Two Sarasota arts groups use new music to create original choreography
Jay Handelman
Two arts groups dedicated to presenting new work to area audiences are joining together to create something original with a weekend of performances of “SCD + enSRQ.”
It features the collaboration between Sarasota Contemporary Dance, led by Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, and ensembleNEWSRQ, a contemporary classical chamber group founded by Samantha Bennett and George Nickson.
The show will explore rhythms, dance and song from around the world, and will feature scenic design by multidisciplinary artist Sharon McCaman of St. Petersburg.
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The program will feature new choreography being set to a variety of music that will be performed primarily by Nickson and Bennett. The musical lineup includes Iannis Xenakis’ 1989 “Rebonds B” for solo percussion; Mario Carro’s 2015 “About Escher” for violin and marimba; Reena Esmail’s 2021 “Darshan-Bihag” for solo violin; Bright Sheng’s 2010 “Hot Pepper” for violin and marimba; and Lou Harrison’s 1987 “Varied Trio” for piano, violin and percussion.
“This is going to be really exciting,” Bennett said. “Leymis approached us and we collectively crafted this program around different dance ideas and different culinary ideas from around the world, which translates to what Leymis has done.”
“Hot Pepper,” for example, ties into Sichuan melodies, and Harrison’s “Varied Trio” is focused on duo and solo works and based on IndianRaga, a way of improvisation that is a key ingredient in Indian classical music.
“It’s really ideas from around the world that come together,” Bennett said.
Sarasota Contemporary Dance has previously collaborated with a variety of musical artists, including Choral Artists of Sarasota, the Sarasota Orchestra, cellist Natalie Helm, the Shane Chalke B.E. Jazz ensemble and former Boston Orchestra harpist Ann Pilot.
Bolaños Wilmott said the new season is a chance for SCD to return to building “relationships with other arts organizations” that had to be put on pause during the pandemic.
She said McCaman’s work prioritizes the body and physical movement, and involves crafting physical materials and manipulation of technology.
SCD + enSRQ
Sarasota Contemporary Dance and ensembleNEWSRQ will perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 1-3 and 3 p.m. Dec. 4, Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $10-$45, with student discounts available. Virtual streaming tickets are available for the Dec. 3 and 4 performances. 941-260-8485; sarasotacontemporarydance.org
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