Each summer young dancers in Chattanooga get an opportunity to work with professional dancers, instructors, and choreographers from across the U.S. Students train intensively for three weeks in Ballet Tennessee’s Summer Intensive and for two weeks in Dance Alive/Dance Elite for children ages 8-12. The goal is to propel participants to the next level of artistic and technical achievement.
Directors Anna Baker-VanCura and Barry VanCura, both nationally recognized artists and master teachers, choose the guest artists based on the "hands-on, nurturing philosophy of teaching quality dance."
"It is about developing the whole dancer as a person as well as an artist," said Mr. VanCura. "We want to encourage behaviors and choices that will benefit the student no matter what they choose to do in life but will also prepare them for professional dance."
This year’s roster of guest artists includes Gretchen Ward Warren, a best selling author and former Professor of Dance at University of South Florida; Anne Burton Avery, a former ballerina of Atlanta Ballet; Elie Lazar, current artistic director of Montgomery Ballet, founded and directed the Joffrey Ballet Ensemble, the performance group associated with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City; Sean Hilton, an independent dancer/choreographer and former member of River North Chicago Dance Company; Thomas Shoemaker, currently teaching and choreographing for the Vanderbilt Dance Program in Nashville; Marcus Alford, artistic director of Dancentre South, worked for 10 years with Gus Giorrdano Jazz Dance in Chicago and Jennia Shanley, instructor and choreographer with Baylor School and has taught master classes at Ballet Tennessee.
"Their expertise and willingness to share with the dancers creates a rich learning environment," said Ms. Baker-VanCura.
Dance Alive is a partnership with Chattanooga Parks and Recreation that engages youth in learning the basic techniques of dance. Dance Elite, the second level of Dance Alive, serves as a bridge for young dancers who are beyond the introductory training of Dance Alive but not yet ready for the summer intensive.
Summer Intensive participants spend 6-8 hours daily in technique classes, learn choreography, and participate in seminars covering topics such as career options, dance history, composition, and more.
The free, public performance is part of the educational experience and demonstrates the power of high quality dance education to engage minds, bodies, and artistry. The public is invited to attend this free performance, which will take place on July 24, at 6 p.m. in the Hayes Concert Hall at UTC, and encouraged to stop by the Dance Alive Donation Station. All donations will directly benefit the Dance Alive and Talent Identification Program.
Ballet Tennessee is a funded agency of Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga and receives support from the Tennessee Arts Commission. Contributors include George R. Johnson Charitable Trust, First Tennessee Bank, Target, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and Chattem.
Upcoming Summer Events:
Motown Dance Party at Ballet Tennessee, Friday July 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Music, dancing, refreshments and fun in a family friendly atmosphere Michael Ryder, ballroom dance instructor, will be available to teach basic Motown dance steps. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 per child. All proceeds benefit Ballet Tennessee programs.
Free performance at Hayes Concert Hall in UTC Fine Arts Center, Friday July 24, at 6 p.m.
Dance Alive/Dance Elite and Ballet Tennessee Summer Intensive dancers perform a wide variety of dance styles. The performance is free and open to the public. Donations welcome.
Gear Up for Fall Classes, Aug. 10-27
This three week session is an introduction to VanCura Ballet Conservatory, official school of Ballet Tennessee, for new students and a great way for returning students to gear up for the Fall Semester. A variety of classes are offered for children and adults.
Youth Ensemble Audition, Aug. 18, 6:30-8 p.m.
This audition is geared for dance students ages 9-15. Dancers must have a minimum of two consecutive years of classical ballet training. Season includes ‘Nutcracker’ and other performances throughout the year.
Ballet Tennessee Company Audition, Aug. 20, 6:30-8 p.m.
This audition is geared for intermediate- and advanced-level male and female dancers. Audition includes pointe for females. Season includes ‘Nutcracker’ and other performances throughout the year.
Registration for the 2009-2010 Classes at VanCura Ballet Tennessee Conservatory
Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Aug. 30, 2-5:30 p.m.
Classes begin Aug. 31