It took the city of Chattanooga to raise Fredrick Davis and the singular vision of his grandmother who entrusted the collective community with her grandson.
Mr. Davis was first exposed to dance in 1998 when a staff member of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation encouraged him to try out for a new program called Dance Alive in collaboration with Ballet Tennessee. He was accepted into the program and earned scholarships to study dance through Ballet Tennessee’s Talent Identification Program.
As Mr. Davis’s interest in dance developed, he became a company dancer, joined the Center for Creative Arts magnet school, and performed at his church. He also began to develop teaching skills and choreography under the watchful eyes of his mentors and teachers, Barry and Anna VanCura, founding directors of Ballet Tennessee, whose vision created the programs Dance Alive and TIP.
During high school and after the passing of his grandmother, Mr. Davis was adopted by the pastor of his church and supported by the entire community so that he might continue to pursue his dream of becoming a professional dancer. After graduation, he moved to New York City and studied at the Joffrey School.
He worked at American Eagle and other jobs to make ends meet. Through the Joffrey School, he gained valuable experience and opportunities to perform as a guest artist in companies across the country.
In 2008 he joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem and became a member of the Ensemble.
"We are celebrating Fredrick’s return to Chattanooga as the success story of an entire city," said Ms. Baker-VanCura. "Fredrick’s story shows us everything that’s right within the arts and the community—from Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga and other supporters of the programs where Fredrick got his start—to the city of Chattanooga, corporations, schools, churches, and art organizations. And Fredrick’s own determination and motivation. We are celebrating it all."
Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble Interactive Performance will be on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m. at the Tivoli Theater in downtown Chattanooga.
Tickets are between $10-30.
Community classes and master classes will be announced.