Chattanooga hosts Tennessee Dance Festival this weekend - Oct. 18-20

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Three performances will highlight this weekend's Tennessee Dance Festival, a gathering of state and regional choreographers, dancers, directors, teachers and students.

Set for Friday through Sunday, Oct. 18-20, the festival is presented by the Tennessee Association of Dance, which also has members from Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia and Texas.

There are three opportunities for the public to see their talents in action.

Cathie Kasch Student Choreography Project

This performance, highlighting the future of dance in Tennessee and beyond, is at 1:10 p.m. Saturday in the Center for Creative Arts auditorium, 1301 Dallas Road. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three works. Admission is free.

Festival Gala Concert

State and regional dance companies will be showcased in this adjudicated evening of ballet, modern and jazz at 8 p.m. Saturday in the UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. Featured groups are Ballet Tennessee, Found Movement Group, Southern Kentucky Dance Ensemble, University of Georgia Ballet Ensemble, University of Tennessee at Martin Dance Ensemble and Western Kentucky University Dance Company. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door.

Celebrations -- The Members Showcase

Set for 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Center for Creative Arts, this performance offers a look at statewide dance companies in a concert of ballet, modern, tap and jazz. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door.

Master classes are open to intermediate and advanced dancers 12 and older, as well as college and professional dancers. For registration information, class schedules and faculty bios, visit www.tennesseedance.org.