Company d members not only dance with exuberance and heart; they also travel with the same spirit and awe. Despite the gray sky and a steady drizzle of rain the dancers’ spirit was not dampened when they boarded the bus shortly after sun up. Company d was invited by VSA of Tennessee to be part of the Young Soloist finalist concert to be held at Dollywood theme park, in the Pines Theater, the weekend of October 29 thru the 31st, 2009.
Company d traveled eight hours through the hills of Tennessee to perform and see the sights. They were accompanied by their director and many of their parents. The bus driver, Mr. Eddie, quickly embraced the spirit of the trip. He kept a steady pace on the road while the young men and women of Company d sat with their friends keeping the same pace with their laughter and excitement, only stopping long enough to enjoy lunch in Nashville!
The arrival in Dollywood commenced on Thursday evening and the excitement continued throughout the weekend. Their performance opened with Dolly Parton’s “The Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” The theater immediately filled with amazing energy felt by both the audience and performers. The dancers continued to awe the audience with some of their favorite dances choreographed by their director and choreographer, Darlene Winters. The applause appeared to be of wonderment and amazement, but it was the comments they received that confirmed the audience’s admiration and inspiration.
But the fun didn’t stop there! The group then spent the day at Dollywood, hanging out with their friends, going on rides, shopping in gift shops, and playing games. With tired feet and much accomplishment, dancers and families met at the Dixie Stampede for delicious food and entertainment.
Saturday brought the wonderful weekend to an end as the young men and women spent time going through the Christmas Village in Gatlinburg before the long ride home. Although their first road trip ended quickly, the memories of their trip will live in their hearts forever. As their memorabilia that they picked up along the way may remind them of the wonderful time they shared; the memories and bonding of their trip will forever be embedded in their minds.
Cheers to all the members of Company d for all your hard work and determination! You make us all so proud each time we see your faces light up a stage!