The Call Board - Tennessee Association of Dance

The
Call Board
Vol. 22, No. 1 • The Newsletter of the Tennessee Association of Dance • August 2010
Conference ‘10 returns to Austin Peay State
University in Clarksville, October 16-17
TAD’s 41st Annual
Statewide Conference
Exciting master faculty and class line-up includes:
• ballet • pointe • modern • jazz • tap • hip-hop
• African • yoga • contact improvisation • choreography
• Pilates • Fosse Technique • and more • including panel
sessions on various topics
Ann Burton Avery
Master Faculty:
Ann Burton Avery
Fabrice Calmals
Anne Curran
Casey Hill
Jennifer Kintner
Andrea Markus
Amelia Byrd
Margi Cole
Keith Fitzpatrick
Christine Johnson
Nicole Koenig
Bruce Stegmann
Andrea Markus
Online registration begins August 20
Detailed faculty bios, more photos, hotel info, and class descriptions available on TAD website.

TAD Award Winners for 2009-10
Kathy Callaghan of Nashville named
Outstanding Dance Educator
TENNESSEE
ASSOCIATION OF DANCE
2010 -2011 OFFICERS AND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Jessica Laliberte-Bowman
General Vice-President
Marcus Hayes
Secretary
Morgan Fleming
Treasurer
Janet Clough
Vice-President East
Cinnamon Halbert-Smith
Vice-President Middle
Sarah Englert
Directors
Marsha Barsky
Debbie Belue
Cara Harker
Jennifer Harwell
Jennifer Kintner
Sharon Perry
Cathy Pettway
Anne Willet-Curran
Laurel Zahrobsky
TAD Executive Director
Karen Wilson
The Call Board is published by
The Tennessee Association of Dance
P.O. Box 4368
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 855-7890
e-mail: info@tennessee.org
Kathy has taught Ballet for the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation
in Nashville, TN for several years and is currently the Artistic Director for
the Centennial Youth Ballet. CYB offers students
performance opportunities in classic and contemporary
ballets to prepare them for the professional
world if the choose to go into the field of dance.
Kathy is in charge of all
aspects of these productions from choreography
to lights and music. She is able to do all of this
and still nurture authentic artistry in each
dancer. For thirty years her ballet classes have
offered a stable and positive environment geared
toward higher standards in learning. Hundreds
of students in the Nashville area have benefitted
from Kathy’s instruction to go on to pursue dance
as a career or college dance major. Kathy attends
teacher summer workshops always looking for
new and exciting
Kathy Callaghan
ways to communicate solid technique to her students. She never stops
learning because she loves teaching. Nashville is very lucky to have her.
By Sarah Englert
Hal Baker of Chattanooga is
Dance Advocate of the Year
Under the leadership of Hal Baker, Orange Grove Center added a dance
program to its curriculum almost 22 years ago as a result of Tennessee Arts
Commission grant. Under the direction of Ann Shea, movement exploration
classes were given so that all clients could participate. Some of these clients
would go on to become performers and the Orange Grove Dancers began to
perform for audiences.
Mr. Baker was the dance group’s biggest fan, calling them, “one of the
jewels in the crown that is Orange Grove.” He was a constant advocate for the
value of the arts, and dance in particular, in the lives of people-both able bodied
and disabled. He came to every performance he could and made sure that each
year there was money available to continue this program. Not only does this
program enrich the lives of the participants at Orange Grove but it enriches the
lives of all those who get to perform with them from Nebraska to Florida. Hal
Baker created an incredible experience when he began this in 1987.
By Ann Shea
Remember, the deadline for TAD Outstanding Dance
Educator, Dance Advocate and the Margaret Martin
Award is August 20.
Download nomination forms from website.
The Call Board August 2010

