Sarasota Contemporary Dance

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Sarasota Contemporary Dance Sarasota Contemporary Dance brings cutting edge dance of the highest caliber to the community through performance, education, and collaboration.
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Leymis Bolaños Wilmott and Rachael Inman began working together in Florida State University’s graduate program in 2000. Not only did the two share an Arabic heritage, most importantly, they shared a vision to collaborate, create and celebrate through life experiences. They both spent time developing programming for the FSUdanceSARASOTA initiative, and Wilmott decided to establish roots in the area. In 2006, they decided to incorporate and subsequently, form a non-profit organization. Sarasota Contemporary Dance is now recognized for its collaborative performances with artists of various genres which have increased every year. The company’s educational outreach complements performances by year-round offerings of diverse school performances, master classes, and weekly dance classes, and builds partnerships with local art and community organizations. Since 2007 Sarasota Contemporary Dance has reached more than 1800 students in K-12. Other demonstrable successes: collaboration with Sarasota's Season of Sculpture on the Bayfront resulted in an original choreography; the Salvador Dali Museum commissioned Fuzión for four different engagements including choreography for their exhibits and opening ceremony for their new building; Art Center of Sarasota, Artists Series, and South Florida Museum have presented Fuzión; and our ongoing collaboration with Jazz Juvenocracy has become one of our local community favorites.

We loved welcoming Visit Sarasota and its members to SCD’s Home Studio on Wednesday for a morning together! ☕️Guests got...
10/23/2026

We loved welcoming Visit Sarasota and its members to SCD’s Home Studio on Wednesday for a morning together! ☕️

Guests got a behind-the-scenes look at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, heard from our company members and our Artistic Director about the work happening in the studio, and learned more about our performances and programs. We wrapped up with a raffle and time to connect over our Coffee Sponsors Kahwa Coffee a big thank you for supporting SCD!

We had a blast sharing our home studio and giving you a closer look at SCD!
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MEET THE COMPANY | SAMANTHA MILLER 💬 “This season, I’m excited for new spaces, new choreographers, and new opportunities...
10/22/2026

MEET THE COMPANY | SAMANTHA MILLER

💬 “This season, I’m excited for new spaces, new choreographers, and new opportunities to choreograph. I’m looking forward to broadening SCD’s reach within the community, connecting with new audiences, and continuing to grow both as an artist and as an organization. :)”
— Samantha Miller

See Samantha throughout Season 21, RaĂ­ces y Vuelos (Roots & Flights). Season subscriptions are available through the link in our bio.

Season Subscriptions and Tickets 🔗 https://sarasotacontemporarydance.org/in-theater/

Keep following along as we introduce more of the SCD company!
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Photography by Sorcha Augustine

SCD In-Studio Series Presents Tania Vergara Dance-Theater | Echoes of My Barrio Experience the full-length premiere of E...
10/20/2026

SCD In-Studio Series Presents Tania Vergara Dance-Theater | Echoes of My Barrio

Experience the full-length premiere of Echoes of My Barrio, a powerful dance-theater performance featuring LIVE MUSIC by acclaimed Cuban multi-instrumentalist Rey Pantoja!

About the Artist | In 2025, choreographer Tania Vergara returned to her hometown of CamagĂźey, Cuba, where she recorded the calls of pregoneros street vendors whose voices have become part of everyday survival.

Through movement, storytelling, and live music, Echoes of My Barrio transforms these humble voices into a spirited, humorous, and deeply moving reflection of the resilience of the Cuban people.

Originally presented as an excerpt at The Ringling’s MicroWIP program, this work now takes the stage for its full-length premiere!

SHOWTIMES ⭐️
Saturday October 24 | 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

📍 SCD Home Studio | 1400 Blvd of the Arts
Sarasota, FL 34236

GET YOUR TICKETS 🔗
https://sarasotacontemporarydance.org/in-studio/
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After a full month of rehearsals, performances, and community events, the SCD Company took a day to pause, reset, and re...
10/19/2026

After a full month of rehearsals, performances, and community events, the SCD Company took a day to pause, reset, and recharge with Dr. Angela Rauter. She shared helpful therapy and injury prevention tips, and treated us to healthy snacks and massage. We’re grateful for her care and guidance and for time together to reconnect.

Thank you, Dr. Angie, for helping us take care of bodies and one another. 🖤
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SCD In-Studio Series presents Paula Farlin Founder & Artistic Director of Slice of Life TheatreFrom childhood performanc...
10/19/2026

SCD In-Studio Series presents Paula Farlin
Founder & Artistic Director of Slice of Life Theatre

From childhood performances for family and friends to Sarasota’s stages, Paula’s love of storytelling has shaped a lifelong artistic journey.

Paula trained at Florida A&M University under the late Dr. Ronald O. Davis and began her professional acting career at Asolo Theatre. Her work also includes memorable performances with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe as Odessa in The Amen Corner, Lena Younger (Mama) in A Raisin in the Sun, and Evillene in The Wiz.

