SCD Brings Duke Ellington’s Music To Life

November 1, 2021 – Sarasota

Sarasota Contemporary Dance is approaching its second performance of its 16th Season, GRIT. SCD is thrilled to share the stage with the phenomenal jazz group conducted by Shane Chalke to present SCD + Duke Ellington in collaboration with Shane Chalke B.E. Jazz.

Duke Ellington was one of the most impactful musical forces of the twentieth century, influencing classical music, popular music, and, of course, jazz. SCD joins forces with Shane Chalke B.E. Jazz, a 4-pc jazz band playing the legendary notes of Duke Ellington live alongside original choreography by SCD Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, inspired by Ellington’s musical drama and artistic expertise.

 “As a leader,” comments Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, “I admire Ellington’s ability to make his community of fellow musicians shine and evolve while impacting the world of music. I am honored to reunite with Shane Chalke B.E. Jazz to bring tribute to an icon who shaped the world of music.”

Shane Chalke adds, “In one form or another I feel like I’ve been playing Ellington’s music my entire life. Duke’s band just might have been the most influential jazz orchestra of all time.   Although most of his music originates in the 1930s and 40s, I think it fits perfectly with contemporary dance today! It’s exciting to work with SCD and see them mix their brand of choreography with traditional big band jazz – expect amazing things!”

Duke is known for having huge bands while highlighting the individual talents of his musicians. Duke had a great caliber of artists and simultaneously orchestrated talents within the community. SCD is bigger than ever, doubling in size since its last season, and this performance truly will highlight this milestone that SCD has achieved. Leymis strives to honor the talents within the company, lift the dancer’s strengths, and highlight their individualities.

In the light of collaboration, SCD is pairing up with Ken Partyka, creator of the Upaloop seat, as a dance piece sponsor for this performance. The Upaloop seat provides 360 mobility while relieving the pain of a sedentary waist, improves your sitting posture, and exercises your body’s upper and lower muscles. SCD is thrilled to be collaborating with Ken Partyka as a dance piece sponsor and feature the Upaloop seat in the program.

“When Ken first approached me about the Upaloop seat, two things stood out to me,” says Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmot. “It promotes movement, and its design is contemporary. Then I thought it would be a lovely addition to our Duke Ellington-inspired show.”

Leymis continues, “If this Upaloop seat will provide longevity to my company dancers, I am all for it. As movers, we need to make sure to keep fluidity in the spine and find time for self-care.”

Tickets for SCD + Duke Ellington in collaboration with Shane Chalke B.E. Jazz are available now! All performances will have In-Person tickets and Virtual Streaming options available. Head to our website for more information.

https://www.sarasotacontemporarydance.org/

For In-Person tickets, click the link below 
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35361/production/1073941

For Virtual tickets, click the link below 
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35361/production/1076736

For more information about SCD’s 16th Season performances, click the link below 
https://www.sarasotacontemporarydance.org/in-theater