UKIAH ? Celebrating the art of dance in performance, education and training, the Mendocino College Repertory Dance Company is presenting a look at the past 20 years and forward to future dance programs.
“Roaring Twenty: 20 Years on the Move” celebrates the 20th anniversary of this company. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, and Saturday, Nov. 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at Mendocino College Center Theatre, 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah. General tickets are $12 and $10 for seniors, ASB cardholders and children 12 and younger.
Tickets are available in Ukiah at the college bookstore and Mendocino Book Company. Lake County residents may also reserve tickets over the phone by calling 468-3079.
This diverse group of dancers hails from Lake and Mendocino Counties.
Leslie Saxon West began her teaching career in dance at the Mendocino College Lake County Center in 1980. Some of her first students in Lake County were members of the Windrem family (Kathy and Susan Windrem) as well as Marie and Beth Lyons, Nikka and Reikor Deacon and many others. Saxon West founded, directed and produced the Lake County Spring Dance Festival, which was presented for the first time in 1981. This annual Lake County event continues to be a popular community tradition.
“I originally created this dance event to bring the Lake County dance community together,” explained Saxon West. “I was interested in including everyone; young and old from all walks of life. I began my dance career in Lake County. I also wanted my students to have a venue in which to perform.”
“I can remember my early teaching days in Lake County. I would carry my record player and record albums into the Finley Grange Hall and one of the buildings at the Fairgrounds.”
Saxon West smiled as she added, “I was a ?portable dance teacher.” I can remember one hot spring day when I left my records in my car. When I went to use them that night in dance class, they were warped! I never made that mistake again!”
In addition to teaching for the College in Lake County, Saxon West was the director of a Lake County program called Learning in a Familiar Environment (LIFE), which worked with developmentally disabled individuals to enable them to live independent lives. Additionally, she was one of the original members and the first director of the Lake County Arts Council.
In 1987, Saxon West founded the Mendocino College Repertory Dance Company, which celebrates 20 years of dance performance at Mendocino College in November.
“Twenty three dancers will be performing some of our best and most popular dances from the past twenty years. Sixteen dancers are our young and talented newer company members, while seven dancers are veterans. One time Lake County resident and performer, Suzette Stiles Slaughter, who performed and choreographed for the Repertory Company in our early days, will perform with us for this celebration. Additionally, I will be making an appearance on stage!”
Company make up for this year”s performance of 25 dancers is unique. Veteran dancers who will be dancing: Janet Orth, Leslie Saxon West, Susan Era, Pat Meek, Theresa Hanson, Serena Miller and Lynda Coursey. Former veteran dancers traveling to perform in this show are: Nori Dolan, Santa Cruz; Suzette Stiles Slaughter, San Francisco; Wendy Peterman, Corvallis, Oregon and Lila Buckley, Beijing, China.
Current company members are: Ivory Reid, Kirsten Turner, Katie Hardy, Gilly Platt, Miriam McNamara, Jason Briseno, Sam Fulk, Tamara Frey, Maria Frei, Amanda Rosenberg, Stephanie Paige, Maya Segal, Yvonne Seibel, Jessica Flynn and Sarah Furnish.
Past dance company members who will be traveling to perform in this show are: Nori Dolan, Santa Cruz; Suzette Stiles Slaughter , San Francisco; Lila Buckley, Beijing, China; Wendy Peterman, Corvallis, Ore.
In the past 20 years the dance company has built a repertoire of dances and dance events, the strongest and most memorable of which will be highlighted in this years show. One notable dance is, “Cocoon.”
“”Cocoon” is a stunning dance done with six women dancing among long pieces of silk that hang from above. It is certainly one of our most visually memorable pieces and we are looking forward to it gracing our stage one more time,” said Saxon West.
Tickets will be available at the door, but advance purchase or reservation is highly recommended. For more information, call 468-3079.
