Sarasota Contemporary Dance celebrates its 20th Mainstage Season

Sarasota Contemporary Dance celebrates its 20th Mainstage Season, MI AMOR, A season infused with positive momentum, deep devotion, and an affectionate celebration of the LOVE that fuels collaboration. This milestone year reflects on the powerful creative relationships that have shaped Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD). With a sense of romance for live performance and deep admiration for the local talent in our region, we embrace our past while leaping forward. Our 20th season features four main stage productions, three held at the Cook Theater at the FSU Center for Performing Arts, and the season finale presented at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. 

To kick off our season of AFFECTION for collaborations, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, SCD Artistic Director, reunites with members of the former Reverend Barry & The Funk band to highlight the interplay and exchange that happens between live music and dance. This restaging will be led by Yaya Diamond & The Dream Chasers, featuring original choreography inspired by the essence of funk, groove, and boogie through a contemporary dance language.

SCD + Yaya Diamond & The Dream Chasers
December 4 - December 6, 2025: 7:30 pm
December 7, 2025: 2:00 pm Matinee
Location: Jane B. Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts
Producing Sponsor: Sam Alfstad
Purchase Tickets - https://ci.ovationtix.com/35361/production/1244400?performanceId=11658984

We enter 2026 with SCD’s acclaimed striking work of “Jehanne” returning to the stage. Accompanied by live music and original compositions by Mark Dancingers. Filled with grit and untamed choreography by Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, led by Melissa Rummel along a cast of fearless women, this performance reflects Joan of Arc’s strength and faith that carried her through trials and tribulations. The work honors the human SPIRIT by demonstrating the resilience and HEART of Sarasota Contemporary Dance.

Jehanne (Inspired by Joan of Arc)  
January 15 – 18, 2026: 7:30 pm
January 18, 2025: 2:00 pm Matinee
Location: Jane B. Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts
Producing Sponsor: Sarasota Estate Auction
Purchase Tickets - https://ci.ovationtix.com/35361/production/1244401?performanceId=11658991

ROMANTICIZING Argentine Tango composer Astor Pantaleon Piazzolla, renowned harpist Ann Hobson Pilot, and choreographer Leymis Bolaños Wilmott collaborate for the third time for this milestone season. SCD brings visual and emotional accompaniment to Pilot’s inspired arrangements of Piazzolla for harp, violin, and bandoneon, reflecting the composer’s melodies, a contemporary mix of tango music with jazz and classical influences. 

SCD + Piazzolla
March 19 - 21, 2026: 7:30 pm
March 22, 2026: 2:00 pm Matinee
Location: Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts
Purchase Tickets - https://ci.ovationtix.com/35361/production/1244398?performanceId=11660022

To end our season of ENDEARMENT we welcome back one of Sarasota’s beloved and talented organizations, West Coast Black Theater Troupe. This collaboration will release a spirit-filled song and dance experience highlighting Gospel and Motown favorites. Directors Nate Jacobs and Leymis Bolaños Wilmott shared the vision of coming together for a production, and this is the result of that beautiful encounter.

SCD + WBTT  
May 15 - 16, 2026: 7:30pm
Location: Manatee Performing Arts Center
Purchase Tickets - https://tickets.flculturalgroup.org/TheatreManager/1/login?event=1473