Conference ‘10 at Austin Peay State University
IMPORTANT CONFERENCE INFORMATION
PLEASE read before you visit our website to begin your Conference Registration:
• All conference attendees must be TAD members. Please make sure your membership is current AT THE TIME
OF THE CONFERENCE. PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIPS EARLY TO AVOID REGISTRATION PROBLEMS.
Any non-member will automatically become a member when they register in the non-member category. There is
a significant discount for registration prior to Sept. 20. No refunds for Conference Fees. Any emergency request
must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors.
All Conference registrations must be done online using a credit card. No individual paper registrations will be
accepted. Teachers: For information on GROUP registrations contact the TAD office. All registrations MUST BE
COMPLETE BY OCTOBER 13. On site registration is on a space available basis.
Hotel Information available on the website. Reserve your room early. Hotel cut-off date is SEPTEMBER 15..
Conference Fees: Lunch is included in all registrations.
Before Sept. 20
TAD Member Student $95 Non-Member Student $145
TAD Member Adult $120 Non-Member Adult $180
TAD Member one-day $85 Non-Member one day $110
After Sept. 20
TAD Member Student $125 Non Member Student $175
TAD Member Adult $155 Non-Member Adult $215
TAD Member one day $115 Non-Member one day $140
THERE IS A $20
REGISTRATION FEE
FOR ALL ATTENDEES
Observer Packages are available as follows:
TAD Member $75 Non-Member $135
Observers with a Conference name tag will be allowed in classes on a space available basis. (NO observation allowed
of Scholarship Audition class.) Lunch is included in observer registration.
Students must be at least 12 years old by 10/16/10 in order to attend the conference. All attendees must be working
at an intermediate or higher technique level.
• All attendees must turn in the Medical Release/Liability form to TAD prior to taking class. The form is located on
the TAD website. Students who do not return the release form WILL NOT RECEIVE CLASS TICKETS AND MAY
NOT ATTEND CLASSES! Do not mail form after October 10. TAD is not responsible for forms not received.
• Scholarship applications are available on the website. All Scholarship forms must be returned to Scholarship
Chairman by deadline in order to register for the Scholarship Audition class.
Performances:
Cathie Kasch Student Choreography Project: The concert will be Saturday after lunch with a class designed specifically
to give feedback immediately following. Any TAD student member attendee is eligible to submit a work
for adjudication. Guidelines/Applications are available on the website or form your TAD member dance teacher.
Send completed application materials to Laurel Zahrobsky.
The Saturday Evening Concert: Middle Tennessee Regional Gala. The concert will feature professional companies
and university dance ensembles in the middle Tennessee Region. Tickets $10.00 for TAD Members.
Purchase tickets with your registration.
Class Schedule is available on the website. Attendees will receive class tickets in your Registration packet. There
will be a ticket trade table where you can exchange tickets on site.
Registered Conference attendees will NOT receive class tickets if membership lapses prior to Oct. 17. PLEASE
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIPS EARLY TO AVOID REGISTRATION PROBLEMS.
Over -- More Conference information on next page...
The Call Board August 2010

Conference ‘10 info continued:
In addition to technique classes offered we have panel discussions open to observer and students. These are
ideal sessions for parents, chaperones, and teachers in addition to students. This year’s panel line-up includes:
Dance Licensure and Teacher Evaluation in Tennessee Update:
Get the latest information on dance certification and licensure in Tennessee. Find out what Tennessee colleges offer this program and
how to start work on your certification to be able to teach dance in Tennessee’s public schools. Also addressed will be the new evaluation
requirements for Tennessee public school teachers.
College Dance Programs:
Are you interested in majoring in dance in college: Hear what current professors of dance have to say about it. Both Tennessee and
out-of-state dance programs will be addressed.
NDEO Info Panel:
Tennessee Association of Dance is now a State Affiliate of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). NDEO memberships
give you a discounted TAD memberships. During this session you will learn about NDEO and have any specific questions addressed.
The session will also address the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. NHSDA is now available to Tennessee middle and high
schools, private dance studios, non-profit dance schools. Come find out how to get a student chapter started.
Anatomy of a Professional Dance Shoot
Dance photographer Martin O’Connor will reprise his popular seminar from last year and continue the discussion and demonstration of
how to achieve a professional looking image for your studio or company.
STEPS TO REGISTER:
1. Log on to: www.tennesseedance.org
2. Join TAD by clicking on the “Join Now” link if you are not already a member or to renew your
membership. (Membership must be current at the time of the Conference.) Registered
Conference attendees will NOT receive class tickets if membership lapses prior to Oct. 17.
PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIPS EARLY TO AVOID REGISTRATION PROBLEMS.
3. Click on the Events page.
4. Download and print the class schedule for your convenience-along with any other
needed forms.
5. Follow the links to the Conference registration pages.
6. Begin the process by filling in the necessary personal information and email.
7. Select your classes. Choose one class for each time slot. When the class limits have been
reached, the class will be removed from the selections. (If you do not see a class that is listed
on the schedule that means it is full and no longer available.) Those registering as “Observers”
should NOT choose specific classes-choose only the Observer registration option. You will be
admitted with your badge/name tag on a observer space available basis.
8. Complete your registration by selecting tickets for the evening performance of the Middle Tennessee
Gala or proceeding to the Checkout page. Enter your payment information.
9. You will receive a confirmation email and can print out your class schedule.
10. Complete and mail (no later than Oct. 10) Medical Release form. Please mail prior to Conference
to avoid packet pick-up problems.
Remember: You must pick up a Registration packet either at the Main Stay Suites or on-site
with your class tickets and other information. Feel free to call or email TAD if you have any
questions or experience any problems in completing your registration.
The Call Board August 2010

