www.sarasotacontemporarydance.org
Sarasota Contemporary Dance December 1- December 4
“VOICES” Provides Artistic Voice for Emerging Choreographers.
VOICES, a Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD) annual spectacle of works by emerging and company choreographers, is a hallmark of the company’s approach to dance making – “full of movements of pure physical enjoyment, and thought provoking, with moments of delight and humor,” says Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott.
The production will be held at the Jane B. Cook Theater, Thursday December 1 – Sunday December 4.
This is the fourth year that a production of VOICES will be presented at the Jane B. Cook Theater “It caters to audiences who are eager for works by emerging choreographers– work that expands the boundaries of art,” says Bolaños Wilmott, “and continues our momentum of breaking new ground with the company’s performances.” The pieces presented in VOICES are choreographed by three company members– Benjamin Howe, Melissa Hull, and Natalie Robison–and two emerging choreographers, Wendy Rucci and Samantha Pazos, who were chosen during our summer intensive to expand their works for the main stage.
“Some might say it’s risky presenting the work of less experienced dance makers,” says Bolaños Wilmott, “but I actually am proud to be directing and helping shape choreographers of tomorrow. This is an exciting time for me as I watch the next generations of dancers and dance makers expressing and sharing with our community.”
“Each piece is different from the next but they all reflect what inspires, informs, and is shaping these artists and their dance making. I appreciate the creative process that has brought their pieces now to the main stage. Their dedication and pushing through making work gives these artists ownership in their process and we aim to empower them by providing a platform to present their choreography.”
Quotes from this year’s choreographers:
Benjamin Howe (company dancer)
“Being able to bring my imagination to the stage is a great honor. I am thankful to Leymis for believing in me and my voice. My work this time is touching on what people deal with and the feelings that people have when they leave what they know to come into a world that differs from their own, all while trying to maintain what they hold dear.”
Melissa Hull (company dancer)
“I am grateful to be able to present my work in the upcoming production, Voices. Growing up I learned very quickly that dance was a way to express emotions that words couldn’t. We have all experienced loss in our lives, whether it’s a loss of something or someone. This piece is dedicated to a huge loss, it is a reminder that life is precious. The piece is dedicated to a beloved friend.”
Samantha Pazos (Selected Emerging Choreographer)
“I am so grateful to SCD for giving me the opportunity to begin to develop this work that I have been meditating on over for a year. Leymis and the dance artists at SCD have welcomed me, embraced the work and trusted my vision, as I have trusted them.”
“Lorca, leave the balcony open, is a work within a work. It focuses on the Spanish playwright and poet, Federico García Lorca and the final act in his all-female play, The House of Bernarda Alba. Reality and the fictional world meet through this exploration of gender, sexuality, society and familial constraints, and self-ownership.”
“Hay cosas encerradas dentro de los muros que, si salieran de pronto a la calle y gritaran, llenarían el mundo.” – Federico García Lorca
Natalie Robison (company dancer)
“This being my first choreographic work on a professional level, I am overwhelmed by the opportunity in itself, and thrilled to re-live it again on the main stage.”
Wendy Rucci (Selected Emerging Choreographer)
“This type of opportunity for young choreographers is unheard of in most dance communities. To be provided rehearsal space, incredible dancers, a performance venue, and freedom of creativity just doesn’t happen. And it becomes difficult to develop yourself as a choreographer because of that. I feel so appreciative to Leymis and Sarasota Contemporary Dance for making the Voices production about risk and experimentation, as that is really what pushes dance makers to grow and evolve their work.”
Voices of Sarasota Contemporary Dance
Thursday – Saturday, Dec. 1 – 3, Sunday, Dec. 4
Performances: 7:30 pm, except Sun 2:00 pm
Jane B. Cook Theater at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, selection seating
Season Subscription or Single Tickets: 941.359.0099
About Sarasota Contemporary Dance
Sarasota Contemporary Dance was formed in 2002 as Fuzión Dance Artists, Sarasota’s first contemporary dance company, by Co-Founders Leymis Bolaños Willmott and Rachael Inman. Now in its 11th season, the company was renamed in 2015, and continues to bring dance to the community through eclectic performances and educational programming, while collaborating with artists and community groups to enrich the human experience.
