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Open post photo: Nicole

Nicole Gariepy

Nicole is from Woburn, MA and received her dance training in ballet, jazz, and modern from Ballet Arts Centre in Winchester. As a BAC student, she was a member of the Performance Company, where she danced in the Mass Festival for the Arts and Dance for World Community, as well as receiving the annual student scholarship for commitment to dance. She is now pursuing a B.A. in English with a minor in Dance at Salem State University, where she has performed with the Repertory Dance Theatre and Salem Dance Ensemble. Beyond Salem State, she has performed with Sarah Slifer Swift’s dancers in several productions across the North Shore area. She now teaches ballet at Ballet Arts Centre and enjoys performing with Forty Steps Dance.

Open post photo: Darcy

Darcy DiGiulio Christian

Darcy began dancing at 5 years old. She has studied classical ballet, pointe, character, modern dance, jazz, and contact improvisation. She has shared the stage with principals of American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and National Ballet of Canada. Some of Darcy’s roles include Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, sylph soloist in Les Sylphides, Swanhilda in “Dance of the Wheat” from Giselle, lead soloist in Monsoon Winds and Five-One Progression by contemporary choreographers Sally Rousse and Lisa de Ribère. Darcy studied at St. Paul’s School, The School of American Ballet, and The New York State Summer School of the Arts, and has her B.A. from Lesley University. Additionally, Darcy trained in modern dance and improvisation with members of Graham, Humphrey, and Tharp dance companies, and Janet Craft at Ipswich Moving Company. She is currently teaching ballet and modern dance at Great Bay Academy of Dance in Kittery, ME, and loves her job as stay-at-home mom to daughter, Calista.

Open post photo: Devon

Devon Boucher

Devon grew up in a small town in Massachusetts and has been studying dance since she was four years old. She danced locally in a family owned studio until she graduated from high school. During high school she had the chance to perform on a cruise ship and in Walt Disney World. She also attended theater camp and was part of several musical productions in the Worcester area. Devon received her B.A. in dance with a minor in psychology from Dean College in 2012. While at Dean, Devon performed in dance and theater shows, including The Producers, and Dance Company. Devon had the opportunity to attend the American College Dance Festival in 2012, and the piece she was a part of was chosen to perform at the Kennedy Center in D.C. Devon began performing professionally in 2011 with Mill City Dance. Since graduation from college, Devon has had the opportunity to perform in the Silicon Valley International Dance Festival put on by The Lively Foundation, where she had the chance to perform in the San Francisco area. Currently, Devon is attending Lesley University in pursuit of her Master’s degree in Expressive Therapy, with a concentration on Dance Therapy. Devon joined Forty Steps Dance in 2013.

Open post

Forty Steps Dance Troupe brings talents to Swampscott

By Michele Durgin

SWAMPSCOTT— The Forty Steps Dance Troupe couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful place to share their talents last weekend.

The 10-member group performed at Fisherman’s Beach and moved in perfect unison to the mesmerizing beat of the accompanying drum. The grace and artistry the dancers demonstrated through contemporary dance was captivating. Their slow motion movements, while deliberate and planned, took on an air of softness and whimsy that left the audience in awe.

“This is wonderful,” said Cheryl Cohen, longtime resident of the small seaside town. “It’s always a thrill to see the arts in Swampscott, and this a fantastic group of dancers.”

Sallee Slagle, founder of the 24-year-old company, showcased  her energetic performers and their talent.

“The ocean and sunshine are a big plus,” she said. “It is the perfect place to share our love of dance. Our goal is to spread the word that dance is glorious and should be experienced by everyone.”

Town resident Rebecca Ingalls, 57, said she was impressed with the hour-long  performance and noted its effect on the children in the audience.

“It was a lovely performance and I was watching the children during the show,” she said. “I noticed that most were dancing along and really seemed to be enjoying themselves. Maybe next year they can invite the kids to join them.”

Darcy Christian of Maine has been a member of the troupe for five years. “I love dancing and today was so much fun,” she said. “The audience was great. Sallee’s choreography makes my heart sing.”

Dancer Mehron Kugler, 34, said he had a blast. “I think dance is a great activity for the body,” he said. “The leg muscles really get a workout, and the sand is an especially great place to feel it. I enjoyed watching the audience’s reaction as we danced and I especially loved the outdoor stage.”

Swampscott resident Eva and Bryan Mintz-Bacon brought their daughters, Bella, 4, and Lila, 2, to experience the event.

“We’ve only lived in town for about four months,” she said. “I’m anxious to take part in local events and this was beautiful. My girls had a super time. They were mesmerized and I’m thrilled that we got to see such a unique performance.”


(Originally appeared August 8, 2016 on the Lynn Item’s website, itemlive.com, https://www.itemlive.com/2016/08/08/forty-steps-dance-troupe-brings-talents-to-swampscott/)

Photos from 2016 Fisherman’s Beach performance

Performance at Fisherman’s Beach in Swampscott, MA, Aug. 6, 2016.

Help bring “Creatures” to life!

CreaturesContributions are essential for us to produce our art and your support is greatly appreciated! Your generous support will help fund the video production of Creatures which will be used for workshop proposals, grant applications and performance opportunities throughout New England, including schools, community halls and festivals. Our mission is to promote and educate others in the expressive art of dance.

Forty Steps Dance is a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3). Please click below to contribute.


Open post Creatures

“Creatures” Forty Steps Dance Video Promo HD

Forty Steps Dance performs “Creatures”
Choreography ~ Sallee Slagle
Videography ~ Blake Road Productions LLC
Costumes ~ Dena Popienko
Lighting ~ Matthew Cost

Help support this modern dance company and help put “Creatures” into schools and festivals! Your support will help fund the video production of “Creatures” which will be used for workshop proposals, grant applications and performance opportunities, including schools, community halls and festivals. Our mission is to promote and educate others in the expressive art of dance.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see upcoming videos and sneak previews!

Photos from 2016 Annual Spring Concert

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Forty Steps Dance performed at their Annual Spring Concert in Nahant Town Hall, April 2, 2016. Photo by Robert Castagna.

Open post photo: Elissa

Elissa Cummings

Elissa is a seacoast NH native and has been dancing for nineteen years. She started her training at Steppin’ Out Dance Academy, where she was able to perform in multiple venues across the country. Elissa continued her education at Franklin Pierce University and achieved a degree in Arts Management and Dance. While at Franklin Pierce she was given the opportunity to study abroad in Lyon, France to experience “La Biennale de la Danse”. She was also able to choreograph and perform for multiple events while teaching and studying the NHDI curriculum. Since graduating, Elissa has continued to share her passion and joy for dance by teaching and performing with local studios as well as serving as an administrative and production manager for the past four years. She is very excited to have this opportunity with Forty Steps Dance!

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