By Emmial C. Fields


BARRETTWERKS and VOCI DANCE IN CONCERT unites star quality and energy together on the Johnny Holloway Theater's stage in Orlando, Florida for three performances: April 25 & 26, 2008 (8PM performances) and April 27, 2008 (2PM performance).

Johnny Holloway Theater / Orlando, Florida Ticket Info: 904-501-5525 or elliepottsbarrett@comcast.net


This collaborative showing of Dance Artists, is one that will have its audiences talking long after leaving the theater. Each dancer and choreographer performing in this collective show, are colorful threads of the dynamic Ellie Potts-Barrett tapestry and influence. Humbly, Ellie says that she wanted to bring this group of friends and loved ones together, due to the loss of some special people in her life. She jokingly adds, " and to see my work on stage."

In observing and speaking with the dancers, creative individuals in their own rite, reflections of this Matriarchal Icon can be seen and felt on and off the stage. The mutual respect and support the dancers share, shines in each piece striking a variety of emotions; from whimsical to soul-deep. Mrs. Barrett's positive influence is even evident in the works and dancers of Voci Dance. Ellie shares, "there have not been a lot of opportunities for us all to meet at one time."

She adds, "sometimes there might be weeks between rehearsals," though it is quite evident that professionalism and lack of ego goes the distance to bring such talent from a variety of locations in the U.S.

This family unit allowed for all of its members to add their input to the conversational images on stage (as it should). 12 Dancers begin their introduction with the bright Bach accompaniment. "Tango" continues to work corners of the mouth upwardly with it's light-hearted movement and spirit.

Opal chimes in, through Eliza Harwood Watson, with such clarity in "For Opal." Her story (inspired by actual events), shows a woman who slipped through life's cracks as a result of archaic thought and lack of understanding.

As if to return levity to the conversation, Eliza and cast, inspires a giggle or two in "Two for Tutu." "Interlude" allows Mila Makarova to bring her intensity and perfection to the table and holds your attention in the palm of her hand for the duration.

Mary Clymene B. Wilkens brings forth feelings from the Mother Land with Voci Dance, in "Ritual." The Voci dancers creatively escort you into the video game world with Genevieve Bernard's "Monitor." The ladies of "Storm" sweep you up into an exciting frenzy with lifts and movement that is lightly staccato, but is smooth going down.

Also is the choreography of Lucas Crandall from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, wrapped around the form or Cheryl Mann (formerly of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago).

Such artistic contributions should not be missed, especially if you've wondered what else Central Florida has to offer. Check out BARRETTWERKS and VOCI DANCE IN CONCERT and be amazed by the depth of talent in your backyard.

 

BARRETTWERKS IS…………….
   
Ellie Potts Barrett (Choreographer/Director of BARRETTWERKS/Artistic Advisor for Voci Dance) Trained at Boston Conservatory and graduated with a B.A. in Dance from the University of South Florida. She is a highly sought after dancer/ teacher/ choreographer by National Dance Organizations, Professional Theatre Companies and Universities. Ellie danced with the Ina Hahn Modern dance Company, Boston Dance Company and Mary Anthony in New York, and has been an associate at the Atlantic Center for the Arts to Master Artists Merce Cunningham, Meg Harper and Elizabeth Streb. She teaches at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, the School of Performing Arts in Orlando, the Dance Company in St.Augustine and Dance Olympus/Dance America Ellie is thrilled to be producing BARRETTWERKS and thanks you all for coming to the party!
 
Luis Abella (Dancer) has performed all over the world as a Principal Dancer and a soloist with many renowned ballet companies including the National Ballet of Cuba, Company of Mexico, Bellas Artes National, and Minnesota Ballet. His formal dance training was completed at the National School of the Ballet of Havana, Cuba. Mr. Abella has studied with numerous international teachers including Alberto Alonso and Laura Alonso (National Ballet of Cuba), Asara Prizesqui (Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow), Ramona Dezat (Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg), and Robert Gardner at School of American Ballet in New York. Luis resides in St. Augustine, Florida and is currently an artist in residence at Florida School of the Arts, as well as teaching at several studios in the area.
 
