Artists
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Lizzie Leopold
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Jordan Newmark
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Melissa Claire Bloch
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Natalia Negron
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Nicole Romano Uribarri
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Joshua Paul Weckesser
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Amanda Dye
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Laura Vinci de Vanegas
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alexanDance Performance
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Lizzie Leopold
Artistic Director & Choreographer
Lizzie grew up in Chicago’s northern suburbs, bothering her brother & dancing. She holds a BFA in the latter from the University of Michigan. Lizzie also holds a Masters in Performance Studies from New York University, with thesis work in the intersection of choreography and commerce, specifically focusing on Le Sacre du Printemps and other seminal dance works. Her writing has been presented by the Congress of Research on Dance (2010, 2011), the Cultural Studies Association (2011) and Dance/USA’s e-Journal. In 2007, Leopold was awarded a residency at the Workspace for Choreographers Artists’ Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Leopold was also awarded “Overall Excellence in Choreography” by the 2008 New York International Fringe Festival for her work in the new musical, Green Eyes. In 2008, Leopold produced her first Broadway musical, Glory Days, a new American musical. She currently serves on the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance Alumni Board of Governors under Dean Christopher Kendall.
Leopold is currently pursuing her doctoral studies at Northwestern University, earning an Interdisciplinary PhD in Theater and Drama Studies. Her thesis work will deal with the business, historically and theoretically, of American modern dance.
In addition to creating works, Leopold has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago in Salome, starring Deborah Voigt, and in Dialogues of the Carmelites. Leopold has also served as Performing Arts Director at Chicago’s North Suburban YMCA.
My favorite dancing movie is: Dirty Dancing, had to stay with the classics…
My favorite non-dancing movie is: Harold and Maude (if you haven’t seen it, go!)
When I’m not dancing I like to: practice Bikram yoga and watch bad television
Favorite food: is Indian (hmmm, Chicken Tiki Masala)
Something you might not know about me: I HATE doctors and needles. They make me faint.
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Jordan Newmark
Performer
Jordan Newmark, originally from St. Louis, is a founding member of The Leopold Group. Jordan graduated with highest honors from the University of Michigan with a BFA in dance and a minor in art history. Professionally, she has danced at The Muny, the country’s largest outdoor summer stock theater, for six consecutive seasons. Jordan is a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association.
My favorite dancing movie is: Soooo many to choose from! But I think I have to go with Dirty Dancing, it’s a classic
My favorite non-dancing movie is: Chocolat, The Departed, Up, Best in Show, Casablanca, and Only You…plus I want to watch all the classics I haven’t seen.
When I’m not dancing I like to: Again, so many choices! I love Chicago and exploring new places. I like a lazy afternoon spent doing nothing – especially during the lovely winter months. I also like hot yoga, reading a good book, going to the art museum, laughing with friends, and cheering on the Michigan Wolverines (Go Blue!).
Favorite food: Sushi
Something you might not know about me: One of my favorite places in Chicago is the Montrose Dog Beach. There is nothing better than a summer day spent on the beach playing with puppies. I just adopted a dog and can’t wait to take her there this summer!
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Melissa Claire Bloch
Performer
Contact and Social Links
facebook »Melissa began dancing professionally after graduating with honors from the University of Michigan, where she studied dance and psychology. While at school, she appeared in works by Alexander Beller and Alonzo King. She is a founding member of The Leopold Group and has appeared in many of Leopold’s works as a featured soloist in Chicago, New York and San Francisco. Melissa has appeared at the Lyric Opera of Chicago as a part of the spring 2010 production of The Damnation of Faust. She works as a fitness instructor at Exhale Spa and as a pilates instructor around Chicago-land.
My favorite dancing movie: Singin’ in the Rain (more so a musical, but you can’t contest the Gene Kelly dancing!)
My favorite non-dancing movie: very hard to pick one but i’ll go with Finding Neverland
When i’m not dancing i like to: knit, read, do something outside
Something you might not know about me: i love pumpkin pie. I do not love chocolate.