Kitty Sharp Summer Scholarship:
Ara Vito, Franklin
Home Studio: Franklin School of
Performing Arts
Attended Rockettle Summer Institute
Summer Scholarship Awards
Mary Willie Summer Scholarship:
Allison Storrow, Brentwood
Home Studio: Franklin School of
Performing Arts
Attended Ballet Met Summer Institute
Van R. Ault Summer Scholarship:
Shannon Brooks, Franklin
Home Studio: Centennial Youth Ballet
Attended Magnus Midwest
Dance Intensive
Alternates/Honorable Mention:
Grace Dengler, Brentwood
Alison Blanchard, Franklin
Mary Elizabeth Pellett, Nashville
Summer Scholarship Winners and Alternates:
Allison Storrow, Alison Blanchard, Grace Dengler, Ara Vito,
Mary Elizabeth Pellett, Shannon Brooks
Auditions for 2011 Summer Scholarships will
be held at Conference ‘10 at Austin Peay
State University.
Applications available on the TAD website.
Application deadline is
September 20.
Cathie Kasch Student Choreography Project
1st place: Emily Rice, Laurel
Zahrobsky, Emily McCall, Sarah
Douglas McCall, Sarah Evatt,
Eller Mallchok
2nd place: Claire
Phillips of Center
for Creative Arts
in Chattanooga
3rd place: Alaina Runions of
Austin Peay State University
in Clarksville
Honorable Mention: Jeremiah
Welch of Austin East High School
in Knoxville
Visit the TAD website for Guidelines and Application
for this years CKSC Project.
The deadline for submissions is
September 25.
All photos on this page by Martin O’Connor.
The Call Board August 2010

A Rockin’ Summer for Ara Vito, Kitty Sharp Scholarship Winner
by Ara Vito
8:45 a.m. in New York City is a beautiful sight to
behold. The city’s traffic and noise are in full swing as tourists
pound the sidewalk, businessmen and women plough forward
with a purpose, and the commonplace pedestrians step lightly
around each other in a seemingly choreographed street ballet.
The smell of exhaust, smoke, and
shish- kebabs from the ever-present
street vendors instantly jolts me
awake as I feel the rumble of the
subway far below my feet. I am in
the very center of it all, in downtown
Manhattan, on my way to Radio City
Music Hall.
The Radio City Rockette
Summer Intensive is a dance
education program taking place in
Radio City Music Hall that teaches
students all about the Rockette
precision dance technique and
how to perfect it. Going into the
experience, I knew that I loved and
admired the Rockette style, but it Ara at the Stage Door of Radio City
was a style that I had not had much
experience with. I also knew, however, that being a
Rockette would be a dream job for me in the future and that this
intensive could help me become more familiar with the Rockette
technique.
By the end of the very first day of the program, I had
learned so much, including the fact that I had so much yet to
learn. The strenuous, highly precise style was something I had
never tried before. Having had solid training in ballet, tap, and
jazz, I knew I was not incapable, but the Rockette repertoire and
fast-paced learning was a challenge. This made me even more
determined to improve my technique and hopefully become
one step closer
to achieving my
goal. My teachers,
Rockettes Kristin
Altfather and Melinda
Farrell, had been with
the dance troupe for
many seasons and
continue to perform
with the troupe.
Eileen Grace, the
program director and
an instructor for the
Rockette Summer
Intensive, had been
a Rockette for eight
years. She has
countless television
and Broadway
credits, including
appearances on
Ara and the Rockettes
television shows such as the Late Show with David Letterman,
the Today Show, and Oprah. She has also choreographed
for the Rockettes and Broadway, and teaches in several
prestigious dance schools in Manhattan. I was excited to
learn as much as I could from these talented women who had
instantly become my role models.
We spent most of the week
learning and rehearsing three
pieces of Rockette choreography
that would be performed at the
end of the week in the theater
at Madison Square Garden. In
addition to learning Rockette tap,
jazz, and choreography during
the intensive, we were given the
opportunity to have a Q and A with
the Rockettes, discuss the audition
process and receive audition tips,
rehearse on the Radio City stage,
have a mock Rockettes audition,
receive individual feedback and
constructive criticism about our
dance technique, and tour Radio
City Music Hall. We were also given a look inside the dazzling
costume and dressing rooms and told all about life as a
Rockette.
As the final day of the intensive approached, I felt so
grateful for the experience. I loved dancing from 9 a.m. to 6
p.m. every day, learning firsthand from the Rockettes everything
I could about the job that I hope to have in the future. Even
though my time in New York was short, I feel more prepared
and more capable to take on any dance challenges to come.
I learned to think on my feet, work harder, push myself more
than ever before, and smile brightly while doing it. Because I
have danced on the stage at Madison Square Garden in New
York City, performing timeless choreography and beaming into
the darkness of the audience while beginning a set of eye-high
kicks, I now know what heaven feels like.
Buy a specialty license plate and invest in
Tennessee’s arts community.. These plates
help fund the arts throughout Tennessee.
The Call Board August 2010

