Voices Digital Program

Artistic Director 

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott 

exhale 

18TH SEASON | 2023-2024 

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exhale 

18TH SEASON | 2023-2024 

NOV 30–DEC 3 

SCD + WBTT 

PRODUCING SPONSORS: SHANE & MONIQUE CHALKE 

JAN 18-21 

EVOLVING/REVOLVING: 

ALYSON DOLAN & 

DREW SILVERMAN 

MUSIC SPONSOR: BERNARD FRIEDLAND 

MAR 14-17 

DANCE MAKERS 

PRODUCING SPONSOR: SAM ALFSTAD 

MAY 2-5 

VOICES – 

RISING CHOREOGRAPHERS 

DANCE SPONSORS: THE EXCHANGE & OVERTURE GROUP 

PHOTO BY SORCHA AUGUSTINE 

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To become a Producer, 

contact Dan Barzel: Dan.Barzel@gmail.com

FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD 

As we embark on our 18th season, I am filled with gratitude 

and excitement to welcome you to the heart of Sarasota 

Contemporary Dance. It is a joy to reflect on the remarkable 

journey we’ve shared and the vibrant future that lies ahead. 

Our commitment to fostering the transformative power of 

dance is evident in every facet of our organization. This season, 

we invite you to breathe in the beauty of “Exhale,” a collection 

of performances that promise to captivate, inspire, and 

resonate with the soul. Your continued support is the driving force behind our ability 

to bring these visions to life and share the impact of contemporary dance with 

our community. 

Our dedication to artistic growth extends beyond the scope of the stage and into 

our In Studio Series: a synergy of creativity and collaboration, where artists unite to 

push boundaries and inspire audiences right inside our home studio. That studio is 

now five years old and facilitates our extensive offering of over 20 weekly classes. 

Ranging from Contemporary and Jazz to Afro-Modern, Improvisation, Salsa, and Tap, 

these classes serve as a dynamic platform for artists to develop, explore, and flourish. 

Our commitment to nurturing the growth of dancers, from beginners to advanced, 

in all stages of life, is an important piece of what we do, and your support makes it 

all possible. 

A special thanks to our talented Artistic Director, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, and our 

dedicated company dancers, board members, and administrative team, who invest 

their heart and soul into SCD. But truly, your involvement is pivotal in shaping 

the future of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Whether you have been a steadfast 

supporter for years or are considering joining our dance family, your contribution 

fuels our artistic endeavors and strengthens the bonds of our community. Your 

support enables us not only to continue our mission but to reach new heights and 

expand our impact. 

As we breathe life into presenting “Exhale,” I extend my deepest gratitude for your 

constant support. Join us in celebrating the power of dance and the boundless 

possibilities it brings. Together, we can nurture the growth of artists, embrace 

collaboration, and ensure that Sarasota Contemporary Dance continues to be a 

vibrant artistic force in our community for many years to come. 

Dan Barzel, President 

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FROM THE FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 

As the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Sarasota Contemporary Dance, I am 

thrilled to welcome you into our 18th season, “Exhale,” a breathtaking showcase 

of contemporary dance and the boundless creativity of our exceptional company. 

Collaborating closely with talented dancers and creative minds, we’ve crafted 

performances that entertain and spark meaningful conversations. It’s a delicate 

balance that we cherish, and your unwavering support has been the wind beneath 

our wings. 

“Exhale” is a celebration of the art of movement, a display of the accomplished 

past, and an anticipation of the incredible future still unfolding. Our mainstage 

productions launch with a vibrant mashup show in a long-awaited collaboration 

filled with favorite songs and feel-good choreography. Get ready to sing along 

and groove in your seats! Kicking off the new year is “Evolving/Revolving,” a 

multidisciplinary masterpiece and collaboration that weaves together original 

music, projections, and choreography that invites you to witness a motion picture 

of design, movement, and sound emerge on stage. “Dance Makers” follows, 

embodying a rich tapestry of expressions by renowned choreographers, including 

our first-ever commissioned Tap choreography. Lastly, we close with “Voices – Rising 

Choreographers,” giving voice to the next generation of talented choreographers 

who continue to inspire us with their creativity. 

As I reflect on the journey so far, I am in awe of the incredible individuals who make 

up our dance family. It’s your generosity and support that breathe life into our 

company, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. 

To our longstanding supporters, thank you for being the backbone of our success. 

For those considering joining us on this exciting journey, I invite you to become 

a part of our community that values innovation, collaboration, and nurturing the 

growth of emerging artists. Your involvement not only enriches the arts but also 

fosters unity and awe in the shared experience of dance. 