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Natalia Negron
Performer
Contact and Social Links
facebook »Dancing since four, Natalia trained in ballet, modern and jazz, and graduated with honors in 2007 from the University of Illinois with a BS in human development and family studies. She also dances with Chicago-based Moving Architects and is a company apprentice with Mordine and Company. When not dancing, Natalia teaches at the North Suburban School of Dance. She is also a teaching artist for the Joffrey Ballet and is a Daily Method fitness instructor.
My favorite dancing movie is: West Side Story. I love the songs and dancing, America is my favorite.
My favorite non-dancing movie is: Great Expectations. Love Actually comes in close second.
When I’m not dancing I like to: cook yummy food, drink wine, and host get-togethers for my friends so that I can do both :)
My favorite food: I have lots of favorite foods: pad see eiw, sushi, ice cream…
Something you might not know about me is: that I like watching martial arts movies, like Hero.
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Nicole Romano Uribarri
Performer
Nicole Romano Uribarri, a native of Miami, joined The Leopold Group in 2006. She has studied on scholarship at the Lou Conte Dance Studio and holds a BFA in dance from Florida State University. Nicole has also danced with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, apprenticed with Hedwig Dances. She is currently the body-mind manager at Exhale Spa Chicago.
My favorite dancing movie is: The Red Shoes, It’s a classic
My favorite non-dancing movie is: I like so many movies, but i never get tired of watching Moulin Rouge. Its visually stimulating!
When I’m not dancing I like to: Teach people how to work out and stay healthy, Practice Yoga, Cook
Favorite food: Staying true to my roots, Cuban Food
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Joshua Paul Weckesser
Designer in Residence
Joshua Paul Weckesser is a Chicago-based lighting designer, production manager and stage manager. Working primarily in circles of dance, Josh’s designs have been seen across Chicago, the US and international borders. Josh works closely with Molly Shanahan / Mad Shak Dance Company as a lighting designer and core collaborator on the projects Eye Cycle as well as My Name is a Blackbird and the ongoing Stamina of Curiosity. He lit Sidra Bell’s Resoluta for River North Chicago Dance Company, with whom he serves as lighting director. Also lighting Why Gershwin? for Billy Sigenfield at Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, with whom he also serves as lighting director. Josh is also Production Manager / Lead Lighting Designer for the annual Dance Chicago Festival, Production Manager / Lighting Designer for the Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Lighting Designer for Be the Groove. Josh has also worked closely with other Chicago based companies such as DanszLoop Chicago, Corpo Dance Company and Inaside Chicago Dance among others. Recently Josh founded a production company, Bread & Roses Productions, dedicated to providing production support to stages filled with dancing everywhere.
My favorite dancing movie is: Step Up 2: The Streets. I’ve never seen it, but the use of to (2) as both a number and an indicator is strong.
My favorite non-dancing movie is: Superbad. It is the funniest movie of all time.
When I’m not dancing I like to: Light dancing. I actually don’t do a lot of dancing, just spending a lot of time around people who are dancing.
My favorite food: The flesh of my enemies. Cows.
Something you might not know about me is: I am still faking it until I make it.
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Amanda Dye
Performing Apprentice
Contact and Social Links
facebook »Amanda Dye hails from Evanston, IL, where she began her training at the Evanston School of Ballet under the direction of Kerry Hubata. In 2008, she graduated with high honors from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Dance Arts degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree. There, she had the privilege of performing in works by Peter Sparling, Amy Chavasse, Gay Delanghe and others. Her next steps in dance brought her back to Chicago, where she became a founding member of Project 606 Dance, Dmitri Peskov Dance Theatre and Fôr Dance Company. In addition to her work with those companies, she has appeared in the Chicago Freelance Dance Spring Showcase, Dance Chicago, Two Evenings of Dance Drama (in Paul Sanasardo’s Sleepless Nights in the City) and the Joel Hall Dancers’ Here’s to Life! (in Paul Sanasardo’s Ancient Canyon). She has also danced extensively on camera in This Way Up.tv.
My favorite dancing movie is: I’m embarrassed to say that’s probably Dirty Dancing Havana Nights.
My favorite non-dancing movie is: Donnie Darko and La Dolce Vita are two favorites.
