Marshall Ellis Dance Company

ME Dance, Inc. is the Newest Professional Dance Organization located in the heart of
Central Florida. On September 8th and 9th, they will be presenting Première. This
performance will mark the company’s first performance showcasing a diverse
repertoire from Guest and Resident Choreographers, live music by Central Florida
Composer’s Forum, and innovative collaborations with other local artists. I contacted William Marshall Ellis the dance company founder and president. Thankfully he knew of my work and he invited me to sketch a rehearsal.

The rehearsal space was in a large warehouse that was gated.  I punched in the gate code several times and the gate rolled open. I couldn’t spot building numbers so I decided to park in the lot with the most cars figuring they might be dancers cars. The front door to the building was locked. As I pulled out my cell phone, a young woman who had to be a dancer walked up and offered to shew me how to find the stage door out back. I explained that I was a sketch artist and she said, “Oh yes, Marshal told us you were coming.” She explained that they had been rehearsing for four months now. The rehearsal space was cavernous. I noticed Universal Studios costumes hung out back. I noticed a lion’s head from Madagascar. The space is also used by Aerial Adrenaline and long fabrics hung from the ceiling.

Marshall sat at a table controlling the lights and projections. Childhood photos of the dancers were projected on the screens as they danced. There were a wide variety of dance routine from red, primal dance to light, flowing, and carefree. At one point the dancer who lead me in from the parking lot, had a solo dance. She was dressed in a light flowing dress that had some form of open loop in the skirt. As she danced, her leg got caught in the loop causing her to trip up. When it happened a second time everyone realized the costume would have to be changed. One dancer did an energetic dance number and then immediately sat down next to a guitarist to sing. She was huffing at first and then sang beautifully. Marshall assured her that she would have more time to get ready at the Première performance. I am excited to see the final results from all this dedicated hard work.

You will be sure to enjoy Première. To
reserve your tickets please visit ME Dance, Inc.

Show Times:

September 8, 2012 at 8pm

September 9, 2012 at 7:30pm

Ticket Prices:
$20 General Admission

Venue:
Winter Garden Theatre 160 West Plant Street Winter Garden, Florida 34787