Sister Mary Leo

Leo came to the Order from an Illinois farm. She entered the convent to dedicate her life to God through the dance. Many people think that she took her name from the famous "leotard," but that is not true. She is named after her Uncle Leo, a notorious Chicago gangster. Sister thought that by taking his name, the Lord would go easy on him (she is a novice and has much to learn). Before joining the Order, Sister was known as SIMS BANES, who tested her dancing ability by appearing in Kiss Me Kate as Lois Lane/Bianca, Oklahoma! as Ado Annie, Fiddler on the Roof as Chava, The Sound of Music as Lisel and the dance captain, Pirates of Penzance as Isabel and a featured dancer, The Fantastiks (Music Director), and The Wiz (Conductor). Prior to taking her vow of poverty, Sister supported herself by becoming involved at the College of William and Mary. There she was a musical director and arranger for Common Ground, an a cappella singing group, a member of Pointe Blank Dance Company, participating in a dance minor performance series, and finally obtaining her degree in Music Theory/Arranging and Vocal Performance with a minor in Theatre Arts. She has also toured internationally with Billy Graham International Children's Drama Ministry as a director and choreographer.

*understudied by Amber Harris*