Evolving/Revolving: "Angel Like a Bug"
2024 launches with artists who have influenced the company in a collaboration that will EXPAND the breadth of SCD’s repertory. SCD invites back choreographer/dancer, Alyson Dolan (2006-2010), and composer/musician, Drew Silverman (2009-2010), to co-create with Artistic Director, Leymis Bolanos Wilmott. Evolving/Revolving: "Angel Like a Bug," is a captivating new, multi-disciplinary work with projection design by New College of Florida student, Lindsey Jennings.
2024 launches with artists who have influenced the company in a collaboration that will EXPAND the breadth of SCD’s repertory. SCD invites back choreographer/dancer, Alyson Dolan (2006-2010), and composer/musician, Drew Silverman (2009-2010), to co-create with Artistic Director, Leymis Bolanos Wilmott. Evolving/Revolving: "Angel Like a Bug," is a captivating new, multi-disciplinary work with projection design by New College of Florida student, Lindsey Jennings.
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Artistic Director<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott<br />
exhale<br />
18TH SEASON | 2023-2024<br />
1
Artistic Director<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott<br />
exhale<br />
18TH SEASON | 2023-2024<br />
NOV 30–DEC 3 <br />
SCD + WBTT<br />
PRODUCING SPONSORS: SHANE & MONIQUE CHALKE<br />
JAN 18-21<br />
EVOLVING/REVOLVING:<br />
ALYSON DOLAN &<br />
DREW SILVERMAN<br />
MUSIC SPONSOR: BERNARD FRIEDLAND<br />
MAR 14-17<br />
DANCE MAKERS<br />
PRODUCING SPONSOR: SAM ALFSTAD<br />
MAY 2-5<br />
VOICES –<br />
RISING CHOREOGRAPHERS<br />
DANCE SPONSORS: THE EXCHANGE & OVERTURE GROUP<br />
PHOTO BY SORCHA AUGUSTINE<br />
2<br />
To become a Producer,<br />
contact Dan Barzel: Dan.Barzel@gmail.com
FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD<br />
As we embark on our 18th season, I am filled with gratitude<br />
and excitement to welcome you to the heart of Sarasota<br />
Contemporary Dance. It is a joy to reflect on the remarkable<br />
journey we’ve shared and the vibrant future that lies ahead.<br />
Our commitment to fostering the transformative power of<br />
dance is evident in every facet of our organization. This season,<br />
we invite you to breathe in the beauty of “Exhale,” a collection<br />
of performances that promise to captivate, inspire, and<br />
resonate with the soul. Your continued support is the driving force behind our ability<br />
to bring these visions to life and share the impact of contemporary dance with<br />
our community.<br />
Our dedication to artistic growth extends beyond the scope of the stage and into<br />
our In Studio Series: a synergy of creativity and collaboration, where artists unite to<br />
push boundaries and inspire audiences right inside our home studio. That studio is<br />
now five years old and facilitates our extensive offering of over 20 weekly classes.<br />
Ranging from Contemporary and Jazz to Afro-Modern, Improvisation, Salsa, and Tap,<br />
these classes serve as a dynamic platform for artists to develop, explore, and flourish.<br />
Our commitment to nurturing the growth of dancers, from beginners to advanced,<br />
in all stages of life, is an important piece of what we do, and your support makes it<br />
all possible.<br />
A special thanks to our talented Artistic Director, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, and our<br />
dedicated company dancers, board members, and administrative team, who invest<br />
their heart and soul into SCD. But truly, your involvement is pivotal in shaping<br />
the future of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Whether you have been a steadfast<br />
supporter for years or are considering joining our dance family, your contribution<br />
fuels our artistic endeavors and strengthens the bonds of our community. Your<br />
support enables us not only to continue our mission but to reach new heights and<br />
expand our impact.<br />
As we breathe life into presenting “Exhale,” I extend my deepest gratitude for your<br />
constant support. Join us in celebrating the power of dance and the boundless<br />
possibilities it brings. Together, we can nurture the growth of artists, embrace<br />
collaboration, and ensure that Sarasota Contemporary Dance continues to be a<br />
vibrant artistic force in our community for many years to come.<br />
Dan Barzel, President<br />
3
FROM THE FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR<br />
As the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Sarasota Contemporary Dance, I am<br />
thrilled to welcome you into our 18th season, “Exhale,” a breathtaking showcase<br />
of contemporary dance and the boundless creativity of our exceptional company.<br />
Collaborating closely with talented dancers and creative minds, we’ve crafted<br />
performances that entertain and spark meaningful conversations. It’s a delicate<br />
balance that we cherish, and your unwavering support has been the wind beneath<br />
our wings.<br />
“Exhale” is a celebration of the art of movement, a display of the accomplished<br />
past, and an anticipation of the incredible future still unfolding. Our mainstage<br />
productions launch with a vibrant mashup show in a long-awaited collaboration<br />
filled with favorite songs and feel-good choreography. Get ready to sing along<br />
and groove in your seats! Kicking off the new year is “<strong>Evolving</strong>/<strong>Revolving</strong>,” a<br />
multidisciplinary masterpiece and collaboration that weaves together original<br />
music, projections, and choreography that invites you to witness a motion picture<br />
of design, movement, and sound emerge on stage. “Dance Makers” follows,<br />
embodying a rich tapestry of expressions by renowned choreographers, including<br />
our first-ever commissioned Tap choreography. Lastly, we close with “Voices – Rising<br />
Choreographers,” giving voice to the next generation of talented choreographers<br />
