LAKEWOOD RANCH — For Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, artistic director and founder of Fuzion Dance Artists, dancing is as much a way to express herself as it is a way to entertain others.

“We like to provoke thought,” she said. “We like to celebrate and inspire. I really feel like this is my purpose — a way to bring social awareness (to issues) and to entertain. There’s a voice there. Art changes people and art can impact people and art can be healing.”

And this weekend, one of the pieces Wilmott choreographed — a duet called “Made for Two,” which is about the giving and sharing required of dancing with a partner — will be featured during the third annual Ovation, A Day for the Arts, event. The free event, which features live musical, dance and theater performances, will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 6, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Performers from groups such as the Sarasota Opera, Manatee Players, Fuzion Dance Artists and the Lakewood Ranch High School Theater Department will bring their talents to the public spotlight. A stage will be set up in front of the fountain, adjacent to MacAllisters Grill & Tavern, for performances.

“People are knocking down our door to participate,” event organizer Rachel Gray said. “There’s nothing else out here in Lakewood Ranch to promote the performing arts.”

The day’s festivities also will include interactive displays and booths, caricature drawings, face painting and other activities for families. The Sarasota Film Society will offer a free viewing of “Fantasia,” at 11 a.m., at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive.

Roxane Caravan, the director of Lakewood Ranch High School’s theater department, said her troupe will perform several musical theater selections, including some pieces the school will take to state competition later this year.

“We’re excited because it’s nice to be able to do something in our own community,” Caravan said. “It’s a nice opportunity for them.”

Members of Lakewood Ranch High School’s Silver Stars dance team also are eager to be involved.

“It’s definitely a way to express yourself,” 16-year-old Rachel Alterisio said of dancing. “When you are on stage, you let a lot of things go.”

Ovation will benefit Tampa-based WUSF Public Broadcasting, a source for news coverage, educational programming, arts, culture and jazz and classical music.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

SCHEDULE
11:30 a.m. — Manatee Players
Noon — Sarasota Opera
1 p.m. — The Players Theatre
2 p.m. — Lakewood Ranch High School Silver Stars dance team
2:30 p.m. — Fuzion Dance Artists
3:30 p.m. — Moving Ethos Dance Co.
TBD — Lakewood Ranch High School theater department
 

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