Leymis Wilmott
Dance Instructor and Artist in Residence
Dance Instructor and Artist in Residence
Leymis Bolaños Wilmott is a Cuban-American artist, educator, and Founder/Artistic Director of
Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Her work, described as “stunning and imaginative” by Carrie
Seidman of the Herald Tribune, has been presented nationally at venues including the John F.
Kennedy Center and Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York City, as well as internationally in
Ramallah, Argentina, and Spain. She has created over 100 original works and collaborated with
organizations such as Sarasota Orchestra, Asolo Repertory Theatre, the Salvador Dalí Museum,
and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Her artistic achievements have been
recognized with honors including Dance Magazine’s “Southeast Best Choreographer” and
Sarasota Magazine’s Top 28 Most Powerful People in the Arts.
As Instructor of Dance and Artist-in-Residence at New College of Florida, Leymis is committed
to fostering creativity, collaboration, and community through movement. She holds an MFA in
Performance and Choreography from Florida State University and pioneered the Dance and
Healing Certificate at the University of Florida. Her work in dance as a healing practice led to
the development of programs such as Dance for PD at Parkinson’s Place. A former Vice
President of the Florida Dance Association and active member of the Arts and Health Coalition,
she continues to shape the cultural landscape of the region through both her teaching and artistic
leadership.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT?
Its a small liberal arts college with fantastic faculty who care and will help guide you while at NCF and beyond.
WHAT MAKES NEW COLLEGE OF
FLORIDA SO UNIQUE?
Small class size and students have a voice in crafting their area of studies.
What made you decide to teach at New College of Florida?
An opportunity to expand a partnership that helps bridge the connection for students from the classroom learning to the professional arts field.