I extend my deepest gratitude to all who’ve played a vital role in the success of our 

company. Let’s foster and cherish this precious gem, allowing it to thrive and inspire 

in the coming seasons. I invite you to savor every moment of this remarkable season. 

Together, let’s exhale and revel in the beautiful gift that is Sarasota Contemporary 

Dance. 

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, Artistic Director 

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ABOUT THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, 

(Co-Founder & Artistic Director) is 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 “stunning and imaginative” art 

by Carrie Seidman of the Herald Tribune. As an 

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 received numerous artistic achievement and leadership awards 

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

Best Choreographer” award 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 and a certified Pilates instructor. Through her Dance for PD certificate 

experience, she founded and developed the dance program at Parkinson’s 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 eighteen years, and 

mother to thirteen-year-old Charles Edward and seven-year-old Valda Elizabeth, 

who inspires her dance-making daily. 

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OF YOU 

Choreographer: Nicole Connaugton 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble (SCDE): 

Cast A: Sabine Dimante, Zoe Figgins, Sami Mangione, 

Amber Slay, Anna Weber 

Cast B: Sabine Dimante, Gracie Lapointe, Sami Mangione, 

Amber Slay, Anna Weber 

Music: ‘It’s a Rainy Day on the Cosmic Shore” by Ana Roxanne, 

“Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles, “dlp 1.2” by William Basinski 

and Recorded audio of dancer and choreographer voices 

‘OF YOU’, derived from the statement, “I am of you, you are of me’, is 

a work which sprouted from investigations surrounding emotional 

inheritance and generational trauma. The piece has grown to 

explore what it means to belong to complex family systems or a 

generational line, and reconciles with how we choose to embrace 

or reject what has been passed down to us. The dancers and 

choreographer worked in close collaboration to generate material 

from personal stories, feelings, and memories, woven together to 

create a complex portrait of individual experiences. 

OUR BONES ARE WHAT’S 

LEFT OF US 

Choreographer: Jessica Obiedzinski 

Dancers: Samantha Miller, Jordan Leonard, 

Juliana Cristina Miller 

Music: “Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo” by Sophia Loren, “Canto At 

Gabelmeister’s Peak” by Alexander Desplat, “Somewhere out 

there” by The O’Neil Brothers group, and “Unchained Melody” 

by Elvis Presley 

The truest form of ourselves is buried under a big heaping pile 

of smelly junk. Do we sit to get to know our truest selves? Or 

do we live life through our learned experiences, traumas, and 

influences? Layers create superfluous reactions to everyday life. 

Who is responding in your life? Is it really you? Or just a result of 

experiences with skin, hair, eyes, lips, teeth on top of it? 

One decision can alter the course of our entire life. Are you the one 

who regrets it? Or trust in life’s path of fate? Do you resent those 

around you based on the outcomes you’ve ended up with? Or wind 

up with self hatred when life doesn’t go as you had planned? 

I’m inspired every day by the people who surround me. I’m inspired 

by Jordan tap dancing on a stool. She is the ‘hamster on the wheel’ 

in my brain. There are a few Easter 

pointing toward the full length ver 

this summer’s in-studios for June a 

than the other, hint… follow the w 

This performance exploration is m 

Hermitage Artist Retreat through 

residency. 

“The more you are willing to just le 

aware of, the more it will let you b 

SIREN 

Choreographer: Kristen Bernier 

Dancers: Jessica Obiedzinski, Jo 

Juliana Cristina Miller, Makayla L 

Music: “Giselle” by Akram Khan, “ 

Lamagna, “Strong Heartbeat for 

Ambience and “Cesca’s View” by 

and Brad Wells 

To be together to be separate. (Wh 

(Why?) To cast a spell. And why? S 

SEEING YOU, SE 

Choreographer: Sami Frost 

Dancers: Juliana Cristina, Makay 

Samantha Miller, Jessica Obiedzi 

Music: “I’ll Never Smile again” by 

The Pied Pipers, “I’ll Be Seeing Yo 

for Alto Saxophone and Orchestr 

Walsh, Paul Freeman, and the Cz 

This work began as an exploration 

through the eyes of others. Overtim 

work started developing into how 

vulnerability, and dependency of o 

Seeing you, seeing me dives into p 

many moments of touch and part 

creating a sense of community an 

space. The piece also explores elem 

blind faith, sensitivity, and indepe 

— INTERMISSIO 

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eggs in tonight’s performance, 

sion of this piece, featured during 

nd July. One is a little more obvious 

hite rabbit. 

ade possible, in part, at the 

the Cross Arts Collaborative 

t the world be something you’re 

e who you are.” ~Michael A. Singer 

rdan Leonard, 

ane, Samantha Miller 

Love Duet I” by Vincenzo 

Sleeping Babies” by Womb 

Rinde Eckert, Roomful of Teeth, 

y?) To be stuck to be dynamic. 

iren. 