Two area colleges close dance departments
TAD is sad to report the closure of two Departments of Dance at two of the region’s colleges. Both University of Tennessee
at Knoxville and Virginia Intermont College are no longer offering students the opportunity to major in dance. Both of these
programs have a long history in the Tennessee arts community and were under the direction of notable dance educators. Dr. Gene
McCutchon of UTK, and Constance Hardinge and Dr. Harolyn Gaudette of VIC, guided their programs for many years and were
instrumental in the growth of dance in higher education in Tennessee.
For a look at the curcumstances and timeline of the closure of the UTK dance program follow the link to a story in the university
paper: http://tnjn.com/2010/feb/18/ut-dance-program-approaches-it/
The following article is written by Bonny Copenhaver who credits the VIC program with cultivating her love of dance. Bonny is a
past president of TAD and curently Provost & Vice President for Student Affairs for Motlow State Community College. She is an
arts advocate who firmly believes in the value of a dance education in training students for the 21st century.
A look back at VIC Dance
by Bonny Copenaver
The dance department at Virginia Intermont College, located in
Bristol, Virginia, was founded by Constance Hardinge in 1972.
Hardinge had been teaching dance in Bristol since 1942 when
she started teaching at Sullins College. When she was asked to
create the department at VIC, Hardinge was given the freedom
to create an exemplary program. The college administration
allowed her flexibility with class meeting times, and she developed
a nationally recognized teacher-training and performing program
which was designed to take the college-age dancer and prepare
him or her for a future dance career. In addition to technique
classes in ballet and later in modern and jazz, students took four
semesters of dance history, two semesters of practice teaching,
plus courses in dance notation, kinesiology, choreography,
costume construction, and music for ballet. The program
supported several branch studios throughout rural southwest
Virginia that served not only as a teach preparatory schools but
also brought dance to many areas that would have otherwise not
been exposed to the art form. The dancers also performed with
Bristol Ballet Company, a thriving regional company that Hardinge
founded in 1959. Hardinge brought in guest choreographers and
instructors from nationally recognized programs to supplement the
student’s educational experience.
Hardinge retired from VIC in 1985, and the Bristol Ballet Company
left the auspices of the VIC in 1986 to return to its original home
at the school of dance that Hardinge founded. The department
was briefly headed by Sidney Warren before Harolyn Gaudette
assumed the director’s position in 1987. Under her leadership,
the program continued to bring in guest choreographers and
teachers and focused on performing classical, contemporary,
modern, and theatre dance pieces as well as training dance
educators. Gaudette held the position until the department closed
at the end of the 2009 school year.
Since its creation, the dance department at Virginia Intermont
College produced hundreds of performers, teachers, and
choreographers. To operate a department like this is truly a labor
of love, and while the legacy of the program will live on in the lives
of those who were a part of the program, the dance community
has lost something precious. TAD applauds the vision of the
women who created and sustained this program, and we regret
deeply the closing of this program.
Be an arts advocate!
This article highlights the importance of active
arts advocacy. During this time of economic issues
and budget crisis, it is even more important
to voice your support of the arts, and dance in
particular. Develop a habit of contacting your
local, state and national officials to let them know
how important the art of dance is to a civilized
society. Your voice matters. Let them know why
Dance is important and what it does.
Dance develops the following:
• self-discipline
• focus
• concentration
• creativity
• problem-solving skills
• self-assessment skills
• the desire to do well
• physical fitness
Why are these things important? These are all
skills that transfer into other areas of learning
and achievement. Students who study dance
score an average 36 and 15 points higher on
verbal and math SATS (Source: College Entrance
Examination Board, Student Descriptive Questionnaire).
Employers are increasingly looking for
employees who are creative and adaptable.
Be an active member of TAD and Tennesseans
for the Arts. Help to spread the message about
dance and the arts.
The Call Board August 2010

P.O. Box 4368
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Attention:
This issue of The Call
Board is the official
Statewide Conference
issue.
Important information
concerning the
registration process
is inside.
All registration for the
Conference MUST be
done online.
Please check your email regularly for TAD communications. As a result of
our member’s wishes we are conducting much of our business and
information services through email.
Please contact the TAD office if you are not receiving TAD member emails.
E-mail: info@tennesseedance.org
www.tennesseedance.org
Tennessee Association of Dance is a State Affiliate
of National Dance Education Organization
The Call Board August 2010
The Tennessee Association of Dance receives funding through an agreement with the
Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Association
also gratefully acknowledges support from the Capezio/Ballet Makers Foundation