Broadway Dancer Becomes Artistic Director of Orange County Ballet Theatre

Newburgh - Life has a way of taking us full circle. For Darlene Wilson, completing the circle became the primary focus of her work when she assumed the artistic directorship of the Orange County Ballet Theatre. From New Windsor, to Broadway, to Broadway Dance Arts in Newburgh, where Wilson has opened a new studio as the official home of the OCBT, she has followed a path of creative excellence in dance. Darlene began her dance training at age six with Regis Powers and Merritt Thompson at Powers Dance Arts Centre in New Windsor. The talented youngster was quickly chosen to join the Orange County Ballet Theatre and began performing in its annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Scholarships at ages 12, 13 and 14 quickly followed, and soon she was performing in her first Broadway production of “Cats.” Wilson’s additional credits include “Spamalot,” “Chicago, Sunset Boulevard,” “A Chorus Line,” “42nd Street,” “The Pajama Game,“ and “South Pacific.” A talented choreographer, she has also created original choreography for Spamalot, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Flower Drum Song and other Broadway productions. Teaching positions at NYU, Steps Studio, and Broadway Dance in New York City prepared her well for the challenge of teaching youngsters here in the Hudson Valley. In June of 2005, Wilson’s beloved teachers, Regis Powers and Merritt Thompson announced their official retirement after 38 years of teaching, performing, and more than 120 local productions including the Orange County Ballet’s famed “Nutcracker.” Discussions with Wilson began while she was still performing with “Spamalot.” “I could not resist the opportunity to carry on their legacy. When Reg, Merritt, and Joan Scandurra called, I was so touched,” she said. “I gained so much from the discipline and artistic creativity of the company as a child. It will be wonderful to provide this for another generation of young dancers. In addition, I am thrilled that Ms. Carol Purcell and Ms. Alicia Lovely will continue to provide top flight ballet instruction, and staging for Regis Power’s original choreography of the ‘Nutcracker.’” Orange County Ballet Theatre may be unique in the United States because of the number of former company dancers who now hold positions on the Board of Directors. Currently this includes: Darlene Wilson, Melissa McCoy-Garzione, Cathleen Cassell, Veronica Nogrady, Stasia Henderson, and Toya Dubin. Many of them have children who will be performing with the company in the full length production on December 2 and 3 at the Monroe-Woodbury High School. “The commitment of our board members is extraordinary,” said Debbie Peet, board president. “They are involved in everything from fundraising to moving sets and costumes, and they make it fun for each other and for their children.” This year, Amanda Sakow, will perform as Clara, the young girl who receives the magical Nutcracker and Kayla Travaglione will be the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. They are among the many performers who make this full-length production an exciting event for the entire family. This full length production of “The Nutcracker” will be presented at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 and at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 at Monroe-Woodbury High School. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $15 and $12.50, and may be obtained by calling OCBT at 562-6750 after 3:30 p.m., or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope indicating the number of tickets and the day to OCBT, P.O. Box 3051, Newburgh, N.Y., 12550.