EING ME 

la Lane, Jordan Leonard, 

nski, and Monessa Salley 

Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, and 

u” by Billie Holiday and “Concerto 

a II” by David Baker, Thomas 

ech National Symphony Orchestra 

of the perception of ones’ self 

e throughout the process, the 

we as humans allow for perception, 

thers in order to seek connection. 

hysical human connection, with 

nership between the dancers, 

d building relationships within the 

ents of loneliness and separation, 

ndence. 

IT TAKES NOTHING TO HAVE 

SOMETHING 

Choreographer: Makayla Lane 

Dancers: Juliana Cristina, Jordan Leonard, Samantha Miller, 

and Monessa Salley 

Music: “Recomposed” by Max Ritcher: Vivaldi, The Four 

Seasons: Winter 3-2012, Spring 1-2012, “Introduction; 

Nothingness” by Hayden Calnin 

Satisfaction: Fulfillment of one’s wishes, expectations, or needs, 

or the pleasure derived from this. 

Greed: Intense and selfish desire for something, especially 

wealth, power, or food. 

TAKE #17 

Choreographer: Samantha Miller 

Dancers: Juliana Cristina, Makayla Lane, Jordan Leonard, 

Samantha Miller, Jessica Obiedzinski, Monessa Salley 

Music: “Soul Bossa Nova” by Quincy Jones, “ A fifth of 

Beethoven” by Walter Murphy, “Boogie Bossanova” by 

Quincy Jones 

This piece is made to be pure entertainment evoking joy and 

nostalgia through Fosse inspired jazz. Theater and film have 

always been a huge part of my life and where I find inspiration, 

happiness, and healing; it is my escape, my happy place. On any 

bad day turning on a musical or cult classic film (such as Austin 

Powers) will turn my frown upside down. Now, it is my turn to 

create that entertainment to brighten someone else’s day, help 

them escape and find their happy place. 

N 10 MINUTES — 

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SCDE 

Nicole Connaughton (Choreographer ) was born 

in Hanover, Maryland. She graduated with a Bachelor 

of Arts in Dance from Goucher College in 2022. During 

her time at Goucher, she had the pleasure of performing 

works by Christopher K. Morgan, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, 

Johnnie Cruise Mercer, Iquail Shaheed, and Eric Rivera. 

She has studied with Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

Company as a member of their training company, 

and was selected to present choreography at their 

summer intensive in 2023. Nicole was also given the opportunity to attend the 

American Dance Festival in 2023 on full scholarship. While there, she was selected 

to collaborate as a dancer and co-creator with Jodie Judy Lu YingChu and other 

artists in the creation of the work, Infinity, which premiered at the International 

Choreographers Residency Showcase at ADF. Currently based in Philadelphia 

Pennsylvania, Nicole aspires to engage in more collaborative projects in the future 

to continue developing her passion for creative process and performance. 

Xiao-Xuan Yang Dancigers (Founding Company 

Member/Associate Director of SCDE), 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 an Assistant Professor at the Taipei National 

University of Arts, she has danced and choreographed 

with 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, 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 loves to perform and choreograph. She is extremely passionate about 

teaching young dancers. Since 2019, she has co-directed the SCD Ensemble and 

teaches “Dance for Joy’’ at Aviva Senior Living in Sarasota. 

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Sabine Dimante (SCDE Dancer, Rehearsal 

Assistant) has extensive experience as a professional 

dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Dancing has been 

Sabine’s passion since the age of three. Born in Riga, 

Latvia, she graduated with a BA in Contemporary Dance 

and Choreography from the Latvian Academy of Culture, 

followed by her post-graduate teaching certificate from 

the Latvian Academy of Music with credits towards a 

master’s in teaching from the Art Academy of Latvia. 

While performing with the modern dance company “Dzirnas”, she taught folk, ballet 

basic, jazz, and contemporary dance in the Vidzeme school district for 8 years. Her 

student groups won regional and national awards. Sabine’s original choreography 

has been commissioned by EU projects and other dance collectives. She developed 

and delivered her unique “Total Body Workout” program, combining dance, yoga, 

and pilates for resorts and fitness clubs. She moved to Sarasota with her husband 

and son in 2013. Sabine is excited about the opportunity to continue growing as a 

performer with SCD Ensemble. This is her fifth year as an SCDE dancer and her fourth 

year as Rehearsal Assistant. 