who continue to inspire us with their creativity.<br />
As I reflect on the journey so far, I am in awe of the incredible individuals who make<br />
up our dance family. It’s your generosity and support that breathe life into our<br />
company, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.<br />
To our longstanding supporters, thank you for being the backbone of our success.<br />
For those considering joining us on this exciting journey, I invite you to become<br />
a part of our community that values innovation, collaboration, and nurturing the<br />
growth of emerging artists. Your involvement not only enriches the arts but also<br />
fosters unity and awe in the shared experience of dance.<br />
I extend my deepest gratitude to all who’ve played a vital role in the success of our<br />
company. Let’s foster and cherish this precious gem, allowing it to thrive and inspire<br />
in the coming seasons. I invite you to savor every moment of this remarkable season.<br />
Together, let’s exhale and revel in the beautiful gift that is Sarasota Contemporary<br />
Dance.<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, Artistic Director<br />
4
ABOUT THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott,<br />
(Co-Founder & Artistic Director) is a Cuban-<br />
American artist, mother, and teacher with<br />
rhythm inextricably in her bones, found her voice<br />
through dance at an early age. As the Founder<br />
and Artistic Director of Sarasota Contemporary<br />
Dance, she has the privilege of using those<br />
bones to create “stunning and imaginative” art<br />
by Carrie Seidman of the Herald Tribune. As an<br />
Artist-in-Residence at New College of Florida, she<br />
has the opportunity to share her love of dance<br />
and to be an influential member of Florida’s<br />
dance community. Featured in Sarasota Scene<br />
Magazine’s Arts & Cultural Issue: Ladies of the<br />
Arts, Leymis has received numerous artistic achievement and leadership awards<br />
throughout her career. She was honored to receive the Dance Magazine “Southeast<br />
Best Choreographer” award and was listed in Sarasota Magazine as one of the Top<br />
28 Most Powerful People in the Arts. Her 80+ dance works include collaborations<br />
with artists and organizations of various disciplines, from musicians to museums.<br />
Collaborative highlights include Sarasota Orchestra, Choral Artists of Sarasota,<br />
Westcoast Black Theater Troupe, Asolo Rep, Salvador Dalí Museum, Kaleidoscope,<br />
John and Mable Ringling Museum, Art Center of Sarasota, Stephen Miles of New<br />
Music New College, composer Eduard Cosla, percussionist Scott Blum, Mark Dancigers<br />
of NOW Ensemble, multitalented Francis Schwartz, and legendary principal harpist,<br />
Ann Hobson Pilot. Her works have been performed nationally at the John F. Kennedy<br />
Center, Ailey Citigroup Theater in NYC, Colony Theater, and Jackie Gleason Theatre in<br />
Miami and internationally in Ramallah, Argentina, and Spain. Leymis pioneered the<br />
Dance and Healing certificate at the University of Florida and holds a Master of Fine<br />
Arts in Performance and Choreography from Florida State University. Her research in<br />
dance as a healing art form and its ability to harness and foster community building<br />
came to fruition in 2006 when she and Rachael Inman founded Fuzión Dance Artists,<br />
now Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Leymis is a professor of dance at New College<br />
of Florida and a certified Pilates instructor. Through her Dance for PD certificate<br />
experience, she founded and developed the dance program at Parkinson’s Place in<br />
2012. She served as Vice President of the Florida Dance Association from 2013-2017<br />
and is a member of the Arts and Health Coalition in Sarasota. Her most precious<br />
honor, however, is being married to her husband, Kavin, of eighteen years, and<br />
mother to thirteen-year-old Charles Edward and seven-year-old Valda Elizabeth,<br />
who inspires her dance-making daily.<br />
5
EVOLVING/REVOLVI<br />
TITLE<br />
BUG LIKE AN ANGEL<br />
TITLE CREDIT<br />
Although not the inspiration for this piece,<br />
Mitski’s song title, “Bug <strong>Like</strong> an <strong>Angel</strong>,” perfectly<br />
encapsulates where our process led us. Thanks,<br />
Mitsk!<br />
FROM THE CHOREOGRAPHERS<br />
BUG LIKE AN ANGEL is a contemporary<br />
dancework that invites you to experience change<br />
as not only a human desire, but an inevitable result<br />
of life lived. It’s an invitation to people-watch.<br />
Choose who to look at, what to focus on, and when<br />
to shift your attention. <strong>Like</strong> a stroll through the<br />
park — let your eyes wander or suddenly shift to<br />
something new.<br />
The dance explores how we often rely on a<br />
constant intake of information (the ‘bug’) and<br />
how that reality might affect us. Simultaneously,<br />
the piece celebrates how our curiosities (also<br />
the ‘bug’) serve as a reminder to slow down, ask<br />
questions, and find balance when possible.<br />
That said, this is abstract art. Don’t feel pressured<br />
to understand it all. Just enjoy the experience,<br />
whatever that means to you. After all, life’s too<br />
short not to embrace a bit of mystery.<br />
50 MINUTE WORK.<br />
NO INTERMISSION.<br />
FROM THE COMP<br />
I have been very interest<br />
can interact with traditio<br />
for a while now, how fou<br />
tonal instruments, and w<br />
everyday sounds can ev<br />
what most would regard<br />
experimental and electro<br />
Schaeffer once said, “Th<br />
contained within DoReM<br />
sound is much larger tha<br />
endlessly inspiring to me<br />
FROM THE PROJE<br />
I find inspiration in natur<br />
circumstances of this wo<br />
authenticity and mindfu<br />
celebrating our intercon<br />
ARTISTS<br />
• Director and Co-Chore<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmo<br />
