Our Mission: 
Is to serve the community by creating and presenting artistic and educational projects; concert events, workshops, and youth outreach programs for the benefit of our community and the public at large. AKA Golden Lion Dance-Arts (501 c3).

History: 
Golden Lion Productions was originally formed in the Fall of 1999 in Arizona as a small group, informally called "AZ Dance Production Team." It was formed soon after a new project was created by Helena Saraydarian (teacher, producer, choreographer) to help launch her idea for a community concert.... "Celebration of Dance." The purpose for this concert event was to showcase the works of our creative dance community in Arizona. And to involve the entire dance community in an annual event to help promote dance-arts during "National Dance Week." And to provide entertainment and artistry to the public at large.

In the beginning:
The first few years, this small group of volunteers led by Miss Saraydarian included three other industry professionals; (Director/Choreographer) Dee Dee Wood, (Dancer/Actress) Gina Tleel, (dancer/teacher/choreographer) Abby Stewart-Reinoso, and a handful of wonderful volunteers were on hand to help during the auditions and on the actual concert day. In the later years more people joined the production staff/committee and the list of volunteers grew each year.

The first Celebration of Dance concert was successfuly launched on April 25, 2000 at the historical "Phoenix Theater" to an enthusiastic and supportive audience. There were nineteen exciting dances presented by several performing group, new emerging dance companies, and solo dancers. The following years as the concert grew and audiences grew performances were held at Herberger Theatre Center, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center as well as Phoenix Theatre.

Benefits:
Celebration of Dance has brought great performance opportunities to young dancers of all ages and wonderful showcase opportunities for professional and new emerging dance companies alike. Since these concerts have embraced all styles of dance, each year the public has had the opportunity to enjoy these entertaining and artistic works as an exciting representation of the diverse dance culture here in the Southwest.

Other Projects: 
In addition to 12 years of Celebration of Dance concert series, other projects presented; "Bravo" a song & dance challenge (2001-2003), "I was" an original play premiered in Sedona Arizona, workshops:"Dance-Drama," "L.A. Talent Agency" and "Dance & Music Industry" which included local and out-of-town professional guest speakers, Design & Sew Workshop (2010), and several other classes, workshops, and speaking engagements. We have a list of creative and educational projects to launch upon reaching our annual budget goal.    

Funding:
This organization is funded solely by donations from generous individuals, tickets sales, workshops, performance and entry fees, merchandise sales, fund raising events, as well as grants when available. Due to budget cuts, it has become more and more difficult to obtain grants, we find the need to turn to our community for support.

Annual Budget: 
Production expenses range anywhere from $5,000-$25,000 for each event, or concert, workshops or classes for us to implement or to produce. Our annual budget goal is to raise $100,000 in order to produce a minimum of four events a year. Please help us provide these great ideas and opportunities for our community!

Please donate to help us continue these creative and educational projects. Donations go towards "Production Funds" to help create and implement events, concerts, classes, and workshops. Also towards "Scholarship Funds" and "Youth Ticket Funds" for local youth organization.

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©Golden Lion Productions, Inc. 
Information revised 1/22/2012