For 34 years, the Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble has been a staple organization both in Tennessee and the Knoxville community.
The program will continue to aim to captivate audiences with a number of performances this weekend.
Irena Linn, the ensemble’s director, said one of the main focuses this year was incorporating alumni into the show, as the organization now has over 100 graduates.
Dancers come in by audition as both advanced and beginners. Linn said that enthusiasm is one of the key elements in recruiting new students.
“If they have the enthusiasm, it will create the dedication for these many hours of work which it takes to master dance,” Linn said. “We accept them according to ability to train. They have to have personality and projection, and we will take care of the body.”
This year’s show features the work of famous choreographers, as well as alumni and director choreography.
“Everything is supposed to be on the highest level, so not only will it create respect for what the children can do, but also it shows other children what they could achieve if they give it the time,” Linn said. “Children spoken to through children pay better attention.”
Children in the ensemble, Linn said, hold important roles as they help teach, demonstrate dances to other students and comfort crying children.
“Everything here, when there is a problem, is done through other children, and it is a fantastic situation,” Linn said.
Not only does the dance ensemble provide an outlet for children to grow and develop, it also gives them an opportunity to travel for performances all over the country.
During spring break, for example, the organization travels to a variety of different schools in different counties across Tennessee. They work with a number of community organizations such as local schools and ‘Girls, Incorporated,’ to name a few.
Amy Renee Wilson, co-director and Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble alum, is working as a choreographer for this year’s performance. Wilson said the company does not run based on dance competitions with other dance organizations.
“We are in competition with the person we can become,” Wilson said. “It’s strictly for art advantage.”
She said her favorite part of the ensemble is working with the children and watching them grow, develop and push themselves to the limit.
Linn agreed, noting that the children work hard and dedicate a lot of time to the arts, and it shows through the electrifying energy they give off during their performances.
“Those who come to the show will leave feeling inspired and uplifted,” Wilson said. “It’s truly an amazing experience.”
The dance performances will be held this weekend at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum with one show on Friday at 8 p.m. and two shows Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $26.
There will also be two brief, hour-long matinée showings Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., as well.