• Co-Choreographer: Al<br />
• Composer and Musicia<br />
• Musician: Leila Louise<br />
• Projection Designer: L<br />
• Lighting Designer: Ce<br />
• Stage Manager: Josh G<br />
• Costume Designer: Mo<br />
• Videography: Integrat<br />
• Photography: Sorcha<br />
• Dancers: Zoe Austin,<br />
Dancigers (originatin<br />
(apprentice), Jordan<br />
Jessica Obiedzinski, M<br />
Monessa Salley<br />
6
NG<br />
OSER<br />
ed in how musique concrète<br />
nal compositional practices<br />
nd sounds interact with<br />
hat sorts of emotions<br />
oke when colliding with<br />
as “music.” Pioneering<br />
nic composer Pierre<br />
e world of music is probably<br />
i, yes; but the world of<br />
n that.” That quote has been<br />
.<br />
SONGS INCLUDED<br />
• David Gray - White Ladder<br />
• Janet Jackson - Miss You Much<br />
• Mariah Carey - Hero<br />
• Keaton Henson - Small Hands<br />
• Savatage - Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)<br />
• Melody of Allelujah - Il Divo<br />
CTION DESIGNER<br />
e, diving into the natural<br />
rld. My work reflects<br />
l connection, weaving stories<br />
nectedness.<br />
ographer:<br />
tt<br />
yson Dolan<br />
n: Drew Silverman<br />
Henley<br />
indsey Jennings<br />
leste N. Silsby Mannerud<br />
off<br />
lly Hoehne<br />
ed Media Productions<br />
Augustine<br />
Juliana Cristina, Xuan<br />
g artist), MaKayla Lane<br />
Leonard, Samantha Miller,<br />
elissa Rummel,<br />
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DANCERS<br />
Juliana Cristina (Dancer & Development Lead) was<br />
born in West Palm Beach, FL. A graduate of the University<br />
of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). She received<br />
her B.F.A Degree in Dance under the direction of American<br />
Ballet Theatre (ABT) Director Susan Jaffe and Brenda<br />
Daniels. Juliana has studied in multiple Trainee Programs,<br />
such as the Nashville Ballet and Ballet Palm Beach. Mrs.<br />
Cristina was a former dancer for The Palm Beach Opera<br />
and has performed works by internationally known<br />
artists, including Azure Barton, Kira Blazek, Helen Simoneau, Ming Lung-Yang, Juel D.<br />
Lane, Orange Grove, and Martha Graham. Juliana currently teaches at various studios<br />
within the SRQ community, including Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet, and<br />
as an SCD Teaching Artist. Mrs. Cristina is in her Fifth season as a company member<br />
and is the Development/Marketing Lead for Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Juliana<br />
joined the SCD Community because she felt the company’s moral and core values<br />
as a dancer, performer, and artist were hers. Sarasota Contemporary Dance creates a<br />
healthy and loving working environment she fell in love with right after graduating<br />
college. A true Floridian, Mrs. Cristina’s family resides in Florida, and moving back was a<br />
way to stay close to home and join an arts community that values her as an artist both<br />
on and off the stage.<br />
Jordan Leonard (Dancer) grew up in Michigan,<br />
where her love for the performing arts developed. Through<br />
her training, she discovered dance’s endless possibilities<br />
in exploration and story-telling. The idea that she would<br />
never stop learning intrigued her, and she began her<br />
journey at Point Park University, earning a Bachelor of Fine<br />
Arts in Dance, a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical and<br />
Pre-Professional Studies, and a Minor in Chemistry. While<br />
at the conservatory, she had the privilege of performing<br />
works by Larry Keigwin, John Heginbotham, Mark Burrell, Jess Hendricks, Garfield<br />
Lemonius, Kiesha Lalama, Jason McDole, Robert Priore, and others. She furthered her<br />
training at Keigwin & Company, Sarasota Contemporary Dance, and Chuthis summer<br />
intensives. Jordan also enjoys choreographing and recently had the opportunity to<br />
collaborate on a full-length performance at SCD with company member Samantha<br />
Miller. She also has set work on Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble. Dance<br />
education is an important part of her life, and she strives to promote positivity, strong<br />
foundations in technique, individuality, and self-acceptance in her classes. She taught<br />
at SCD, New College of Florida, and Woodland Fine Arts Academy in Florida. When she<br />
is not dancing or teaching, Jordan enjoys working in clinical research and spending<br />
time with family. Jordan desired to join SCD because the company is a family, and<br />
it fosters a safe environment to grow in artistry. The company constantly provides<br />
growth opportunities in performance, choreography, and teaching. Jordan is excited<br />
and honored to be a part of the SCD family; this is her third season!<br />
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Samantha Miller (Dancer) is an emerging dance<br />
artist from Kendallville, Indiana. She trained for 16 years<br />
in tap, jazz, ballet, and modern at Tri-County Dance<br />
Academy for the Performing Arts. In 2013, Samantha<br />
continued her studies at the University of the Arts<br />
in Philadelphia under the direction of Donna Faye<br />
Burchfield. While at the UArts, Samantha performed<br />
works by Curt Haworth, Douglas Becker, Esther Baker<br />
Tarpaga, Jen McGinn, Sidra Bell, Robert Burden, and<br />
Lauren Putty White. She also worked with Jeanine McCain, performing her work<br />
“Under Her Skin” at the Philadelphia Fringe Art Festival in 2015. Samantha received<br />
her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance in May 2016 and is now exploring the<br />
world of dance in St. Petersburg, FL. Since residing in Florida, Samantha has been<br />
able to perform professionally with local artists, has been involved with dance theater<br />
dance performances, and has been featured in dance photography showcases. She<br />
