Dalton Dance Company seniors will dance together in farewell piece

Published 12:02 am Thursday, March 23, 2017

In the words of senior dancer Taylor Kate Boyett, “I am thrilled to dance my heart out one more time with all of these amazing dancers.”

The 11 seniors from the Dalton Dance Company will dance together Friday through Sunday in the Dalton Arts Project’s performances of “One More Time.” Hannah Addis, Emma Bakker, Taylor Kate Boyett, Sarah Kate Coleman, Katherine Griffin, Danielle Jones, Bowen Land, Anna Nimmons, Katelyn O’Ferrall, Mary Turner Renz and Abby Rogers will share their talents and love of dance with each other and the audience as they perform their farewell piece, “For Good,” choreographed by Lori Beth Eicholtz.

Addis, daughter of Steven and Kemberly Addis, attends Northwest Whitfield High School. She has been dancing for 12 years and is also employed at the Dance Theatre of Dalton. Hannah describes her dance experience as being “something she will never forget” and says, “I can’t possibly pick a favorite memory because I have so many.” She also says, “Dance has changed my life and I am thankful for being a part of the DTD family.” She will attend Dalton State College after graduation.

Bakker is a student at Dalton High School and the daughter of Hans and Tonya Bakker. She has danced for 10 years and also enjoys competition cheerleading and lacrosse at DHS. A special memory that she recalls came after their last “Nutcracker” performance “when we realized we only had one March concert left.” Emma will choose between UGA, Georgia Tech and the University of Virginia for college in the fall.

Taylor Kate Boyett, who also attends Dalton High School, has danced since she was 3. She says, “I love the moments when everyone is rushing around backstage, the costumes become a giant pile on the floor, and somehow we all make it back to the stage successfully before the music starts.” She is the daughter of Bill and Dania Boyett, and in addition to dance she participates in DHS Drama, attends church at Rock Bridge Community Church and choreographs shows at DHS. Taylor Kate says “March concert is so fun and is also an amazing way to let go and leave everything on stage. I will always cherish the prayer circles with my friends before every show.” She is undecided on which college she will attend after graduation.

Sarah Kate Coleman, daughter of Sean and Kathryn Coleman, will graduate from Dalton High School and continue her education at the University of South Carolina. She plans to major in public health. In addition to dancing for the past 15 years, she runs cross country, participates in track for DHS and is a member of ChristChurch youth. Sarah Kate says, “I am so excited for our last March concert! We’ve worked extremely hard to get where we are today and I can’t wait to take the stage for the last time with some of my best friends.”

Katherine Griffin attends Dalton High School and is the daughter of Mark and Lucy Griffin. She has been dancing since she was 3 and has also worked at Dance Theatre of Dalton for the past five years. In addition to dance, she is involved with Dalton First United Methodist youth. In her words, “It is sad that our last performances are coming to a close, but endless memories and lifelong friendships will always stay with me.” She is undecided about her college plans upon graduation.

Danielle Jones attends Northwest Whitfield High School and plans to attend Dalton State College in the fall and major in dental hygiene. She is the daughter of Billy and Betty Jones and has been dancing for 14 years. Danielle is also employed at the Dance Theatre of Dalton and enjoys being with her friends when she’s not working or dancing. She says her special memories are “hanging out backstage with my soul sisters before a show. It is sad that it is my last year but I know I am always welcome at the studio. My favorite memory is having someone so special, like Mrs. Long, teach and guide us on the right path in dance and in life.”

Bowen Land attends Dalton High School and is the daughter of Matt and Amy Land. She has danced for 15 years and when she’s not dancing she is a member of FCA, plays basketball and is on the track team for DHS. Bowen plans to major in secondary education at Southern Union State Community College in the fall. Her favorite memories from the March concerts are backstage and says, “The backstage crews are awesome and so supportive.” In her words, “My dance company is filled with girls that I have grown up with and shared so many loving moments with.”

Anna Nimmons, the daughter of Truett and LeeAnn Nimmons, plans to attend the University of Georgia upon graduation from Dalton High School. She has been dancing for the past 14 years and also enjoys tennis and youth group. “I’ve been dancing with this group of girls for as long as I can remember and I’m so excited to finish our last year of dance with them,” says Anna.

Katelyn O’Ferrall, a senior at Northwest Whitfield High School, is the daughter of Melissa Morgan and Patrick O’Ferrall. She has been dancing for 14 years and also enjoys playing tennis at NWHS. She says, “I have enjoyed being able to make dance friends from all different backgrounds but having dance as a common interest.” In the fall, Katelyn plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in pharmacy.

Doug and Patti Renz are the parents of Mary Turner Renz, a senior at Dalton High School. She has been dancing for 12 years and also enjoys tennis, volleyball and youth at Dalton First United Methodist. In the fall, she will attend the University of Georgia and is undecided on her major. Mary Turner says, “After our last ‘Nutcracker’ all of the seniors spent the night together and watched old performances of March concert and ‘Nutcracker.’ It was really fun and we all just got to hang out.”

Abby Rogers is the daughter of Jimmy and Laura Rogers and is a student at Dalton High School. She has been dancing since she was 3 and in addition to dance, she enjoys chorus, lacrosse and Dalton First United Methodist youth. She says, “A lot of meaningful things happen backstage that the audience is unaware of. During ‘Nutcracker’ intermission, all of the snowflakes, Vince, the sugar plum fairy and the cavalier gather on stage to pray. It is a very special time for all of the dancers to bond.” Abby is undecided about the college she will attend after graduation.

The Dalton Arts Project presents “One More Time” on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Dalton High School theater. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Tickets are available at 411 N. Park Drive or at the DHS theater door on the day of the show. For more information, please call (706) 529-2787 or connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.