreographer 

For upcoming Hermitage programs: 

HermitageArtistRetreat.org 

Therapeutic Massage 

Manual Lymph Drainage 

Lymphedema Therapy 

“Massage is like a dance 

between my hands and 

your body’s innate ability 

and desire to find balance”. 

Nicole Clarac Lagès, MA6792 

nicolelageslmt@gmail.com 

(941) 735-1500 

34 35

EXPERIENCE THE MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA! 

GUYS AND DOLLS 

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY FRANK LOESSER 

BOOK BY JO SWERLING AND ABE BURROWS 

BASED ON A STORY AND CHARACTERS BY DAMON RUNYON 

DIRECTED BY JIM WEAVER 

OCT 5–NOV 20, 2022 

LANGSTON HUGHES’ 

BLACK NATIVITY 

ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY NATE JACOBS 

NOV 30–DEC 23, 2022 

FLYIN’ WEST 

BY PEARL CLEAGE DIRECTED BY CHUCK SMITH 

JAN 4–FEB 12, 2023 

DREAMGIRLS 

MUSIC BY HENRY KRIEGER 

LYRICS AND BOOK BY TOM EYEN 

DIRECTED BY NATE JACOBS 

FEB 22– 

APR 9, 2023 

BIG SEXY 

THE FATS WALLER REVUE 

CREATED, ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY NATE JACOBS 

APR 19 – 

MAY 28, 2023 

westcoastblacktheatre.org 

941-366-1505 

1012 N ORANGE AVE, SARASOTA 

Idella Johnson in Eubie!, 2021. Photo by Sorcha Augustine 



Audience Survey 

We want to hear from you! 

Your answers to this quick survey will provide 

valuable feedback on our performance and 

marketing efforts, as well as meaningful data for 

our Sarasota County Tourist Development grant. 

Thank you! 

take survey 

36 37

Thank you for supporting SCD! 

See you next time at 

SCD + enSRQ 

December 1-4, 2022 



1400 Blvd of the Arts, Suite 300, Sarasota, FL 34236 

info@sarasotacontemporarydance.org | 941.260.8485 


Sarasota Contemporary Dance is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. 

SCD Photos by Sorcha Augustine 

38

Voices 2022 Program

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