Imaginarium Portions of Review in Broadway World (NZ) May 27, 2019
The 55 members of the West City Concert Band are front right and centre in this performance, becoming visually integrated as they move and infuse within the the dynamics of the choreography.
Choreographers Lesley Bandy and Hayz Pincheira Rowe along with Conductor Chad Davenport, have collaborated to create Imaginarium a fusion of story, dance, band and song.
The role of the band is transformed from tradition and ironically this is the story that Imaginarium tells as one man is transformed from his 'grey life' back to the colour of imagination.
The music is extraordinarily good and the choreography, rich and diverse in style and genre that included aerial work and tumbling. From the little Charlie Chapman(sic) style junior dance to the exquisite ballerinas this performance has it all.
Accolades to all involved.
Choreography Reviews
" ....choreography is rapturous, involving with the roots of the story she is telling and exciting."
"A Tale of Frankenstein" is an enviable and entertaining production of theater and dance that bodes well for the vitality of dance art in Northern Nevada. "
"Bandy provided the inventive, always interesting choreography. "
"Bandy's view of Tchaikovsky's immortal ballet is a combination of fun, spectacle, story, shtick and classical dance. It's a grand view that takes E.T.A. Hoffman's age-old story and pumps it up with lots of twists, turns and gorgeous dance. What makes (her) "Nutcracker" so inviting is its overlay of whimsy on what is already a whimsical dream about a girl's Christmas Eve fantasy. Buying into Clara's dream then heightening its telling with surprises is what makes Bandy's show tick as smoothly as her production's impressive grandfather clock. In one fell swoop of story telling NFB's new "Nutcracker" isn't just good, it's transporting. "
" ....diversity is what Nevada Festival Ballet's new choreographer and impressario Lesley Bandy has used, along with zillions of children (each one, hopefully, a mini Ticketron outlet), to adorn her revamped, lovely to look at, delightful to behold, bran(sic)-new "Nutcracker."
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Award nomination - Best Choreography, for "Pointe Red". Golden Rainbow, Las Vegas
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Director/Choreographer
Ballet Nevada (AKA “Nevada Performing Arts”) in Reno, Nevada, USA commissioned Ms. Bandy to choreograph & direct large-scale productions involving local actors, dancers and musicians, as well as professional artists from around the world.
These productions were then presented in many of Reno’s finest theaters and each was a tremendous artistic and financial success.
“Oliver!”
· Cast of approx. 30 local children and adult actors and singers
“Christmas Carol” (4 successive years)
· Cast of approx. 165 local children and adult dancers, actors, musicians, as well as professionals from San Francisco and Los Angeles
“The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”
· Cast of approx. 50 local children and adult dancers & professionals from major ballet companies
Lesley Bandy is one of the most diplomatic, caring and creative artists that I have had the privilege to work with during the past 14 years of running a company. She is kind to and gentle with people of all ages and levels of skill. She is patient, level headed, hard-working and passionate: all qualities so valued in our industry, yet so rare in such a combination!
Carrie B. Wick, Founder/ Director
Ballet Nevada www.balletnevada.com
Opera - Choreography & Movement
I have had the privilege of working with Lesley Bandy on several projects including where she has been the choreographer and the teacher of dance and movement to everyone involved.
She is patient, encouraging, and supportive to everyone, regardless of their skill level. She makes everyone look good and feel good, from the very young dancer to the professional dancer....and from the youngest singer to the most seasoned professional opera singer ... .she is not only exceedingly talented in her field and a total professional, she also has amazing "people" skills.
I know no one here in New York that can replace her or in Las Vegas, where we also worked with her, that can do what she does at the level she does it!
We miss her greatly!
Judith Fredricks (Opera New York) www.operanewyork.com
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Dance Teacher
As a teacher Lesley inspired, motivated and choreographed for all ages and advancements with equal excitement. Lesley has that sought-after talent that enables her to motivate the students to love what they are doing and embrace the hard work to do it while they enjoy each fun moment of the class. Lesley’s approach to technique and structure is always with an eye for the individual student and their ability to reach an attainable goal.
She directs the professional, non-professional and student with competence, and a calmness to ensure to quality as well as the camaraderie of all involved.
Fern Adair
Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts
3265 East Patrick Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89120
www.fernadair.com
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Stage Manager
Thank you for calling a great show fantastic job!!
I really appreciate you!!
MGM Grand New Year Event 2014/2015
Lesley was employed to be the stage manager, front of house manager and also contributed strongly to the touring and managing of the extensive tour of Okareka’s work Mana Wahine.
Lesley was a dream to work with and a huge part of the success of the tour.
Lesley has extensive experience in theatre, dance and performance productions and understands the complexities and needs for a wide range of creative events.
I would strongly recommend Lesley for work in any performance area or in areas of event management and production. Her skills extend over areas that require stage management, people/cast management, logistics, production to mention a few.
Qualities that sit at the forefront of Lesley’s personality are trustworthiness, even temperament, great personality, strong initiative, understanding, hardworking, thorough, skilled, adaptable, supportive and very capable.
Malia Johnston (Rifleman Productions Ltd)
Artistic Director & Choreographer, WORLD OF WEARABLE ART AWARDS SHOW
www.worldofwearableart.com
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Overall - Choreographer & Teacher/coach
Lesley's initial training at the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London and subsequent appearances in ballets and operas led to her additional, stellar career as a lead dancer in first rate shows at the Lido in Paris, Hong Kong, Australia, Reno and Las Vegas NV. Lesley was also a major contributor to the formation of Nevada Festival Ballet, first as their prima ballerina and subsequently it's Artistic Director. She has taught children of all ages, and choreographed for many high profile schools in the US (including Fern Adair's Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas).
I can attest to her talent, creativity, high standards of both ethics and artistry. She always achieves a strong rapport with students of all ages and commands their respect.
Her talent as a choreographer and director is unrivaled. Lesley researches her projects thoroughly and then proceeds to create the perfect piece for her company, class or individual.
While disciplined and hard working, her infectious laugh and sense of humour also creates a fun atmosphere in which the artistic child can flourish! Her complete knowledge of all forms of dance from ballet, jazz and contemporary, to modern and musical theatre styles will be of the utmost benefit to you and your students.
Elizabeth Lieberman
LieberEnt. Inc www.Lieberent.com
