Repertory Dance Theatre to Honor Local Military Vets in WOMEN OF VALOR, 4/11-13

Cynthia Sandmire, born in Murray, Utah in 1967, joined the Navy Reserve after the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001 as a way to give back to her country. She has now served as a Corpsman in the Navy Reserve for over eleven years as a member of Detachment K, Operational Health Support Unit Bremerton, Washington. Petty Officer Sandmire has served all over the world from Afghanistan to the Philippines, and Hawaii. As a medic in the Navy, she has cared for thousands of patients including coalition forces, detainees, local nationals, as well as many children.

"Recruit, I do not dance," said Sandmire's Recruit Division Commander after she timidly tried to explain the discrepancy in her uniform with her hands. On her first day at boot camp this was exactly what she wanted to avoid - bringing attention to herself. Now, after serving in the Navy Reserve for the past eleven years, Repertory Dance Theatre and the Fort Douglas Museum are bringing attention to this local Utahn in a slightly different way.

HM2 Sandmire's story, along with those of other women veterans, will be featured in an evening length dance performance titled Women of Valor...In the Spirit of Service on April 11-13, 2013.

This performance will pay tribute to the women, like Sandmire, who have served selflessly in the community and in the military.

Women of commitment, dedication, courage
Women who serve as warriors, wives of warriors
And the mothers of warriors....
The nurses, mechanics, engineers and truck drivers
The pilots, cooks, medics, MPs and teachers

Choreography includes Commonplace by Susan Hadley, When Summoned by Bill Evans, and Bolero by Joanie Smith of Shapiro & Smith Dance.

Dramatic monologues will pay tribute to the service, sacrifice, dedication, duty, and the strength of women. Choreographers Susan Hadley, Abby Fiat, and Lynne Wimmer have created three commissions inspired by the many diverse roles that women assume in society. Stories of courageous female veterans, of women overcoming prejudice and breaking down stereotypes, and women who challenge the status quo, performing tasks that have traditionally been assigned to men, are woven throughout the program. Noted actor, Anne Cullimore Decker shares the emotions of a Gold Star Mother speaking of her loss and her pride in her son's sacrifice.

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