Zoe Figgins (SCDE Dancer) is from Cincinnati, OH, 

and moved to Bradenton, FL, at the age of five. She 

began musical theater classes at Woodland Fine Arts 

Academy in 2014, then joined the WFA’s Dance Company 

in 2018 and danced with them until 2023. Now, she is a 

dance instructor with WFA, teaching Pre-K and young 

elementary dance and musical theater. Before becoming 

a part of SCDE, Zoe trained and interned at two of SCD’s 

summer intensives. She finds joy in expressing herself 

through movement, as well as challenging herself through not only the physical 

but also emotional components of dance. As well as being a dancer and instructor, 

Zoe works full-time as a hairstylist. She attended Manatee Technical College in 2022, 

earning her cosmetology license. She is also part of the National Technical Honor 

Society, recognized for her hard work, drive, and integrity. Above all else, Zoe seeks 

to humbly glorify the Lord through everything she does. 

Gracie Lapointe (SCDE Apprentice) was raised in 

Florida and has been an avid dancer for over 13 years. 

Having started with ballet, Gracie has since grown and 

stretched herself, participating in shows, competitions, 

and conventions since the age of seven. She has trained 

at countless studios in the Bradenton/Sarasota area, 

including Jump Dance Studio, Reflex Dance Studio, 

Woodland Fine Arts Academy, Diane Partington Studio 

of Classical Ballet, and Sarasota Contemporary Dance. 

This is Gracie’s first season with SCDE, and she’s excited 

to see how far her talents will grow. 

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Sami Mangione (SCDE Dancer) has a fascination 

with the mind-body connection and embodied creativity 

that inspires her to dance. At the University of Florida, 

Sami trained in ballet, modern, contemporary, and West 

African dance forms under the guidance of Dante Puleio, 

Isabel Garcia-Rose, Melissa Brenner, and Joan Frosch. 

Sami has completed additional training in somatics, 

focusing on yoga therapy, Somatic Experiencing, 

Alexander Technique, and Laban Movement Analysis/ 

Bartenieff Fundamentals. 

Through UF’s Dance in Medicine program, she had opportunities to teach dance 

and perform for diverse populations in her community. Sami performed in several 

university BFA Showcases, SWAMP Dance, and the Harn Museum of Dance 2018 and 

co-choreographed a duet for the Harn Museum of Dance 2019. She has 7 years of 

performance experience as a professional fire dancer and is the creative director of a 

fire dancing company, Phoenix Fire & Performance Art. Currently, she teaches dance 

techniques to circus performers and teaches contemporary dance classes at Project 

Alchemy Dance in St Pete. She also provides private and group yoga therapy to her 

community. Sami’s current interest lies in learning more about her choreographic 

voice and incorporating what she knows about embodiment, psychology, and 

healing to create works that are vitalizing and authentic. She is excited to further her 

contemporary dance training with SCDE. 

Melissa Rummel (Studio Coordinator, Associate 

Director of SCDE) was raised in Dryden, Michigan, where 

she started dancing at seven. She graduated from 

Belhaven University with a BFA in dance, emphasizing 

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 SCD Ensemble(Student 

Training program) and the SCD Summer Intensive Director. She is passionate about 

teaching and teaches with SCD and Woodland Fine Arts Academy. She also enjoys 

fitness and its positive effect on others and strives to find new ways to combine her 

love of dance and fitness. She strives never to stop stretching herself as a performer, 

choreographer, and teacher. 

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Amber Slay (SCDE Dancer) is from North Port, 

Florida. She began her dance training at the age of 7, 

studying many styles, including Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and 

Tap. She attended a magnet high school for visual and 

performing arts, where she continued her dance training 

in preparation for college. During this time, she trained 

with Paula Nunez at America’s Ballet School during their 

three-week summer intensive. She also prepared for 

and passed the Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 2 

Exam with Merit. She graduated from Jacksonville University with a BFA in Dance, 

Summa Cum Laude, and Departmental Honors in dance. During her time at JU, she 

performed the works of Doug Varone and was invited to attend Varone’s winter 

intensive in NYC, where she studied his choreographic process. She has worked 

closely with other choreographers such as Brian Nicholson, Jens Bjerregaard, Norbert 

De La Cruz III, Jon Lehrer, and Paula Nunez, to name a few. Outside of dancing, she 

enjoys spending time with her family and friends while immersing herself in art 

and nature. 

ARTISTS 

Kristen Bernier (Choreographer) is a choreographer, 

movement educator, sculptress, and producer grown in 

Sarasota (Place of the Dance), FL and based in Chicago, IL 

since 2015. 