When I’m not dancing I like to: Travel; my top destination right now is Ecuador because my dear friend from growing up has lived there for years and could give me the off-the-beaten path tour. This time of year, I also love bbq’ing with my friends. We’ve been getting really creative lately but inevitably, we end up eating no earlier than 10:00pm.
My favorite food: Cheese, particularly hard goat cheeses. I have no self control whatsoever when cheese is around, it’s just hand to mouth, then repeat.
Something you might not know about me is: My pay-the-bills job is Spanish-English translation and interpreting. I am a huge Spanish language and culture enthusiast and I also teach and tutor in Spanish.
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Laura Vinci de Vanegas
Guest Artist
Contact and Social Links
facebook »Laura is originally from Boston, MA, where she began her formal dance training. In 2006, she graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in dance from The Ohio State University. Upon graduation, Laura moved to Guatemala and worked for “Camino Seguro/Safe Passage”, teaching dance workshops for children and studied latin dance forms. As a choreographer, she has presented her work at International Dance Festivals in Guatemala City, Guatemala and Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Following a season working as an adventure guide, Laura moved back to the States and began dancing in Chicago with The Moving Architects. She currently teaches ballet, modern, and jazz dance classes at various studios throughout the city.
My favorite dancing movie is: After careful consideration, I have decided that it has to be “Strictly Ballroom”. I’d like to think that I have a little bit of both main characters in me: I’m about 40% rebellious-technician like Scott and about 60% awkward-albeit-enthusiastic dance nerd like Fran. I still have yet to learn the bogo pogo dance step, however (Strictly Ballroom dance nerds know what I mean).
My favorite non-dancing movie is: The Departed, or any other mob/crime movie based in Boston—-and When Harry Met Sally.
When I’m not dancing I like to: Have adventures!!! Hiking, climbing, swimming, kayaking, caving—-I am a sucker for getting dirty in beautiful places. I have an irrational fear of snakes though——just like Indiana Jones. :-)
My favorite food: I love beans. In every way shape and form, so living in Guatemala was my bean-paradise. But if we’re getting specific, I love Ducal brand refried black beans on top of a tostada with avacado, tomato, onion, and cheese. Yum. Muy yum.
Something you might not know about me is: I worked as a volcano-guide in Guatemala for a year during which I roasted marshmallows on lava, accidentally catapulted my sleeping bag into a ravine at 12,000 feet, and attempted to be the female version of Bear Grylls. I was not completely successful in my Bear Grylls’ honing, but I had the time of my life!
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alexanDance Performance
Guest Artist
alexanDance Performance, Xan Burley & Alex Springer, have been artistic partners for the last 4 years. They both hail from the Midwest and graduated from the University of Michigan where they founded alexanDance Performance. Since relocating to New York they have shown work in WAXworks, Solar One, Dixon Place, the Williamsburg FreeFest, the BAX Upstart Festival, Studio A.I.R., the Collaborations in Dance Festival at Triskelion Arts, and at 100 Grand. They’ve produced several evenings of their own work in Detroit and Ann Arbor and are looking forward to their first fully produced show, A Veritable Smorgasbord, this March at Triskelion Arts. Alex and Xan have taught at Grand Valley State University, Albion College, and the University of Michigan and were on faculty at Ballet Western Reserve’s Summer Workshop. They received the silver award in DFA’s 48-Hour Challenge for their most recent dance film daylighting. Together they have performed with the Leopold Group, Leyya Tawil/Dance Elixir, Amy Chavasse, and Elizabeth Dishman/Coriolis Dance. Xan has had the great pleasure of working with choreographers such as Nancy Bannon, Daniel Charon, Doorknob Company, Shannon Gillen, and Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance, among others. Currently, Xan is a children’s dance teacher at Pave Academy and Cora Dance in Red Hook, Brooklyn and acts as the Production Director of WAXworks. Alex currently dances for Doug Varone and Dancers. He has taught classes at the 92Y in NYC and has been on faculty for the Doug Varone and Dancers Summer Intensive.
www.alexandanceperformance.com
(photo by Corinne Furman)
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