Dancing their way toward Hollywood

None of it matters so long as it lands them in Hollywood or on Broadway. So say four local teens who have taken one small step toward an acting career.

It’s a start.

For Estates residents Jenny Sedlacek, 16, Kathy Oliver, 16, Samantha Rodrigues, 18, and Adi Warman, 22, who were among nine area performers selected to appear in the upcoming movie, "Still Green," it’s a dream opportunity - doing what they love and building a resume to boot.

The four are dance students at Dance City Productions where owner-director Erica Dinesen’s reputation earned the group an invitation to perform as extras after producers fell in love with the Naples area during a visit to the Marco Island film festival.

Dinesen credits word-of-mouth for the talent call. Her award winning school has performed for celebrities such as Jeb Bush during his inaugural celebration.

"We’re more than just a dance studio," insists Dinesen, who takes her responsibilities seriously. She had the movie company checked out by the Collier County Sheriff’s office before offering the girls the gig.

"I’ve always tried to find ways to expand my students’ experience and further their careers, but I want everything to be on the up-and-up," she explained. While there’s no pay involved, the hands-on experience is priceless.

"Getting a taste of the real thing is invaluable," she said.

The movie, produced by Uncovered Productions, follows 10 best friends during the summer before college. When an untimely accident occurs at the beach, it changes forever the bonds of friendship.

Writer-producer Georgia Menides called the plot "...edgy and just a little dark."

"It’s been referred to as the ‘Big Chill’ for teens," said Menides, who believes the film has stellar potential. "Everybody who’s read the script is excited about it."

Among the principals are breakthrough actors Ryan Kelly of "Mean Creek" and "Stolen Summer" and Doug Stain, well known for his role in "Band of Brothers." Both have a huge teen following.

"Still Green" was filmed during August at a beach house in Bonita Springs and in Naples’ Flash Ups nightclub. It is the first major production for the company. Menides said the quartet of Golden Gate girls were awesome.

"It’s easy to lose your enthusiasm once you discover it’s hurry up and stand around a lot on a film set," she admonished. "These girls maintained a high level of energy throughout, they interacted positively with the crew and actors, they were neat, intuitive and they did some totally terrific club dancing."

Oliver, daughter of Kathy Oliver, is a junior at Gulf Coast High where she is a member of the dance line and the varsity cheer squad. The University of Central Florida is in her sights though she admits to still being undecided.

"Being an extra was really great fun," she said.

Rodriguez said she never imagined she’d be in a movie. The daughter of Sandra and Sergio Rodriguez, Samantha was busy with her first day at the University of Florida when we contacted her.

"I will always dance," she declared. "Whether it’s teaching, taking classes or for business, this is what I do."

Grace Cline’s daughter, Jennie Sedlacek, youngest of the group, has been performing since age four at places such as Sugden Theatre and the Naples Dinner Theatre. She, too, is a member of the dance line and varsity cheer squad at Gulf Coast High.

"I’m going to be an actor and/or a dancer," she said simply, "I don’t know where or how, I just am."

While she may start her college career locally due to financial considerations, her dream is to someday go to NYU.

The daughter of Yael and Zvi Warman, Adi, is a graduate of International College where she studied computer science.

"I had so much fun on the set, " she said. "I’m going to keep taking dance lessons for as long as I can."

Menides’ plans call for premiering the movie in southwest Florida. The rest of us can look for "Still Green" in theatres some time in the summer of 2006.