Sara Bailey (Dancer) began dancing at age five and at the age of ten began studies under the direction of Monika Macbeth, Carole Dickens and Marcellus Brown. She continued under the direction of Ellie Potts Barrett and was accepted to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts as a high school dance major studying under Rhonda Stampalia and Dr. Phyllis Penney. She graduated from Douglas Anderson in 1998. Sara has attended many prestigious summer dance programs such as Jacobs Pillow and The Dance Theatre of Harlem. She was accepted and attended SUNY, Purchase, and New York as a dance major. Upon returning to St. Augustine in 1999, she began teaching for The Dance Company while attending Flagler College. Sara graduated from Flagler College in 2002 with an Accounting degree and Business minor. Sara recently accepted the Director position at The Dance Company.
 
Mary Evelyn Freeman (Dancer) I would like to give thanks to God, my family, and friends for always encouraging and supporting me. After stopping dance 14 years ago due to dance-related injuries, I was delighted to find out 'The' Ellie Potts Barrett was still teaching modern in Central FL. After stalking the studio I eventually relented and took an 'adult' modern class. The romance was immediately rekindled with dance. My resume-Hmm? Let's just say, I feel honored to be a part of the show. I studied under the wise and creative direction of Ellie and the late Ari Bloustein. I then studied in Chicago at Lou Conte Dance Studio before hanging up the shoes. Today I practice locally as a therapist. I would like to give a special thanks to Ellie, for giving me one more dip in the rosin box. It's been a complete delight!!!! And as for my peers…aren't they fabulous?!!!
 
Eliza Harwood-Watson (guest artist) is a seasoned professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Broad-based background including classical and modern dance with leading dance companies in the southeast. A gifted communicator with an understanding and background in teaching and performing, as well as human resources. She has danced with Southern Ballet Theater(Orlando Ballet), Tampa Ballet, Florida Ballet at Jacksonville, Atlanta Ballet Apprentice Dancer, Louisville Ballet, The Happenstance Dance Series, Mary Luft Tigertail Productions. Her teaching includes Southern Ballet Theatre, Artist in Education program, The Nutcracker project in Jacksonville Florida, Louisville Ballet Apprentice program First Coast Nutcracker, New School of Orlando, Dance Masters of Florida, Central Florida Dance Festival, Florida Dance Festival, ames Dance Center and The Osceola Performing Arts School. Guest teacher for Dance Olympus/Dance America in Houston Texas and Omaha Nebraska.
 
Kara Hill (Dancer) Kara is a third generation dancer from Orlando, FL. She currently is a member of the Georgia Ballet. She has danced with Southern Ballet Theatre and the Dayton Ballet. Kara graduated magna cum laude from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music. During her eight seasons with the Georgia Ballet she has performed: Big Swans in Swan Lake, Dark Angel in Balanchine's Serenade, Concerto Barocco, Yes Virginia... Another Piano Ballet, Janusz Mazon's American Dreamer and Lloyd Whitmore's Andante Cantabile. In addition to performing, Kara is a full time faculty member with the Georgia Ballet School. She travels with the Dance Olympus/Dance America organization and has taught for the Georgia Governors Honors Program. She is honored to be back in Orlando performing under the direction of Ellie Potts Barrett.
 
Krysten Hill (Dancer) Originally from Orlando, FL, Krysten is a graduate from the University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music. Ms. Hill has currently completed her 4th season with The Georgia Ballet where she has performed in The Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Balanchine's Serenade and Concerto Barocco, and Janusz Mazon's Firebird. Krysten has also performed soloist roles in Giselle, Swan Lake and Paul Taylor's Esplanade`. Aside from performing, she teaches for The Georgia Ballet School, Sugarloaf Performing Arts and nationally recognized Dance Olympus Dance America. Recently, Krysten has been appointed Director of Dance for Georgia's Governors Honors Program.
 