has been a dancer with RogueDance Company, teaching and choreographing at<br />
Jeannelynn Dance Studio, growing their contemporary program for 7 years. She has<br />
also been a teaching artist for Sarasota Contemporary Dance and is a teaching artist<br />
at New College of Florida. Samantha has been able to present works for SCDs Voices<br />
and collaborate with company member Jordan Leonard to present an In-Studio fulllength<br />
performance. Samantha came to SCD during the pandemic, where she found<br />
a new love for performance and sharing stories. She found a home here, and this will<br />
be her 4th season with the company. Samantha has a true passion for dance and art<br />
and hopes to continue growing and sharing her knowledge with younger dancers.<br />
Dance performance brings Samantha so much joy that she hopes to spread that joy<br />
and fulfillment in her dancing and choreography. In her words, “all I want to do is<br />
dance.” Samantha joined SCD to find a community of like-minded people who shared<br />
her passion for dance and performance. SCD has an incredible platform to grow as<br />
an individual artist, and that is an important part of her dance journey.<br />
Jessica Obiedzinski (Dancer & Rehearsal<br />
Assistant) is a native, 6th-generation Floridian living in<br />
St. Petersburg. In 2018, Jessica was allowed to join the<br />
SCD Community to make her career about learning and<br />
growing through dance. She was excited at the prospect<br />
of surrounding herself with like-minded individuals<br />
who pushed themselves physically and creatively by<br />
performing and making art, and it stuck! Leymis saw<br />
even more potential to grow and continues to draw it<br />
forward. It is truly a rare gift. Jessica has been dancing for five consecutive seasons<br />
with the Company, acting as a dance performer, choreographer, and rehearsal<br />
director. Jessica has presented choreographic works in the Tampa Bay area for SCD<br />
Voice’s Rising Choreographers in 2021 and, most recently, through the Hermitage<br />
Cross Arts Collaborative residency. She has been a company member with Elizabeth<br />
Streb, Susan Vencl, and Beth Soll’s companies in New York and worked extensively<br />
with Lynn Simonson and Laurie DeVito on Simonson technique methods. She<br />
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teaches Pilates and Yoga and is a certified Simonson Dance Technique instructor. She<br />
has taught Yoga and Simonson technique classes in Florida at SCD and New College<br />
of Florida. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her dog, play musical<br />
instruments, and spend time in bodies of water. Her choreographic inspiration<br />
comes from patterns in nature and the ways the body copes with life’s unexpected<br />
tides. Jessica loves wellness practices and is currently exploring the topic of mental<br />
health and the roles that trauma plays in our physical bodies—taking time to listen<br />
internally through journaling, watercolor painting, and, of course, dance-making.<br />
Melissa Rummel (Dancer & Studio Coordinator) was<br />
raised in Dryden, Michigan, where she started dancing at<br />
seven. She graduated from Belhaven University with a BFA<br />
in dance, emphasizing modern dance and choreography.<br />
She has trained with companies such as Eisenhower<br />
Dance Ensemble, RiverNorth Chicago, Ad Deum Dance<br />
Company, and Sarasota Contemporary Dance. This is<br />
Melissa’s Eighth season with Sarasota Contemporary<br />
Dance and fourth as Studio Coordinator. Melissa is the<br />
Associate Director for SCD Ensemble(Student Training program) and the SCD Summer<br />
Intensive Director. She is passionate about teaching and teaches with SCD and<br />
Woodland Fine Arts Academy. She also enjoys fitness and its positive effect on others<br />
and strives to find new ways to combine her love of dance and fitness. She strives<br />
never to stop stretching herself as a performer, choreographer, and teacher.<br />
Monessa Salley (Dancer & Production Lead), South<br />
Carolina native, has been with SCD for five consecutive<br />
seasons, dancing, performing, choreographing, and<br />
teaching professionally with Sarasota Contemporary<br />
Dance Company, serving as Production Lead for the past<br />
two seasons. After attending an SCD summer intensive in<br />
2015, she knew this was a special organization, but it was<br />
not until 2019 that she seized an opportunity to join this<br />
unique company. Her desire to build community relations aligns with the company’s<br />
mission, in addition to it being a safe and nurturing space that fosters artistic growth<br />
in performance, teaching, and choreography. In addition to her work at SCD, she is a<br />
Teaching Artist for New College of Florida an adjunct Dance Educator for the Booker<br />
High School VPA Dance Department. She serves as an Arts Integration Teaching Artist<br />
for several organizations, including The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Wholehearted<br />
Education, and Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative. Salley enjoys choreographing for<br />
musical theater and recently served as Assistant Choreographer for West Coast Black<br />
Theater Troupe. She began training in dance at a young age and is well-versed in<br />
various genres. She holds a B.A. in Dance Performance from Winthrop University and<br />
a Masters of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College. After continued<br />
education and serving as a certified Dance Educator and Theater Production Manager<br />
for 12 years in SC public school, she went on to pursue her MFA in Dance Performance<br />
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and New Media at New York University’s Tisch School of Arts. She has toured and<br />
performed professionally with Sapphire Moon Dance Company, Vibrations Dance<br />