In her original one-woman show, All ’dese Voices in My Head, Paula brings a collection of distinctive female characters to life, exploring identity, relationships, resilience, humor, and triumph.

Through Slice of Life Theatre, she continues to connect people through the trials, truths, and joys of everyday life one slice of life at a time.

SHOWTIMES ⭐️
October 31 | 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
📍 SCD Home Studio

GET YOUR TICKETS 🔗https://ci.ovationtix.com/
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Happy Birthday🎉to SCD Company Member, Associate Director of SCDE and Studio Coordinator Melissa Rummel ! Wishing you the...
10/17/2026

Happy Birthday🎉to SCD Company Member, Associate Director of SCDE and Studio Coordinator Melissa Rummel !

Wishing you the most beautiful day!🥳
❤️ Your SCD Family
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PC | Sorcha Augustine

Meet the Visionary, Director, and Choreographer behind Lucille “Sweets” Preston “Flash Acts in Black Vaudeville”!This we...
10/16/2026

Meet the Visionary, Director, and Choreographer behind Lucille “Sweets” Preston “Flash Acts in Black Vaudeville”!

This weekend, SCD’s In-Studio Series presents its inaugural History in Motion event, bringing together three remarkable women. Visionary - Sharon Preston-Folta, Director - Leymis Bolaños Wilmott and Choreographer - Monessa Salley.

Sharon Preston-Folta, author of Little Satchmo: Living in the Shadow of My Father, Louis Daniel Armstrong and subject of the documentary Little Satchmo, shares her mother’s story and the rich legacy of Black Vaudeville.

Together, these women bring history to life through storytelling, dance, and historical context, honoring Lucille “Sweets” Preston and the performers of the Chitlin’ Circuit whose artistry continues to influence American entertainment.

⭐️ SHOWTIMES | THIS WEEKEND
October 17 | 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
October 18 | 3:00 PM

🔗 GET YOUR TICKETS
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35361/production/1279486

This In-Studio performance is sponsored by AARPÂŽ Florida. Special thanks to The Johnson Singer Foundation for supporting video, photography, and research.
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SCD Board President Kathy Killian and Board Member Roxane Caravan are representing Sarasota Contemporary Dance at Thrive...
10/15/2026

SCD Board President Kathy Killian and Board Member Roxane Caravan are representing Sarasota Contemporary Dance at Thrive & Dine 🌊 Fueling Dynamic Fundraising, generously funded by The Patterson Foundation!

We’re grateful for opportunities like these that bring nonprofit leaders together to exchange ideas, strengthen fundraising strategies, and build meaningful connections that support the future of arts and culture in our community.

A special thank you to The Patterson Foundation for investing in the growth and success of SCD! 💙
The Patterson Foundation
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MEET THE COMPANY | JORDAN LEONARD 💬 “I’m so excited to be starting my 6th season with SCD! I’m especially looking forwar...
10/14/2026

MEET THE COMPANY | JORDAN LEONARD

💬 “I’m so excited to be starting my 6th season with SCD! I’m especially looking forward to the Dance Makers show, sharing our work with new audiences, and growing as an artist by performing multiple styles. It’s such a blessing to share the joy of dance, and I can’t wait to connect with the community throughout the season!” — Jordan Leonard

See Jordan on stage throughout Season 21, RaĂ­ces y Vuelos (Roots & Flights).

Season 21 Subscriptions 🔗 https://sarasotacontemporarydance.org/in-theater/

Keep following along as we introduce more of the SCD company!
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Photography by Sorcha Augustine Sorcha Augustine

SCD In-Studio Series features Sharon Preston-Folta, the visionary behind History in Motion - Lucille “Sweets” Preston: F...
10/13/2026

SCD In-Studio Series features Sharon Preston-Folta, the visionary behind History in Motion - Lucille “Sweets” Preston: Flash Acts in Black Vaudeville.

Author of Little Satchmo: Living in the Shadow of My Father, Louis Daniel Armstrong and subject of the documentary Little Satchmo, Sharon brings her mother’s story and the rich legacy of Black Vaudeville to life.

This inaugural History in Motion event explores the Chitlin’ Circuit and the “Flash Acts” that entertained audiences before the headlining performers. Through storytelling, dance, and historical context, this creative project honors Lucille Preston and the artists whose influence continues to shape American entertainment.

Visionary: Sharon Preston-Folta
Director: Leymis BolaĂąos Wilmott
Choreographer: Monessa Salley

SHOWTIMES ⭐️
October 17 | 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
October 18 | 3:00 PM

GET YOUR TICKETS 🔗
[https://ci.ovationtix.com/35361/production/1279486](

This In-Studio performance is sponsored by AARPÂŽ Florida. Special thanks to The Johnson Singer Foundation for supporting video, photography, and research.
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Address

1400 Boulevard Of The Arts, STE 300
Sarasota, FL
34236

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 10pm
Tuesday 10am - 10pm
Wednesday 10am - 10pm
Thursday 10am - 10pm
Friday 10am - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 11pm

Telephone

(941) 260-8485

Website

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