Natalie Miller (Dancer) Natalie Miller began training as a dancer in ballet, tap, modern and jazz in Shreveport, Louisiana and was a founding member of the Louisiana Dance Theatre. She performed at the Jazz Dance World Congress in Chicago, Illinois in 1992 and participated in a television documentary for a "Dancers for Peace Exchange" in the former Soviet Union. Natalie has over nine years experience in yoga instruction and holds certifications from The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and The Pilates Institute of America. For the past six years, she has received modern dance instruction under Ellie Potts Barrett. Natalie is a Speech Language Pathologist with Orange County Public Schools and teaches Yoga and Pilates at the YMCA and Core Body Designs. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders from Florida State University and a Master's Degree in the same field from the University of Central FloridaEliza Harwood-Watson (guest artist)
 
Derrick Smith (Dancer) was born in 1985 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He moved to Georgia as a young boy, with dreams of becoming an actor. However, after graduating from the DeKalb School of the Performing Arts high school, Derrick's life took a turn and dance became a more passionate art form to him than acting. Immediately after graduating high school, Derrick received a Presidential Scholarship to the Florida School of the Arts College where he majored in dance. There he completed both is Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. He then signed a contract to perform professionally with Celebrity Cruise (Royal Caribbean) as a production dancer. He is multi-talented and skilled in various dance styles. Derrick is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in dance at Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga. He has dreams of touring the world with a contemporary company in the near future.
 

Cheryl Mann (guest artist) fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a Hubbard Street dancer in 1997. She has been fortunate in her career to travel and perform in 15 countries, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and countless domestic cities in the U.S. Ms. Mann retired after 10 1/2 years with the company in October 2007. She feels forever grateful to have had Mrs. Ari, her late childhood teacher, introduce her to the many opportunities that dance can bring to a young girl who needed inspiration and a goal in life. Along with her, Ellie was another great source of light and love. She is ecstatic to be here tonight and share the stage with her childhood dance studio partner in crime, Mary Evelyn Freeman. Big kiss to my family, who will always be around to support me in any project I take on next. For Mrs. Ari…we dance.

Ellie Potts Barrett, `76, Receives 2nd Annual Central Florida Dance Award


Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Ellie Potts Barrett, Dance `76, recently received the 2nd Annual Central Florida Dance Award presented by the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theater. On April 24, she debuted Barrettwerks, a program showcasing her diverse choreography, including 12-minute dramatic dance based on the story of Opal Petty, a Texas woman who was committed to a mental institution for 51 years for dancing against the wishes of her fundamentalist family. Also on the program were Cantata Sonata, Yet Another Tango and Two for Tutu. The performances were held in the Johnny Holloway Theatre at the Harwood-Watson Dance Studio in Orlando.

Barrett, who grew up in Central Florida, lives in St. Augustine with husband Ken Barrett, a photographer, and is also on the faculty of Flagler College in St. Augustine and the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville. She returns to teach weekly at the School of Performing Arts in Fern Park.

She works in both modern dance and commercial and musical theater -- a fitting split for someone who studied modern dance at the Boston Conservatory of Music in the 1970s, but left to play Mary Magdalene in the first national tour of "Jesus Christ, Superstar." She later finished her dance degree at the USF.

She co-founded Central Florida's first modern dance troupe in the 1980s, created dance sequences for Disney World and SeaWorld, and choreographed productions of "Grease," "Urinetown" and "Rent" in Seoul, South Korea. Her first feature-film choreography credit was for the 2006 John Travolta-Salma Hayek movie "Lonely Hearts," filmed in the St. Augustine area.

In her quest to flesh out Opal's story, Barrett sought out the cousins -- Linda and Clint Kauffman -- who helped free her, and spoke with Linda just weeks before her dance was to premiere. Opal was since passed away. As a result of that contact and with the Texas Civil Rights Project, which supported a lawsuit to free Opal, she said the dancers have been invited to present the dance piece at the Project's Bill of Rights dinner next fall.