Kristen’s multidisciplinary live performances are beguiling 

moving-body-image panoramics. Her work flirts with 

paradoxes of intimacy and solitude, eros and austerity, 

remembering and forgetting. Above all, she wishes to 

evoke and impart beautiful action. Currently, and likely forever, she is researching 

being a whole self with others, staging life as the performance. 

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 

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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. 

Sami Frost (Choreographer) raduated Summa Cum 

Laude from Florida State University with a B.F.A in dance 

and minor in communications in May 2022. She had the 

opportunity to perform works by Ronald K. Brown, Merce 

Cunningham, Ilana Goldman, Tim Glenn, Anjali Austin and 

work closely with Jawole Zollar, Gwen Welliver, Donna 

Uchizono and Tiffany Rhynard among others. She has also 

had the pleasure of performing repertoire from Alonzo 

King, Ohad Naharin, Jennifer Archibald, Shannon Gillen, 

Christian Denice and Shen Wei. Sami’s choreography has been performed at the 

American College Dance Association, Days of Dance at FSU and NewGrounds Dance 

Festival, and she has received numerous choreography awards and scholarships. 

While growing up she attended Howard W. Blake School of the Performing Arts and 

danced competitively. She was a touring assistant with Revel Dance Convention 

and an apprentice with Tampa Modern Dance Company. Currently, Sami is an artist 

with Water Street Dance Milwaukee performing repertoires by Morgan Williams, 

Kameron Saunders, Arinze Okammor, Madi Hicks and more. Additionally, she is a 

faculty member at Modas Dance, a Pure Barre Instructor and continues to teach and 

choreograph for competitive studios in Tampa, Tallahassee and Milwaukee. 

Makayla Lane (Dancer, Choreographer & 

Administrative Assistant) was born and raised in Dallas, 

Texas where she found her love for dance at the Fort 

Worth Academy of Fine Arts. She then attended Point 

Park University where she earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts 

in spring 2023. During her time at Point Park, she has 

performed in various works by Jason McDole, Jesse Factor, 

Kiesha Lalama, Kiki Lucas, and others. While in Pittsburgh, 

she also took part in events within the community. She 

has performed with the Pittsburgh CLO, Botanic Gardens, 

and the world renowned Pittsburgh Steelers. As much as she loves the stage, she also 

loves to teach and choreograph. Working with Dance Masters 2022 as well as various 

studios around the area, MaKayla has been able to inspire many young dancers. After 

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graduation, MaKayla moved to Saint Petersburg to expand her artistic talents as a 

dancer, instructor, and choreographer. She has joined Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

as an Apprentice, Teaching Artist, and a part of the Administrative Team for their 

18th Season. MaKayla has had the pleasure of joining the community as a teacher 

at Woodland Fine Arts Academy and Inspiration Dance Company. She is passionate 

about inspiring others and will continue to do so through her artistic voice. 

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! 

Samantha Miller (Dancer & Choreographer) is 

an emerging dance artist 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 

under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. While at 

the UArts, Samantha performed 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” at 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 

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esiding in Florida, Samantha has been able to perform professionally with local 

artists and has been involved with dance theater, and dance performance, and 

has been featured in dance photography showcases. She has been a dancer with 

RogueDance Company and has been teaching and choreographing at JeanneLynn 

Dance Studio, growing their contemporary program for 7 years. She has also been 

a teaching artist for Sarasota Contemporary Dance and is a teaching artist at New 

College of Florida. Samantha has been able to present works for SCDs Voices and 

collaborate with company member Jordan Leonard to present an In-Studio 

full-length performance. Samantha came to SCD during the pandemic, where she 

found a new love for performance and sharing stories. She found a home here, 

which will be her 4th season with the company. Samantha has a true passion for 

dance and art and hopes to continue growing and sharing her knowledge with 

younger dancers. Dance performance brings Samantha so much joy that she hopes 

to spread that joy and fulfillment in her dancing and in her choreography. In her 

words, “all I want to do is dance.” Samantha joined SCD to find a community of likeminded 

people who shared her passion for dance and performance. SCD has an 

incredible platform to grow as an individual artist, and that is an important part of 

her dance journey. 