Company, T.O. Dance Inc., The Power Company Collaborative, and NYU’s Second<br />
Avenue Dance Company. Salley enjoys sharing the joy and passion of dance with all<br />
ages. She has a “mind, body, spirit” approach to dance and relishes refining her craft<br />
as a performer and teacher, promoting health, healing, and happiness through dance<br />
and enhancing community relations. Predominantly teaching Tap, Afro-Fusion, and<br />
Kids classes, Salley is inspired by rhythm, culture, and dance as a universal language.<br />
When not dancing, she enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones and her dogs,<br />
outdoor and aquatic activities in nature, viewing sunsets, and doing anything that<br />
makes her laugh out loud!<br />
Zoe Austin (Project-Based Dancer) was born in<br />
Montreal, Canada, and raised in Sarasota, FL. She attended<br />
the New World School of the Arts, humbly graduating as<br />
valedictorian with a BFA. She is trained in ballet, Horton,<br />
Limón, and Graham techniques and was honored to<br />
perform works by Michael Foley, Robert Battle, Bill T. Jones,<br />
Sean Curran, and Darshan Singh Bhuller while also creating<br />
and performing her own works. In the summer of 2015,<br />
she received the Rosie Herrera full tuition scholarship to<br />
attend the American Dance Festival, working with artists Jennifer Nugent, Pamela<br />
Pietro, and Sara Procopio. Zoe returned to her hometown of Sarasota, FL, where<br />
she started a family of her own and gained a new family with SCD in 2017. She<br />
performed and choreographed with SCD from 2017-2020, returned last season for the<br />
continuation of “Jehanne,” and is excited to dance again this season and continue her<br />
journey as an artist.<br />
MaKayla Lane (Apprentice & Administrative<br />
Assistant) was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where she<br />
found her love for dance at the Fort Worth Academy of<br />
Fine Arts. She then attended Point Park University, earning<br />
a Bachelor of Fine Arts in spring 2023. During her time at<br />
Point Park, she has performed in various works by Jason<br />
McDole, Jesse Factor, Kiesha Lalama, Kiki Lucas, and others.<br />
While in Pittsburgh, she also took part in events within the<br />
community. She has performed with the Pittsburgh CLO,<br />
Botanic Gardens, and the world-renowned Pittsburgh Steelers. As much as she loves<br />
the stage, she also loves to teach and choreograph. Working with Dance Masters 2022,<br />
as well as various studios around the area, MaKayla has been able to inspire many<br />
young dancers. After graduation, MaKayla moved to Sarasota to expand her artistic<br />
talents as a dancer, instructor, and choreographer. This will be her first season dancing<br />
with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. MaKayla is also thrilled to join the community<br />
as a SCD and Woodland Fine Arts Academy teacher. She is passionate about inspiring<br />
others and will continue to do so through her artistic voice.<br />
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ARTISTS<br />
Alyson Dolan (Co-Choreographer) has been<br />
recognized by The Austin Chronicle for her “stamina,<br />
concentration, and big jar of real that she brings to the<br />
potluck.” Her approach to dance-making and performance<br />
is motivated by curiosity, movement sensation, kinesthetic<br />
empathy, and collaborative play. Performance as authentic<br />
expression and being witnessed (as well as witnessing) as<br />
a means to a deeper sense of presence are both important<br />
to her ongoing movement research.<br />
Dolan is on faculty at Café Dance and St Edward’s University in Austin, Texas,<br />
regularly creates dances with McCallum Fine Arts Academy, is in her 12th season with<br />
Austin’s own Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company, where she also recently served<br />
as co-choreographer and rehearsal director, is an original member of the Austin<br />
Soundpainting Collective directed by Andrea Ariel and consistently presents her own<br />
work often in collaboration with composer Drew Silverman and a group of badass<br />
dancers she’s been building artistic relationships with for the past 11 years.<br />
As a colleague and friend of Alyson and Drew’s since 2009, Leymis’ generosity and<br />
artistic support feel endless. Their new creation, alongside Leila, Lindsey, Celeste,<br />
Molly, Monessa, Meru, Zoe, Xuan, Juliana, Jordan, Sam, Jessica, and MaKayla, feels like<br />
a coming home of sorts for Alyson and Drew, who used to live in Sarasota. In fact, the<br />
two met here at a BBQ with like-minded music and dance folks in 2010.<br />
You can keep up with Alyson’s work or come take a class with her in Austin (and<br />
sometimes Sarasota) by following her on the ole’ Instagram @alyson.dolan. Maybe one<br />
day she’ll make a real deal website…but probably not.<br />
Thank you to everyone who helped bring this collaboration to fruition. The ability<br />
and privilege it takes to consistently create and present work is not lost on me. In fact,<br />
making and presenting artistic projects is what allows me to process this wild world<br />
we all inhabit. Cheers, and please enJOY. Photo by Stephen Pruitt for KDH Dance Company<br />
Leila Louise Henley (Musician) is a genrespanning<br />
vocalist and multi-instrumentalist specializing<br />
in saxophone, flute, and various other aerophones. She<br />
is known for her stage presence, gift for harmony, and<br />
rich tone. She thrives on collaboration and co-composes<br />
for various projects, from pop ballads to dance pieces to<br />
silent films. Past projects include the bands Churchwood,<br />
FontanellesTX, The Invincible Czars, Go: Organic Orchestra<br />
(Austin chapter), Poon (all-female Ween tribute), Sam<br />
Arnold & the Secret Keepers, and Sweetmeat, as well<br />
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as the musicals Speeding Motorcycle at Zach Scott Theater and Cabaret at St. Edward’s<br />
