CDT

As you may {or may not} know, Kensie has been a part of the Virginia Tanner Creative Dance Program for the past few years. In May she auditioned for Children's Dance Theatre {CDT} and made it! They only audition dancers going into second grade. If you make it, you're in for life {or until you leave/graduate}. The only other way to become part of the company is if a spot opens up and your teacher recommends you. SO, this is a big deal for Kensie! She is beyond excited, as am I. She has been taking an art/dance class this summer with the girls that will make up the new CDT Second Grade class, and it has been so great. She's already made so many friends, and these are friends that will be with her for the next 10 years!! I'm excited for her to develop the bonds that will be formed with these girls. I have bonds with my Life Arts Center and U of U dancing friends that will never be broken. Here's a little background on CDT for those who are interested:

Children’s Dance Theatre (CDT) is the performing arm of the University of Utah Virginia Tanner Creative Dance Program. The company was established in 1949 by Virginia Tanner. Since 1979, under the artistic direction of Mary Ann Lee, the company has continued to grow in size and programming, resulting in continued state, national and international recognition. In February 2000, a major goal was realized when the program became a part of the University's Department of Modern Dance in the College of Fine Arts.
This company of young dancers, ages eight to eighteen, shares its performances annually with more than 45,000 Utahns. Every spring, the company showcases an original work at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City. CDT is the second oldest performing arts organization in Utah and performs regularly under the auspices of the Utah Arts Council’s Performing Arts Tour, with support from the Zoo, Arts and Parks fund, and in collaboration with other arts organizations and individuals.

The goals of CDT are to allow children to experience the joy of moving and the discipline of dance, to nurture the creative process and to share the results of this training with a broad population base. While technique is taught for the development of strength, flexibility, control, balance and an awareness of the body’s potential, an equal emphasis is placed on creative problem solving. The importance of balanced intellectual and physical development is continually stressed. Inherent in the program, CDT nurtures an appreciation of music, literature and visual arts.

A few projects from her summer class: