Dance Makers 2023 Program

Artistic Director 

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott 

RECLAIM 

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE 

17TH SEASON | 2022-2023 

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RECLAIM 


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 

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To become a Producer, 

contact Dan Barzel: Dan.Barzel@gmail.com

FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD 

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. 

Dan Barzel, President 

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FROM THE FOUNDER & 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, Artistic Director 

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ABOUT THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 

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. 

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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) 

A Florida Native, Jessica is in her 4th season as a 

performer, choreographer, teaching artist and is 

currently serving as rehearsal assistant with Sarasota 

Contemporary dance. She is also involved with 

independent dance projects in the St. Petersburg 

community and works with many interdisciplinary 

artists, playwrights and photographers. She 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’s created works in 

Tampa for the New Grounds Festival, Creative Pinellas, and Sarasota Contemporary 

Dance summer intensive as well as the In The Round performance series. Jessica is 

certified as a Simonson technique teacher and has a love for teaching the dance 

community, collaborating new works with the company members, and is excited to 

continue teaching Yoga each week at the studio this season. 

Juliana Cristina (Dancer/Development Associate) 

was born in West Palm Beach, FL. A graduate from 

the University of North Carolina School of the Arts 

(UNCSA). She received her B.F.A Degree in Dance under 

the direction of current Artistic Director of American 

Ballet Theater (ABT) Susan Jaffe and Associate Dean 

Brenda Daniels former faculty at Merce Cunningham 

Studios, NY. During her time at UNCSA, Ms. Cristina has 

had the pleasure of performing works by Azure Barton, 

Martha Graham, Trisha Brown, Brenda Daniels, Kira 

Blazek, Helen Simoneau, Ming Lung-Yang and Juel D. Lane. Juliana has studied in 

Trainee Programs with Nashville Ballet, Ballet Palm Beach, CDI directed by Casey 

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and Cassidy Noblett and the New York City Rockettes. Ms Cristina has performed 

in multiple productions of the “Tales of Hoffman” with The Palm Beach Opera in 

(2014). This year is Ms.Cristina’s Fourth season with the Sarasota Contemporary 

Dance company; she has recently been promoted to “Development Associate” 

where she manages/refines all SCD Donor events and relationships. 

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. 

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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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CHOREOGRAPHERS 

Lisa del Rosario is a multifaceted artist - dancer, 

teacher, choreographer, and Feldenkrais Teacher®. She 

teaches at Ballet Austin, Austin Feldenkrais®, and often 

creates dances on her own whim. Lisa is a native Texan, a 

University of Texas Dance alumni, and has been dancing 

professionally in the great city of Austin for over two 

decades. She regularly dances for Alyson Dolan and this 

past summer, with great pleasure, resident choreographed 

for Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company. She’s worked 

with many dancemakers including Ellen Bartel, David 

Chao, Magdalena Jarkowiec, Sharon Marroquin, Rosalyn Nasky, Andee Scott, and 

companies including Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre, BLiPSWiTCH, Blue Lapis Light, 

Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Co, and Ready Set Go. 

Melissa Cobblah Gutierrez, born in Cuba and 

raised in Ghana and Cape Verde moved to the United 

States at age 14. She began her formal dance training at 

Miami Dade College Kendall Campus. After graduating 

with her Associate of Arts from MDC, she continued her 

dance studies at Florida State University from where she 

graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors receiving a 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. During her time at MDC 

she also started working as a company member with 

Olujimi Dance Collective in 2016. Ms. Cobblah Gutierrez 

is a two-time leadership scholarship recipient of American Dance Festival for the 

summers of 2016 and 2018. She has worked and studied under the direction of 

many recognized artists such as Michelle Grant-Murray, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, 

Nia Love, Sherone Price, A’Keitha Carey, Jorge Luis Morejon, Kehinde Ishangi, 

Millicent Johnnie, Tiffany Rhynard, Charles Anderson, La Toya Davis-Craig and 

Anjali Austin. She attended as a performing artist The Ann & Weston Hicks 

Choreography Fellows Program at Jacob’s Pillow in 2019. Ms. Cobblah Gutierrez 

danced professionally with Urban Bush Woman for two seasons (2019-2021). She 

also toured internationally as an instructor and performer for the MSC Preziosa 

2019 Cruise through the Kieron Sargeant Dance and Performing Arts Agency. She is 

a co-founder of The WoodShed Online Dance Platform and The Florida Black Dance 

Artists Organization. Ms. Cobblah Gutierrez was recently selected as a Knight New 

Work 2020 Winner through the Knight Foundation. Currently, she is a company 

member of Olujimi Dance Collective and is working as a guest instructor at New 

World School of the Arts while pursuing her career as a professional choreographer. 

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Gilliane Hadley - Orlando based Choreographer, 

Teacher, and Dancer Gilliane Hadley has over 30 years 

of dance experience. Prior to teaching, Gilliane, a native 

of Miami, danced professionally with local production 

companies and special events. She received her BFA in 

dance from New World College, where she performed the 

works of José Limón, Anna Sokolow, Michael Uthoff, Ellis 

Wood, Gerri Houlihan, and Peter London, to name a few. 

Her dance education includes Broadway Dance Center, 

Steps on Broadway, EDGE Performing Arts Center, and 

New World School of the Arts High School. 

She performed with the Isadora Duncan Dance Ensemble throughout South Florida, 

New York, and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. She was also a company 

member of Freddick Bratcher and Company and has danced for many international 

artists in videos, television, and concerts, including Carlos Vives. She was a dancer 

for Celebrity Cruises and was a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Greece. 

At age 17, she discovered her passion for teaching/choreographing and has 

received much recognition throughout Florida for her teaching style and 

choreography. She taught for the Young Dancers Workshop in Gainesville, Florida, 

and was on staff for the 2005 Florida Dance Festival. After relocating to Orlando, 

she continued to develop her teaching style and choreography. Gilliane helped 

develop the dance program at Windermere Preparatory School, offering a strong 

emphasis on all dance styles while also allowing the dancers to have an artistic, 

creative outlet. She is currently a freelance choreographer and teacher who has 

spent the last 15 years discovering her style as a choreographer while teaching and 

working with dancers of all levels in various venues. 

Tania Vergara Pérez has trained and taught at the 

prestigious National Ballet School in Cuba. In 2002, she 

became the founder/director/choreographer of her dance 

company, Contemporary Ballet Endedans. Since coming to 

the United States in 2014, her master classes and workshops 

have been in high demand, and she has taught widely at 

dance schools and companies in Florida, California, New 

Jersey, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican 

Republic, among other locations. She is a master teacher on 

the faculty of the Sarasota (FL) Cuban Ballet School; teaches 

regularly at Sarasota Contemporary Dance; and is a popular guest choreographer 

for professional dance companies, including the Milwaukee Ballet, Sarasota Opera 

Theatre, National Ballet Company of Costa Rica, Dimension Dance Theatre of 

Miami, the National Ballet of Cuba, and many others. Her choreography has won 

numerous international awards, including various first place and best ensemble 

awards for YAGP participants, and the Ibero-American Choreography Award. 

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Production Team 

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

Flip Flop Productions 

Stage Manager............................................................................................. Josh Goff 

Stage Hand.....................................................................................Barbara Monteiro 

Stage Hand......................................................................................... Meagan Bowes 

House Managers...................................................................................Bristen Groves 

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 

SRQ 

SRQ 

All music rights by agreement with ASCAP 

Thank you to our Sponsors and Media Partners 

SUMMER INTENSIVES 

Choose one or 

join us for all three! 

• MAY 20–26 

• JUNE 10–16 

• JULY 15–21 



SarasotaContemporaryDance.org 

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Show this ad for a FREE CLASS (new students only) 




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DANCE MAKERS 

January 26-29, 2023 

SUNLIT SEA 

Lisa del Rosario had the pleasure to collaborate with composer Adam Bedell alongside 

the wonderful dancers of SCD to influence the choreography of this nature-inspired 

piece. “We are interwoven threads of nature, and it is vital to develop our respect 

for the ocean and all the fabrics of our earth to restore, balance, and preserve 

the future of our planet and its infinitely astounding beauty.” 

Choreographer: Lisa del Rosario 

Dancers: Xiao-xuan Yang Dancigers, Jordan Leonard, Jessica Obiedzinski, 

Melissa Rummel, and Monessa Salley 

Music: Original Composition by Adam Bedell 

Costume Concept: Lisa del Rosario, executed by Jessica Obiedzinski & 


THE OTHER ROOM 

The work focuses its vision on the other person who lives in us and the dialogue 

with ourselves from which a better or worse person can emerge. 

Choreographer: Tania Vergara Perez 

Dancers: Melissa Rummel & Jessica Obiedzinski (Thurs/Sat) 

Jordan Leonard & Samantha Miller (Fri/Sun) 

Music: Massive Attack 

ALL BLUES 

Jazz dance is defined by its grounded movement, clean lines, and how it 

interacts and fuses with other dance styles. This piece combines jazz elements 

with seven dynamic dancers who helped bring my vision to life. This piece is 

dedicated to my mentor Freddick Bratcher. 

Choreographer: Gilliane Hadley 

Dancers: Juliana Cristina, Gabriella Henry, Sea Lee, Jordan Leonard, 

Samantha Miller, Melissa Rummel, Monessa Salley 

Music: Miles Davis 

Costume Concept: Gilliane Hadley, executed by 

Jessica Obiedzinski & Leymis Bolaños Wilmott 

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ORACION 

“Memories, objects on the ground, a rope simulating the line of life, a sweet song, 

as well as intense... the protagonist makes her farewell prayer.” 

Choreographer: Tania Vergara Perez 

Dancers: Juliana Cristina (Thurs/Sat) & Monessa Salley (Fri/Sun) 

Music: Lila Downs 

Costume Concept: Tania Vergara Perez, executed by Jessica Obiedzinski & 


CUBLACK: INVISIBLIZED NO FURTHER! 

(RESTAGED 2022) 

A work that investigates the “invisibilized” oppression of Blackness inside 

the Cuban community. The project intends to start a dialogue, as means of 

continuing to deconstruct, find solutions and formulate ideas that will lead to the 

dismantling of systematic racism. In addition, it also serves to bring forth and celebrate 

the Black Cuban experience, culture, and contributions in its different iterations. 

Choreographer: Melissa Cobblah Gutierrez in collaboration with 

CuBlack Cast & Sarasota Contemporary Dance. 

Rehearsal Assistants from CuBlack: Erika Loyola and Alina Spears 

Dancers: Juliana Cristina, Sea Lea, Jordan Leonard, Samantha Miller, 

Jessica Obiedzinski, Melissa Rummel, and Monessa Salley 

Music/Projections Edits: Melissa Cobblah Gutierrez; Quoting source: 

The Power of Race in Cuba (Book) by Danielle Pilar 

1. Bucabu by Machito & His Afro-Cubans; 

2. Voiceover (Humming) by Melissa Cobblah Gutierrez; 

3. Peppe Citarella & Isidro Infante - Celia Y Tito 

(Manybeat Sabroso Mix); 

4. Cuba Linda (2012 Remaster) by Grupo Folklorico 

Y Experimental Nuevayorquino; 

5. Congadanza by Chucho Valdés. 

Costume Concept: Melissa Cobblah Gutierrez, executed by 

Jessica Obiedzinski & Leymis Bolaños Wilmott 

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CREW 

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. 

Josh Goff (Stage Manager) has been working in theater 

in the Bay area as an actor for 25 years. He was last seen in 

RL productions, Along The Way. Goff has also been involved 

behind the scenes as a Stage Manager, Lighting Board 

Operator, and Sound Engineer. He Is very happy to be working 

for the first time with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. 

Barbara Monteiro (Stage Hand) currently studies 

Environmental Studies at New College of Florida and has always 

had a love for dance. She started training ballet at the age of 

eight at Boca Ballet Theatre and then progressed to the preprofessional 

program at The Art of Classical Ballet, performing 

at YAGP (2014) and Universal Ballet Competition (2015). She 

studied dance at Bak Middle School of the Arts (2013) and 

Dreyfoos School of the Arts (2019) and was accepted into Alvin 

Ailey’s summer intensive in 2017. Her favorite style of dance 

is Horton modern technique followed by Graham. Once attending New College in 

2019, she started taking classes at SCD and is currently a part of SCDE, the training 

company. She has recently joined the SCD’s marketing team as a videographer (2022), 

and she is excited to showcase the uniqueness that is SCD through videos. She is also 

super excited to be joining the backstage crew for SCD’s In-Studio Performances this 

season and making magic on the stage. 

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 

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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. 

Meagan Bowes (Stage Hand) is a graduate of the Music 

Industry Recording Arts (MIRA) program at Saint Petersburg 

College. She has spent several years in the live sound industry, 

contributing to a wide range of events from weddings to 

stadium and arena tours. This is her first season with Sarasota 

Contemporary Dance. 

ADMINISTRATION 

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. 

Victoria Leyva (Administrative Assistant) was raised in 

North Port, FL where she began dancing at age 11 with a 

local dance studio. She began taking classes with Sarasota 

Contemporary Dance after graduating high school, performed 

in their debut of Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble 

and interned for SCD from September 2020 to May 2022. She 

graduated from New College of Florida in May 2022 with her BA 

in Humanities. Currently, her love for dance led her to teach with 

Energize Dance Studio which grew to a new role of Enrollment 

Coordinator. She continues her knowledge of arts administration alongside the SCD 

administration staff as an Administrative Assistant and hopes to continue pursuing 

her love for the performing arts. 

17

MAKE DANCE 

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 

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 

• Name in program and newsletters 

• 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 

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Happen 

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 


• 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 

D19 

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 


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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 

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sunset 

showdown 

A FUNDRAISER FOR 


MARCH 4, 2023 

SCD’s version of Dancing with the Stars comes to life! 

Watch Sarasota’s most influential leaders dance with 

SCD company members to compete in a never-before-seen 

showdown. Who will you vote for? 

Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott 

BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY! 

Email: development@sarasotacontemporarydance.org 

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EVOLVING/REVOLVING: 

JEHANNE 

APRIL 27-30 

Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott 

As a compelling finale to close the 

17th season, SCD’s striking work 

of “Jehanne” returns to the stage. 

Accompanied by live music and 

original composition by Mark 

Dancingers, this performance is 

inspired by Joan of Arc’s strength 

and faith that carried her forward. 

The work honors the human 

SPIRIT by demonstrating the 

resilience that has taken the 

company to this point and 

will continue its forward 

motion. 

TICKETS: SarasotaContemporaryDance.org or 941.260.8485 

Photo by Sorcha Augustine 

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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 




24

CONTRIBUTORS TO 


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 

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ENTHUSIASTS: $100 – $999 

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 

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 

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 

26

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Dan Barzel – President and Treasurer 

Jaime Still – Vice President 

Robert G. McLain, Jr. – Secretary 

Shane Chalke – General Board 

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. 

Sam Alfstad 

Steve & Lynn Blackledge 

Shane & Monique Chalke 

Ann Donelly 

Steve & Isabella Lehrer 

Janice Bini & Dean Scarborough 

Shirley Foss 

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE IS A 

NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION. 

27

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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 

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

where it all begins. 

20 th Anniversary Season 

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 

32

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 

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 

33

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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 

35

Thank you for 

supporting SCD! 



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 

36

Dance Makers 2023 Program

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