Jessica Obiedzinski (Dancer, Choreographer & 

Rehearsal Assistant) is a native, 6th-generation Floridian 

living in St. Petersburg. Back in 2018, Jessica was given 

the opportunity to join the SCD Community. Jessica 

has been dancing for five consecutive seasons with the 

Company, acting as a dance performer, choreographer, 

and rehearsal director. Jessica has presented 

choreographic works around Tampa Bay, for SCD Voice’s 

Rising Choreographers in 2021 and, most recently, through the Hermitage Cross Arts 

Collaborative residency. She has acted as a company member with Elizabeth Streb, 

Susan Vencl, and Beth Soll’s Dance companies in New York and worked extensively 

with Lynn Simonson and Laurie DeVito on Simonson technique methods. She 

teaches Pilates and Yoga and is a certified Simonson Dance Technique instructor. 

In Florida, she has taught both Yoga and Simonson technique classes at SCD, New 

College of Florida and for Project Alchemy in Saint Petersburg. In her spare time, she 

likes to hang out with her dog, play musical instruments, and spend time in bodies 

of water. Her choreographic inspiration comes from patterns in nature and the ways 

the body copes with life’s unexpected tides. Jessica loves wellness practices and is 

currently exploring the topic of mental health and the roles that trauma plays in 

our physical bodies. Through dance-making, Jessica’s work this evening was made 

possible during her time at the Hermitage Artist Retreat through the Cross-Arts 

Collaboration. 

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Monessa Salley (Dancer & Production Lead), South 

Carolina native, has been with SCD for five consecutive 

seasons, dancing, performing, choreographing, and 

teaching professionally with Sarasota Contemporary 

Dance Company, serving as Production Lead for the past 

two seasons. After attending an SCD summer intensive 

in 2015, she knew this was a special organization, but 

it was not until 2019 that she seized an opportunity 

to join this unique company. Her desire to build 

community relations aligns with the company’s mission, in addition to it being 

a safe and nurturing space that fosters artistic growth in performance, teaching, 

and choreography. In addition to her work at SCD, she is a Teaching Artist for New 

College of Florida an adjunct Dance Educator for the Booker High School VPA 

Dance Department. She serves as an Arts Integration Teaching Artist for several 

organizations, including The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Wholehearted 

Education, and Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative. Salley enjoys choreographing 

for musical theater and recently served as Assistant Choreographer for West Coast 

Black Theater Troupe. She began training in dance at a young age and is wellversed 

in various genres. She holds a B.A. in Dance Performance from Winthrop 

University and a Masters of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College. 

After continued education and serving as a certified Dance Educator and Theater 

Production Manager for 12 years in SC public school, she went on to pursue her MFA 

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

She has 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 refining her craft as a performer and teacher, promoting health, healing, 

and happiness through dance and enhancing community relations. Predominantly 

teaching Tap, Afro-Fusion, and Kids classes, Salley is inspired by rhythm, culture, and 

dance as a universal language. When not dancing, she enjoys reading, spending 

time with loved ones and her dogs, outdoor and aquatic activities in nature, viewing 

sunsets, and doing anything that makes her laugh out loud! 

15

Production Team 

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

Flip Flop Productions 

House Manager .............................................................................................Bristen DeJarnette 

Videographer ..........................................................................Integrated Media Productions 

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

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

Stage Hand .................................................................................................. Antonio Hernandez 

SRQ 

All music rights by agreement with ASCAP 

Thank you to our Sponsors and Media Partners 



SUMMER PERFORMANCES 

ALL AT 7 PM AT SCD HOME 

• May 18 Kristin O’Neal & Gregory Catellier 

• May 24 May In the Round 

• June 8 & July 20 Jessica Obiedzinski 

• June 14 June In the Round 

• July 26 July In the Round 

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PRODUCTION MANAGER 

Celeste N. Silsby Mannerud (Technical Director and 

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

specializes in design and archival for theatrical and private 

events. She received her BA in theatre design from USF and 

her MFA in design management from IADT, and her repertoire 

includes lighting design and production video/ photography 

for local and international dance and theatre companies; 

stage lighting instruction at various Florida colleges; and 

production management, technical/artistic design, and lighting/audio installations 

for the Dali Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, L’Unione Italiana Ybor City, and ArtLab 

Studios in Germany. Aside from her “real job,” Celeste is in the midst of renovating 

an old Airstream to tour the U.S. and is most at peace when under sail with her 

husband, Andreas, and son, Cobyn. 

ADMINISTRATION 

Bristen DeJarnette (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. 