University. She currently performs with Andrew Nolte Band, Hardy Henley Harris, Scott<br />
Strickland Band, Stop Motion Orchestra, and Super Creeps (David Bowie tribute). She is<br />
also recording her first solo album, due in late 2024. Photo by Erica Nix<br />
Molly Hoehne (Costume Designer) enjoys<br />
performing as well as serving behind the scenes in all<br />
things production, costuming, directing, producing, and<br />
choreographing. Her career has spanned many stages in<br />
many seasons of life and she is delighted to collaborate<br />
with Sarasota Contemporary Dance in costuming this<br />
beautiful work.<br />
Lindsey Jennings (Projection Design), a local artist<br />
and Booker High School VPA Program graduate, co-created<br />
the film “Into The Storm” during her time there. She<br />
pursued her studies at Ringling College of Art and Design,<br />
specializing in Motion Design and minoring in Business<br />
of Art and Design for two transformative years. Seeking<br />
educational freedom, Lindsey transitioned to New College<br />
of Florida, where she acquired new skills in metalworking,<br />
experimental documentary, and environmental sciences.<br />
She is now concluding a collaborative thesis on Documentary Film and Business in her<br />
final year. Trained in various artistic mediums, Lindsey’s focus spans documentaries,<br />
experimental films, animation, and creating sculptural and architectural pieces in<br />
multimedia formats. Her diverse expertise aligns seamlessly with her excitement to<br />
contribute to Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s upcoming performance.<br />
Drew Silverman (Composer/Percussionist), a critically<br />
acclaimed composer, producer, and interdisciplinary artist,<br />
creates music, sound design, and visual productions,<br />
frequently presenting work with the dance community.<br />
Silverman is most inspired by how sounds and textures<br />
found in nature can merge sympathetically with sounds and<br />
textures made by machines, striving to retain the human<br />
elements in both. The Austin Chronicle called Silverman’s<br />
“Gorintō ‘’ a “quintessential work which surpasseth all<br />
understanding with beauty.” The project was also named<br />
one of the Chronicle’s 10 Favorite Arts-Related Things of 2019. He also received a City<br />
of Austin grant to re-set Gorintō in Austin in 2024. Silverman is thrilled to be once<br />
again working with Alyson, Leymis, and the rest of the SCD family. Photo by Andrew<br />
Bennett for KDH Dance Company<br />
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Production Team<br />
Technical Director and Lighting Designer..................Celeste N. Silsby Mannerud and<br />
Flip Flop Productions<br />
House Manager..............................................................................................Bristen DeJarnette<br />
Videographer...........................................................................Integrated Media Productions<br />
Costume Designer.................................................................................................Molly Hoehne<br />
Green Room Sponsors........................................................... Rob Gibson and Jerry Unland<br />
Costume/Props Storage Volunteer.............................................................. Syclla Liscombe<br />
SRQ<br />
SRQ<br />
All music rights by agreement with ASCAP<br />
Thank you to our Sponsors and Media Partners<br />
Artistic Director<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott<br />
Audience Survey<br />
We want to hear from you!<br />
Your answers to this quick survey will provide<br />
valuable feedback on our performance and<br />
marketing efforts, as well as meaningful data for<br />
our Sarasota County Tourist Development grant.<br />
Thank you!<br />
TAKE SURVEY<br />
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CREW<br />
Celeste N. Silsby Mannerud (Technical Director and<br />
Lighting Designer) is co-founder of Flip Flop Productions and<br />
specializes in design and archival for theatrical and private<br />
events. She received her BA in theatre design from USF and<br />
her MFA in design management from IADT, and her repertoire<br />
includes lighting design and production video/ photography<br />
for local and international dance and theatre companies;<br />
stage lighting instruction at various Florida colleges; and<br />
production management, technical/artistic design, and lighting/audio installations<br />
for the Dali Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, L’Unione Italiana Ybor City, and ArtLab<br />
Studios in Germany. Aside from her “real job,” Celeste is in the midst of renovating<br />
an old Airstream to tour the U.S. and is most at peace when under sail with her<br />
husband, Andreas, and son, Cobyn.<br />
ADMINISTRATION<br />
Bristen DeJarnette (General Manager) currently studies<br />
Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at New College of<br />
Florida and has always had a strong passion for dance. She<br />
started training in dance at the age of seven and has since<br />
become well-trained in multiple styles, traveled nationally for<br />
dance, and danced pre-professionally. Once coming to New<br />
College in 2020, she got involved by being a part of SCDE,<br />
SCD’s training company, two years ago, and then later worked<br />
closely with Leymis through Dance on Campus and a Digital<br />
and Production training workshop series. From there, she worked backstage for SCD’s<br />
In-Studio Performances and started training with the admin team. Bristen officially<br />
took on the role of General Manager in July and has greatly enjoyed working under<br />
Leymis’s leadership and working with everyone at SCD. She looks forward to helping<br />
the company continue to grow and thrive and is grateful to be the new General<br />
