Chattanooga Dances!, a concert that brings to a single stage the city’s nonprofit dance organizations and schools that maintain a full dance curriculum, will be presented in two performances this week at the Center for Creative Arts.
Now in its 15th year, the collaborative arts events will feature Ballet Tennessee, Barger Academy of Fine Arts’ Movement Makers, Baylor’s Verve, CCA’s Project Motion and Chattanooga Ballet. Performances will showcase choreography ranging from ballet to modern to jazz.
Organizers say the show is a chance for audience and dancers alike to “celebrate the richness of the dance community in Chattanooga and experience a taste of what each organization has to offer.”
Performances will start at 7 p.m. today and Friday, Oct. 1-2. The $5 admission is payable at the door.
Thoughts from the dance directors
“The concert is not only a showcase for Chattanooga’s arts community but an example of cooperation and collaboration between Chattanooga’s public and private schools as well as among diverse dance organizations. It is a collaboration which all arts groups in the city believe is important in showing the community what can be accomplished by working together.”
– Karen Wilson, CCA director of dance
“Chattanooga Dances! is one of our favorite venues. We enjoy the atmosphere of community with area dancers and always feel welcome, respected and supported.”
– Karen Smith, director of Baylor’s dance program
“Ballet Tennessee has been part of Chattanooga Dances! since its inception and we truly look forward to this performance each year. Bringing the dance organizations together to celebrate dance and share with each other our passion for dance is special.”
– Anna VanCura, artistic director of Ballet Tennessee
“The annual event builds partnerships between Chattanooga’s dance organizations. We are the only city in the state that brings their dance community together to perform on one stage.”
– Jessica Laliberte-Bowman, a dance teacher at Center for Creative Arts
“Barger Academy is pleased to be part of the concert because this is an important event for not only the dancer but the spectator. I was a spectator for many years before my young dancers were involved in this wonderful event. Our Barger Academy Movement Makers are grateful for this platform to share their work on the same stage as experienced dance students and professionals.”
– Felicion McMillon, Barger Academy dance teacher