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MAKE DANCE h 

DONATE HERE 

Producers $25,000 

*Produces Entire Production 

• Two Complimentary Tickets to every show of your production 

• VIP Access to Open Dress Rehearsal of mainstage production 

• VIP Access to all In-Studio Showcases of choice 

• Name & Recognition on all production publicity 

• Exclusive Dinner with Dancer and Artistic Director of SCD 

Dance Makers Over $10,000 

*Sponsors a Dance Work 

• Two Complimentary tickets to a performance of your sponsored work 

• VIP Access to (3) In-Studio Showcases of choice 

• Name & Recognition in program insert 

• Exclusive Brunch with a Choreographer 

Sustainers $7,500 –$9,999 

*Sponsors 1 month payroll for Dancers 


• Invitation to watch SCDE (Training Company) Class + Dress Rehearsal 

• Name in program and newsletters 

• Exclusive Brunch with SCDE Associate Director 

Devotees $5,000–$7,499 

* Sponsors 1 month of SCD Home Studio work expenses 


• Invitation to watch SCD Company Rehearsal 

• Name in program and newsletters 

• Exclusive Coffee Time with In-Studio Production Lead 

Contrib 

* Sponsors a L 

• Two Compl 

• Invitation to 

• Name in pro 

• Exclusive br 

Home Stud 

Suppor 

* Sponsors a D 

• Two Compl 

choreograp 


with SCD G 


Enthus 

* Supports a D 



Admire 

* Supports SCD 


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appen 

utors $2,500–$4,999 

ive Music Collaboration 

imentary tickets to Music Performance of choice 

watch company rehearsal 

gram and newsletters 

own bag lunch with SCD Company Dancers at 

io 

S 

C D 

iasts $100–$999 

ancer in our training program 


watch SCDE Training Company Rehearsal 

ters $1,000–$2,499 

ance Choreographer 

imentary tickets to performance of sponsored 

her 

watch company rehearsal followed by Coffee Time 

eneral Manager 


rs Up to $99 

Teaching Artists class fee 


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SCD SUMMER INTENSIVES 

Get ready to move this summer with 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance and guest teachers 

in sunny Sarasota for a week-long dance intensive, 

unlike any other! You have three weeks to 

choose from—or do all three! 

• MAY 18-24, 2024 

• JUNE 8-14, 2024 

• JULY 20-26, 2024 

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SarasotaContemporaryDance.org

SCD Kids 

Summer 2 24 

July 8-12 

SCAN TO 

REGISTER 

SCD’s exciting Kids 

Summer Camps will explore 

a variety of dance styles, 

including contemporary, 

jazz, afro-modern, and 

hip-hop, all taught by SCD’s 

dynamic teaching artists. 

REGISTER TODAY! 

LITTLE GROOVERS 

Ages 5–7 

9:00am – 1:00pm 

$150 

Aftercare available until 2pm, 

$175 

INTERMEDIATE MOVERS 

Ages 8–10 

9:00am – 2:00pm 

$175 

$25 Registration fee (includes t-shirt) 

For more information, visit 

SarasotaContemporaryDance.org 

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Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

MIDDLE MOVEMENT SAMPLER 

This summer, middle school 

movers can join SCD’s 

dynamic teaching artists for 

an exciting week of dance 

exploring different styles, 

including contemporary, jazz, 

afro-modern, and hip-hop. 

JULY 8-12 

Ages 11-14 

2:30pm – 4:30pm 

$100 

$25 Registration fee 

(includes t-shirt) 

REGISTER TODAY! 

For more information, visit 

SarasotaContemporaryDance.org 

22

CONTRIBUTORS TO 

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE 

Thank you to everyone who has generously donated from 

August 1, 2022 – November 1, 2023. All contributions are vital to 

our growth as a dance company. Without your generosity, this 18th year 

would simply not be the amazing reality it is. 

