Vitacca Productions & Company Announces 2013-2014 Vitacca Dance Project Pre-Professional Company Roster and Choreographic Fellow Erik Sampson

HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 1, 2013: Vitacca Productions & Company Artistic Director Kelly Ann Vitacca and Artistic Advisor Phillip Broomhead today announced the Vitacca Dance Project Pre-Professional Company 2013/14 roster, which stands at 18 dancers in the roles of Soloist, Ensemble and Apprentice. Also announced was this seasons Choreographic Fellow Erik Sampson.  The Pre-Professional Company members and Choreographic Fellow will work with guest artists Autumn Eckman, Assistant Artistic Director from Giordano Dance Chicago; Randall Flinn, Founder and Artistic Director of Ad Deum Dance Company; Andrea Dawn Shelley, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of iMEE Dance Company; Robyn Mineko -Williams, former Hubbard Street Dance company member; Cori Miller, Vitacca Dance Project; and Kelly Ann Vitacca, Founder and Artistic Director of Vitacca Dance Project.  To find out more about Vitacca P&C visit vitacca.org.

The 2013/14 season roster for Vitacca Dance Project Pre-Professional Company includes:

Soloists

• Madison Araiza of Richmond
• Livia Lavender of Pasedena
• Evan Leigh of Houston
• Morgan Mikes of Houston
• Kendall Palmer of Friendswood
• Simone Trevas of Houston
• Juliette Wooden of Humble

Ensemble

• Emma Lyon of Bellaire
• Victoria Price of Houston
• Sydney Purdom of Friendswood
• Halle Purdom of Friendswood
• Benjamin Rose of Houston
• Kaleigh Van Houten of Houston

Apprentices

•  Adele Carlson of Houston
• Christine Henderson of Humble
• Kyra Ivy of Humble
• Madison McAnulty of Humble
• Madison Nanez of Alvin

The 2013/14 season Choreographic Fellow Erik Sampson began his dance training in 2007, studying at Ballet New England School of Dance (BNE) in Portsmouth New Hampshire. In 2008, Erik danced for the BNE II Company under the artistic direction of Cincinnati Ballet’s Michael Tevlin. After studying with the company for two years, he continued his dance training at Belhaven University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Art. In 2009, Erik was accepted to the American Ballet Theater’s Collegiate Program where he was fortunate enough to work with Jess Lang and other faculty of the Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis School in New York City. Soon after leaving the program Erik had a brief contract with Stephen J. Wynne’s Talk Dance Co. Erik has performed in several classical and non-classical works such as The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Snow White, Romeo and Juliet and Dracula, he has also held lead roles in musical and theater production such as Fiddler on The Roof, and Shakespeare’s As You Like It.  Erik is currently dancing with Uptown Dance Company in Houston, Texas and plans to continue using dance to impact the lives of those around him.      

About Vitacca Dance Project Pre-Professional Company

Vitacca Dance Project Pre-Professional Company is a nonprofit, repertory company offered to pre-professional dancers, ages 12-18. This season the company works with featured guest choreographers Autumn Eckman, Assistant Artistic Director from Giordano Dance Chicago; Randall Flinn, Founder and Artistic Director of Ad Deum Dance Company; Andrea Dawn Shelley, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of iMEE Dance Company and Robyn Mineko -Williams, former Hubbard Street Dance company member. The 36 week program provides advanced ballet, jazz and contemporary coaching and acts as the foundation for professional dance careers. The company educates the pre-professional dancer on the artistic process of repertoire creation along with industry standards. Pre-Professional Company members work with world-class faculty, notable local artists and renowned national artists. Performance opportunities include venues such as Dance Chicago, Dance Soiree presented by Vitacca P&C, national festivals and showcases.

About Vitacca Community Project Choreographic Fellowship

The Choreographic Fellowship allows emerging choreographers (Choreographic Fellows) guidance and resources needed to enhance their creative skill set, while working closely under a professional choreographer (Choreographic Mentor). The Fellow is given the opportunity to document the artistic process. This program allows the Fellow a professional and creative environment to: study choreography composition, expand creative vocabulary, network with industry professionals, build personal resume, and propose new work for review/possible selection. Upon project completion, the Fellow takes the platform to present their choreographic research for review and feedback. The Fellow is awarded the chance to propose his/her own work for possible repertoire selection which will debut at Dance Soiree presented by Vitacca P&C in Spring 2014.

About Vitacca Productions & Company

Vitacca Productions & Company is a dance development organization that provides advanced dance coaching, outreach programs, professional performances and production/creative management services which bridge the gap between dance artists, career opportunities and the community.