{"id":577,"date":"2026-05-15T13:02:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T17:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/denisepence.com\/blog\/?p=577"},"modified":"2026-05-15T13:02:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T17:02:43","slug":"dance-saved-her-soul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/denisepence.com\/blog\/theater-life\/dance-saved-her-soul\/","title":{"rendered":"“Dance Saved Her Soul”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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We are deep into the creative sandbox that is our showcase in New York City at T. Schreiber Studios opening TONIGHT, May 15, 2026. Weeks of rehearsal building a new vision for Melanie Futorian’s words, which read like Shakespeare with its own rhythm, and using mime from our company of unique women playing various aspects of Mel’s soul. I am Mel who has been thru it all and come out the other side with humor, creativity and dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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All “unknowns” in this business — new in New York, but not new to the world of theater. Noah came off doing leads on a cruise ship, Shannon is primarily an exquisite dancer, Julia is French, Kamila is . . . I forget, but speaks with quite the accent, Naomi is a pint-sized version of complete innocence & Marissa is our sexy Maserati; both Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each talent different and unique contributing their uniqueness to Jake & David’s vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will this production change anything for any of us? Who knows? This is where Martha Beck’s book, “Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity and Finding Your Life’s Purpose,” resonates at this time for me. The Episcopal Actors’ Guild is doing their Intentional Artist’s Workshop around this book. I’ve missed a few classes because of rehearsals, however, catching up reading chapters to attend their last class next week. I find myself highlighting sections that feel exactly in line with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My history — that actually became milestones I could point to and provided Steve and me with quite a successful amount of $$ in the bank — was based on our following what we loved . . . dance. And then, after years of NY training with Wynn Handman, I felt ready to venture into straight acting. Without too much angst, I ended up in soaps, vesting in the union which is now paying me to continue following that dream as an actor. Beck states that “[so & so] became famous because he indulged in his eccentricity. He’s become the center of a supportive, abundant network of people, ideas, events and financial wealth that naturally forms around people who live creatively.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you to pension and social security which allows seniors, who are unable to find “real” work, to be creative and follow their passion instead of a paycheck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mel’s Kitchen is already sold out this weekend. Collectively, all our network will show up in support. Hopefully the theatrical agents, who could lift us individually up into “riches,” will also show up and our lives will change — as they did in my youth when a random agent took a shot on me & I booked “The Guiding Light.” Young and pretty got me thru the door, talent kept me there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MEL’S KITCHEN TICKET<\/a>S – May 15 – 23; Friday & Saturdays only<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Theater Trivia: Back in my day, my acting teacher, Wynn Handman was the Artistic Director for The American Place Theater — known for supporting the playwrights, not the media. Legend has it he fought to hire Faye Dunaway, considered “too pretty” at the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think about that a lot. This business has a way of branding actors that can be as oppressive as any racial divide limiting an individual’s potential. I remember this elegant, sophisticated, intelligent, hard-working African American vying for partner in my law firm (at the time). He did NOT make it and left the firm shortly thereafter. Not fair. This land of opportunity should be color blind. But . . . it’s now getting worse. And actors need to be given opportunity to grow. Thanking the collective universe of energy that brought this project my way. Honored to tell “Mel’s” story. Where it goes from there is up to spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We are deep into the creative sandbox that is our showcase in New York City at T. Schreiber Studios opening TONIGHT, May 15, 2026. Weeks of rehearsal building a new vision for Melanie Futorian’s words, which read like Shakespeare with its own rhythm, and using mime from our company of unique women playing various aspects of Mel’s soul. I am Mel who has been thru it all and come out the other side with humor, creativity and dance. All “unknowns” in this business — new in New York, but not new to the world of theater. Noah came off doing \u2026<\/p>\n

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