Evolving/Revolving: "Angel Like a Bug"

DANCERS
Juliana Cristina (Dancer & Development Lead) 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 American
Ballet Theatre (ABT) Director Susan Jaffe and Brenda
Daniels. Juliana has studied in multiple Trainee Programs,
such as the Nashville Ballet and Ballet Palm Beach. Mrs.
Cristina was a former dancer for The Palm Beach Opera
and has performed works by internationally known
artists, including Azure Barton, Kira Blazek, Helen Simoneau, Ming Lung-Yang, Juel D.
Lane, Orange Grove, and Martha Graham. Juliana currently teaches at various studios
within the SRQ community, including Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet, and
as an SCD Teaching Artist. Mrs. Cristina is in her Fifth season as a company member
and is the Development/Marketing Lead for Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Juliana
joined the SCD Community because she felt the company’s moral and core values
as a dancer, performer, and artist were hers. Sarasota Contemporary Dance creates a
healthy and loving working environment she fell in love with right after graduating
college. A true Floridian, Mrs. Cristina’s family resides in Florida, and moving back was a
way to stay close to home and join an arts community that values her as an artist both
on and off the stage.
Jordan Leonard (Dancer) grew up in Michigan,
where her love for the performing arts developed. Through
her training, she discovered dance’s endless possibilities
in exploration and story-telling. 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, a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical and
Pre-Professional Studies, and a 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. Jordan also enjoys choreographing and recently had the opportunity to
collaborate on a full-length performance at SCD with company member Samantha
Miller. She also has set work on Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble. Dance
education is an important part of her life, and she strives to promote positivity, strong
foundations in technique, individuality, and self-acceptance in her classes. She taught
at SCD, New College of Florida, and Woodland Fine Arts Academy in Florida. When she
is not dancing or teaching, Jordan enjoys working in clinical research and spending
time with family. Jordan desired to join SCD because the company is a family, and
it fosters a safe environment to grow in artistry. The company constantly provides
growth opportunities in performance, choreography, and teaching. Jordan is excited
and honored to be a part of the SCD family; this is her third season!
8