Meet the Newest Members of Sarasota Contemporary Dance

September 20, 2021 – Sarasota

In honor of Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance, is thrilled to be continuously growing! For its 16th Season, Sarasota Contemporary Dance has expanded its team by bringing on new company members, apprentices, and project-based dancers. These new company members will be featured throughout SCD’s 16th Season GRIT at Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to SCD’s growth, it has committed to a raise to a livable hourly wage for its company members, starting this season. 

SCD congratulates Eugenia Titterington and Samantha Miller, both SCD Apprentices during its 15th Season, on their promotions to SCD Company Members. Both Eugenia and Samantha had the opportunity to perform in Dance Makers 2021 and Tribute to Murial G. Mayers as Apprentices last year, and SCD is thrilled to be bringing them on as full time company members this season. 

“Apprenticing during our 15th Season, in the midst of a pandemic, taught me a lot about the resiliency of art and SCD’s dedication to continue providing for its dancers and community.” Eugenia says. “I was challenged to grow physically, of course. But more than that, I had to learn to take ownership of the ways I could contribute to this company. I’m excited to share the fruits of that labor and to continue deepening my understanding this season.” 

Samantha Miller adds, “As an apprentice last year, I witnessed that no matter what obstacles occurred, SCD found a way to bring art, community, love, and dance to others. So, I am very excited to start my first season as a company member and to share the new energy this season is bringing!” 

SCD’s third new company member, Jordan Leonard, is a Michigan native and has recently relocated to Sarasota to begin her company position after auditioning and performing during SCD’s 2021 Summer Intensive. She will be making her debut as a company member in Voices – Rising Choreographers this October, and is looking forward to continuing her creative growth at SCD. 

“I grew up dancing in Michigan and earned a BFA at Point Park University,” Jordan comments. “I’m very excited to be joining the SCD family! I can’t wait to perform with these incredible artists at SCD and showcase this season’s theme of GRIT.” 

In addition, SCD has brought on two apprentices; Haley Simmons and Gabrielle Henry, and three project-based dancers; Chakara Rosa, Nicholas Daulton-Crotty, and Kalonji Diop II. Haley, Gabrielle, and Chakara were members of SCD Ensemble, SCD’s training company for aspiring dancers to experience high-caliber contemporary dance training. The three dancers have showcased tremendous growth and artistry during their time in the Ensemble, and they are thrilled to be joining SCD this season. 

16th Season GRIT Subscriptions and Tickets are available now! All performances will have In-Person tickets and Virtual Streaming options available. For more information, please visit:  https://www.sarasotacontemporarydance.org/