SUSTAINERS: OVER $10,000 

Bernard Friedland 

Dan Barzel 

Rebecca Schowe 

Sam Alfstad 

Shane Chalke 

Shirley H. Foss 

DEVOTEES: $5,000 - $9,999 

Elizabeth Ford 

Jaime Still 

Jane Woods 

Joslin Yeiser Coonan 

Mark Walsh 

Steven Buckley 

Tuck Colby 

Victor Cipolla 

CONTRIBUTORS: $2,500 – $4,999 

Chuck Campbell 

Jeff & Deborah VanEvery 

Kathryn Petrovich 

Rachel McAree 

Ronald Shugar 

Tammy Karp 

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Alden Keyser 

Anamaria Guerra-Vera 

Carol Gaskin 

Chuck & Terry Pishko 

Edward & Annette Eliasberg 

Gail L Baird Foundation 

Georgia Higgins 

Harris Simons 

Janet Bell 

Jeanne Hamil 

SUPPORTERS: $1,000 - $2,499 

Joan & James P Sprouse 

Kevin Maloney 

Kira Lee 

Kira Orsag 

Lauren Bruno 

Lauren Crabbe 

Marlene Liberman 

Melanie Whaley 

Michele Shultis 

Neill Garfield 

Patricia Forshee 

Pocha Horton 

Rick & Karen Lanese 

Robin Klein-Strauss 

Ross Mercier 

Sheila Foley 

Susan Feltus 

Thomas Pepe 

In honor of 

Muriel Gordon Mayers 

ENTHUSIASTS: $100 – $999 

Enthusiasts 

3 horizons LLC 

Aaron West 

Abbey Box 

Adam Porris 

Adriana Gabelli 

Albert Hannoush 

ALine Arthur Sicilian 

Blanchard 

Amy Bayard 

Amy Blair 

Amy Eliezer 

Amy Gordon 

Amy Martin 

Amy Tolmach 

Anamaria Gonzalez 

Angela Rauter 

Angus Roberts 

Anjali Austin 

Anna Lee Ernst 

Bethany Smith 

Bill Kwon 

Bonnie Kissam 

Brandi Love 

Brandon Turner 

Brenda Topp 

Bret Jones 

Brian Renner 

Carolina Cotran 

Caroll Michels 

Carolyn Paparozzi 

Chad Braverman 

Charles & Diane Fancher 

Chris Voelker 

Christine Schlesinger 

Daniel Dokko 

Dean Piccirillo 

Derek Byrd 

Diane Georgeson 

Donna Koffman 

Donna Labik 

Douglas Libertore 

Ed & Claudia Swan 

Elizabeth Sassen 

Eric Woods 

Erik Abrahamson 

Fred Rath II 

Gabriela Lopez Vergara 

Gerri Houlihan 

Gigi Roberts 

Greg Goebel 

Guy Jensen 

Heidi Brandt 

Ike & Judith Koziol 

Jaime and Julie Didomenico 

James Marchese 

Jane Thompson 

Janis Wasserman 

Jean Kirshenbaum 

Jeanne Ruddy 

Jeff & Janice Newman 

Jeff Borysiewicz 

Jeffrey Koffman 

Jennifer Thayer 

Jennifer Bean 

Jerry Unland 

Jerry Wells 

Jesse Biter 

Jim Morton 

Jim Travers 

Jonathan Glucker 

Jose Santana 

Joslin Woods 

Judilee Sterne 

Julian Eller 

Kathryn Glickman 

Kelly Franklin 

Kevin Daves 

Kevin Robbins 

Laida Bolanos 

Lesley Svenson 

Linda Convissor 

Linda Simons 

Lisa Schindler 

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Lois C Bartis 

Lois Mould 

Lonnetta Gaines 

Lorraine White 

Lou Donato 

Louise Yeiser 

Lynn Guarch-Pardo 

Maria Cisneros 

Mark Kauffman 

Marsi Burns 

Matthew DePalma 

Melanie Chaves 

Michael Holderness 

Michael Vlaisavljevich 

Moni Joblin 

Nancy Blitzer 

Nancy Roucher 

Neil McCurry 

Neill Garfield 

Nicole Dalfio 

Nicole Nicholson 

Niel Shank 

Norbert Donelly 

Pat Houppert 

Patricia Shiland 

Patrick McArdle 

Paul Woods 

Rhiana Taylor 

Rick & Irma Uhler 

Ron LaFace 

Ronald Gibson 

Rosalie Cipolla 

Ryan Stang 

Sara Mastovich 

Sharon Rusnak 

Shila Lagrua 

Stacyann Young-Cole 

Steven Hellmann 

Susan Brown 

Telsys Tarallo 

Teresita Curbelo 

Timothy Mitten 

Todd Josko 

Tom Leonard 

Ulrich Gunthart 

Urbanite Theatre IN 

Victoria Larson 

Whelma Thompson Ford 

Winny Rush & Tom Roberts 



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 

25

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Jaime Still – President 

Dan Barzel – Treasurer 

Robert G. McLain, Jr. – Secretary 

Sam Alfstad – General Board 

Muriel Gordon Mayers – Founding Board Member 

Georgia Higgins – General Board 

Victor Cipolla - 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. 

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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 

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Get your tickets today for 

exciting Broadway musicals, 

comedies, dramas, & live 

music! 

CELEBRATING OUR 75TH SEASON 

Box Office 941.748.5875 

502 Third Avenue West 

Downtown Bradenton 

ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com 

for all events, dates, and times 

32

THANK YOU 

FOR SUPPORTING SCD! 



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

941.260.8485 | SarasotaContemporaryDance.org 

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE IS A NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION. 

PHOTOS BY SORCHA AUGUSTINE 

SRQ 

SRQ 

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