The Tennessee Association of Dance (TAD) will host the annual Tennessee Dance Festival in Chattanooga on Oct. 19-21. This year’s Festival is a weekend of dance activities and events that include master classes in numerous dance techniques, and performances by professional, pre-professional, and university dance ensembles. In addition, a specially designed Student Choreography Project highlights and develops leadership and creativity in student dancers. The Festival brings in nationally recognized dance artists to interact with and teach Tennessee students. The event is also designed to serve as professional development for Tennessee K-12 and higher education dance teachers. State and regional choreographers, dancers, and directors attend this annual event to network and enhance their professional abilities. Host sites are the Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga Ballet, and Girls Preparatory School.
Performances are open to the public. The Festival Gala Concert is Saturday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. in the Center for Creative Arts Auditorium. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door. The evening features state and regional dance companies in an adjudicated evening of ballet, modern, and jazz showcasing the quality dance organizations in our state and region.
The Cathie Kasch Student Choreography Project performance is Saturday, Oct. 20 at 1:15 in the Center for Creative Arts Auditorium. This performance is free to the public and highlights the future of dance in Tennessee and beyond. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three works.
Celebrations-the Members Showcase will be Sunday, Oct. 21 in the Center for Creative Arts Auditorium at 1:30 p.m. This performance is also free to the public and offers a look at statewide dance companies in a concert of ballet, modern, tap, and jazz.
In addition to performances, the master classes are open to all intermediate and advanced level dancers ages 12 and up, college, and professional dancers. Visit the Tennessee Association of Dance website at www.tennesseedance.org for more information, class schedules, faculty bios, and to register for the master classes.
TAD’s mission is to ensure that dance is a vital and respected part of life for all Tennesseans. Officials said, "We are excited and privileged to provide this unique dance training opportunity and to showcase to the public the quality companies and university groups in Tennessee, and our neighbors in Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia, and Texas. The Tennessee Dance Festival is made possible in part by the generous support of the Tennessee Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, Capezio Foundation, Lyndhurst Foundation, and Hamico Foundation.