Manager of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Also a dance teacher at Woodland Fine<br />
Arts Academy, Bristen’s strong faith and love for the arts drive her to work hard in all<br />
she does and be loving wherever she goes.<br />
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MAKE DANCE h<br />
DONATE HERE<br />
Producers $25,000<br />
*Produces Entire Production<br />
• Two Complimentary Tickets to every show of your production<br />
• VIP Access to Open Dress Rehearsal of mainstage production<br />
• VIP Access to all In-Studio Showcases of choice<br />
• Name & Recognition on all production publicity<br />
• Exclusive Dinner with Dancer and Artistic Director of SCD<br />
Dance Makers Over $10,000<br />
*Sponsors a Dance Work<br />
• Two Complimentary tickets to a performance of your sponsored work<br />
• VIP Access to (3) In-Studio Showcases of choice<br />
• Name & Recognition in program insert<br />
• Exclusive Brunch with a Choreographer<br />
Sustainers $7,500 –$9,999<br />
*Sponsors 1 month payroll for Dancers<br />
• VIP Access to (2) In-Studio Showcases of choice<br />
• Invitation to watch SCDE (Training Company) Class + Dress Rehearsal<br />
• Name in program and newsletters<br />
• Exclusive Brunch with SCDE Associate Director<br />
Devotees $5,000–$7,499<br />
*Sponsors 1 month of SCD Home Studio work expenses<br />
• VIP Access to (1) In-Studio Showcases of choice<br />
• Invitation to watch SCD Company Rehearsal<br />
• Name in program and newsletters<br />
• Exclusive Coffee Time with In-Studio Production Lead<br />
Contrib<br />
*Sponsors a L<br />
• Two Compl<br />
• Invitation to<br />
• Name in pro<br />
• Exclusive br<br />
Home Stud<br />
Suppor<br />
*Sponsors a D<br />
• Two Compl<br />
choreograp<br />
• Invitation to<br />
with SCD G<br />
• Name in pro<br />
Enthus<br />
*Supports a D<br />
• Name in pro<br />
• Invitation to<br />
Admire<br />
*Supports SCD<br />
• Name in pro<br />
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appen<br />
utors $2,500–$4,999<br />
ive Music Collaboration<br />
imentary tickets to Music Performance of choice<br />
watch company rehearsal<br />
gram and newsletters<br />
own bag lunch with SCD Company Dancers at<br />
io<br />
S<br />
C D<br />
iasts $100–$999<br />
ancer in our training program<br />
gram and newsletters<br />
watch SCDE Training Company Rehearsal<br />
ters $1,000–$2,499<br />
ance Choreographer<br />
imentary tickets to performance of sponsored<br />
her<br />
watch company rehearsal followed by Coffee Time<br />
eneral Manager<br />
gram and newsletters<br />
rs Up to $99<br />
Teaching Artists class fee<br />
gram and newsletters<br />
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Winter Dance<br />
Series<br />
Join us for a week of self-expression, artistry, and<br />
exploring a variety of modern and contemporary dance.<br />
Take one class or take them all!<br />
JAN 29 | 10:00–11:15 AM<br />
ADV Contemporary with Vincent Hardy<br />
JAN 31 | 10:00–11:15 AM<br />
ADV Modern with Daniel S Lim<br />
JAN 31 | 6:30–7:45 PM<br />
ADV Contemporary with Vincent Hardy<br />
FEB 1 | 5:30–6:45 PM<br />
ADV Modern with Daniel S Lim<br />
FEB 3 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM<br />
Modern Dance + Capoeira/Samba with Junior Domingos<br />
$100 FOR THE FULL WINTER SERIES<br />
$25/PER CLASS<br />
Artistic Director<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott<br />
SarasotaContemporaryDance.org<br />
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Artistic Director<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott<br />
SCD SUMMER INTENSIVES<br />
Get ready to move this summer with<br />
Sarasota Contemporary Dance and guest teachers<br />
in sunny Sarasota for a week-long dance intensive,<br />
unlike any other! You have three weeks to<br />
choose from—or do all three!<br />
• MAY 18-24, 2024<br />
• JUNE 8-14, 2024<br />
• JULY 20-26, 2024<br />
SarasotaContemporaryDance.org<br />
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CONTRIBUTORS TO<br />
SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE<br />
Thank you to everyone who has generously donated from<br />
August 1, 2022 – November 1, 2023. All contributions are vital to<br />
our growth as a dance company. Without your generosity, this 18th year<br />
would simply not be the amazing reality it is.<br />
SUSTAINERS: OVER $10,000<br />
Bernard Friedland<br />
Dan Barzel<br />
Rebecca Schowe<br />
Sam Alfstad<br />
Shane Chalke<br />
Shirley H. Foss<br />
DEVOTEES: $5,000 - $9,999<br />
Elizabeth Ford<br />
Jaime Still<br />
Jane Woods<br />
Joslin Yeiser Coonan<br />
Mark Walsh<br />
Steven Buckley<br />
Tuck Colby<br />
Victor Cipolla<br />
CONTRIBUTORS: $2,500 – $4,999<br />
Chuck Campbell<br />
Jeff & Deborah VanEvery<br />
Kathryn Petrovich<br />
Rachel McAree<br />
Ronald Shugar<br />
Tammy Karp<br />
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Alden Keyser<br />
Anamaria Guerra-Vera<br />
Carol Gaskin<br />
Chuck & Terry Pishko<br />
Edward & Annette Eliasberg<br />
Gail L Baird Foundation<br />
Georgia Higgins<br />
Harris Simons<br />
Janet Bell<br />
Jeanne Hamil<br />
SUPPORTERS: $1,000 - $2,499<br />
Joan & James P Sprouse<br />
Kevin Maloney<br />
Kira Lee<br />
Kira Orsag<br />
Lauren Bruno<br />
Lauren Crabbe<br />
Marlene Liberman<br />
Melanie Whaley<br />
Michele Shultis<br />
Neill Garfield<br />
Patricia Forshee<br />
Pocha Horton<br />
Rick & Karen Lanese<br />
Robin Klein-Strauss<br />
Ross Mercier<br />
Sheila Foley<br />
Susan Feltus<br />
Thomas Pepe<br />
In honor of<br />
Muriel Gordon Mayers<br />
ENTHUSIASTS: $100 – $999<br />
Enthusiasts<br />
3 horizons LLC<br />
Aaron West<br />
Abbey Box<br />
Adam Porris<br />
Adriana Gabelli<br />
Albert Hannoush<br />
ALine Arthur Sicilian<br />
Blanchard<br />
Amy Bayard<br />
Amy Blair<br />
Amy Eliezer<br />
Amy Gordon<br />
Amy Martin<br />
Amy Tolmach<br />
Anamaria Gonzalez<br />
<strong>Angel</strong>a Rauter<br />
Angus Roberts<br />
Anjali Austin<br />
Anna Lee Ernst<br />
Bethany Smith<br />
Bill Kwon<br />
Bonnie Kissam<br />
Brandi Love<br />
Brandon Turner<br />
Brenda Topp<br />
Bret Jones<br />
Brian Renner<br />
Carolina Cotran<br />
Caroll Michels<br />
Carolyn Paparozzi<br />
Chad Braverman<br />
Charles & Diane Fancher<br />
Chris Voelker<br />
Christine Schlesinger<br />
Daniel Dokko<br />
Dean Piccirillo<br />
Derek Byrd<br />
Diane Georgeson<br />
Donna Koffman<br />
Donna Labik<br />
Douglas Libertore<br />
Ed & Claudia Swan<br />
Elizabeth Sassen<br />
Eric Woods<br />
Erik Abrahamson<br />
Fred Rath II<br />
Gabriela Lopez Vergara<br />
Gerri Houlihan<br />
Gigi Roberts<br />
Greg Goebel<br />
Guy Jensen<br />
Heidi Brandt<br />
Ike & Judith Koziol<br />
Jaime and Julie Didomenico<br />
James Marchese<br />
Jane Thompson<br />
Janis Wasserman<br />
Jean Kirshenbaum<br />
Jeanne Ruddy<br />
Jeff & Janice Newman<br />
Jeff Borysiewicz<br />
Jeffrey Koffman<br />
Jennifer Thayer<br />
Jennifer Bean<br />
Jerry Unland<br />
Jerry Wells<br />
Jesse Biter<br />
Jim Morton<br />
Jim Travers<br />
Jonathan Glucker<br />
Jose Santana<br />
Joslin Woods<br />
Judilee Sterne<br />
Julian Eller<br />
Kathryn Glickman<br />
Kelly Franklin<br />
Kevin Daves<br />
Kevin Robbins<br />
Laida Bolanos<br />
Lesley Svenson<br />
Linda Convissor<br />
Linda Simons<br />
Lisa Schindler<br />
21
Lois C Bartis<br />
Lois Mould<br />
Lonnetta Gaines<br />
Lorraine White<br />
Lou Donato<br />
Louise Yeiser<br />
Lynn Guarch-Pardo<br />
Maria Cisneros<br />
Mark Kauffman<br />
Marsi Burns<br />
Matthew DePalma<br />
Melanie Chaves<br />
Michael Holderness<br />
Michael Vlaisavljevich<br />
Moni Joblin<br />
Nancy Blitzer<br />
Nancy Roucher<br />
Neil McCurry<br />
Neill Garfield<br />
Nicole Dalfio<br />
Nicole Nicholson<br />
Niel Shank<br />
Norbert Donelly<br />
Pat Houppert<br />
Patricia Shiland<br />
Patrick McArdle<br />
Paul Woods<br />
Rhiana Taylor<br />
Rick & Irma Uhler<br />
Ron LaFace<br />
Ronald Gibson<br />
Rosalie Cipolla<br />
Ryan Stang<br />
Sara Mastovich<br />
Sharon Rusnak<br />
Shila Lagrua<br />
Stacyann Young-Cole<br />
Steven Hellmann<br />
Susan Brown<br />
Telsys Tarallo<br />
Teresita Curbelo<br />
Timothy Mitten<br />
Todd Josko<br />
Tom Leonard<br />
Ulrich Gunthart<br />
Urbanite Theatre IN<br />
Victoria Larson<br />
Whelma Thompson Ford<br />
Winny Rush & Tom Roberts<br />
Artistic Director<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott<br />
Audience Survey<br />
We want to hear from you!<br />
Your answers to this quick survey will provide<br />
valuable feedback on our performance and<br />
marketing efforts, as well as meaningful data for<br />
our Sarasota County Tourist Development grant.<br />
Thank you!<br />
TAKE SURVEY<br />
22
BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Jaime Still – President<br />
Dan Barzel – Treasurer<br />
Robert G. McLain, Jr. – Secretary<br />
Sam Alfstad – General Board<br />
Muriel Gordon Mayers – Founding Board Member<br />
Georgia Higgins – General Board<br />
Victor Cipolla - General Board<br />
FOUNDERS CIRCLE<br />
The Founders Circle is a funding initiative through which<br />
Sarasota Contemporary Dance seeks to establish a circle of ten<br />
leadership funders committed to a three-year giving term<br />
($10,000 per year), which will further secure the Company’s ever bright<br />
present and future. To become a member of our Founders Circle,<br />
please contact Dan Barzel: Dan.Barzel@gmail.com.<br />
Sam Alfstad<br />
Steve & Lynn Blackledge<br />
Shane & Monique Chalke<br />
Ann Donelly<br />
Steve & Isabella Lehrer<br />
Janice Bini & Dean Scarborough<br />
Shirley Foss<br />
SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE IS A<br />
NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION.<br />
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Therapeutic Massage<br />
Manual Lymph Drainage<br />
Lymphedema Therapy<br />
“Massage is like a dance<br />
between my hands and<br />
your body’s innate ability<br />
and desire to find balance”.<br />
Nicole Clarac Lagès, MA6792<br />
nicolelageslmt@gmail.com<br />
(941) 735-1500<br />
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Get your tickets today for<br />
exciting Broadway musicals,<br />
comedies, dramas, & live<br />
music!<br />
CELEBRATING OUR 75TH SEASON<br />
Box Office 941.748.5875<br />
502 Third Avenue West<br />
Downtown Bradenton<br />
ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com<br />
for all events, dates, and times<br />
29
At SCD’s 4th Annual Fundraiser<br />
MARCH 2, 2024<br />
Get ready for an electrifying night of Sarasota’s very own<br />
version of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ this time bigger and better<br />
than EVER! Join us at Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s most<br />
ambitious annual fundraiser yet, set in an airplane hangar turned<br />
dynamic dance arena. Witness five esteemed community couples<br />
team up with SCD company members for an epic dance battle<br />
on an LED dance floor – and YOU decide the winner!<br />
Call or visit our website to become a sponsor today and be<br />
part of Sarasota’s premier dance event of the year!<br />
Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org<br />
or call 941.260.8485 for more details<br />
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THANK YOU<br />
FOR SUPPORTING SCD!<br />
SEE YOU NEXT TIME AT<br />
DANCE MAKERS<br />
MARCH 14-17, 2024<br />
1400 Blvd of the Arts, Ste 300, Sarasota, FL 34236<br />
941.260.8485 | SarasotaContemporaryDance.org<br />
SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE IS A NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION.<br />
PHOTOS BY SORCHA AUGUSTINE<br />
Artistic Director<br />
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott<br />
SRQ<br />
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SRQ