Dalton Dance Company seniors to present last performance

Published 10:30 am Thursday, March 20, 2025

The five seniors from the Dalton Dance Company will dance together one last time March 21-23 in the Dalton Arts Project’s performances of “Dancing Queen.” Seniors Emery Edgeman, Lilly Grafe, Caroline Hogshead, Lanier Land and Lucy Tatum will share their talents and love of dance with each other and the audience as they perform their farewell piece “Tiny Dancer,” choreographed by Lori Beth Eicholtz.

Emery Edgeman attends Dalton High School and is the daughter of Lori Beth Eicholtz and Steve Edgeman. She has danced for 15 years and was a 2024 Governor’s Honors Program finalist in dance. She is a featured actress in regional film and television productions and participated in the United Way Youth Council, National Honor Society, Pep Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Rock Bridge Community Church.

She said, “My biggest takeaway from my dance career would be the relationships I have made and the life lessons I have learned. Dance has made me into the person I am today, and gifted me with friendships that I will cherish forever.”

She plans to major in psychology at the University of Georgia beginning in the fall.

After graduating from Dalton High School, Lilly Grafe plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in psychology. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Scott Grafe and has been dancing since she was 3. She is a member of the varsity cheerleading and track teams, National Honor Society, United Way Youth Council, Interact Club and Pep Club and is Top 10 in her class and an AP (Advanced Placement) Scholar.

She said, “All dancers have to give so much time and effort, which makes us strong. I want my performances to show my love for dance and all my hard work. I’m thankful that my childhood dream of being a ballerina was supported by my sister, parents and my senior dance group.”

Stephanie and Ted Hogshead are the parents of Caroline Hogshead, a senior at Dalton High School. She has danced for 15 years and is a member of the Dalton High varsity lacrosse team, varsity football and competition cheerleader squads, United Way Youth Council, National Honor Society, Interact Club, Pep Club and ChristChurch Youth and an AP Scholar.

She said, “For me, it has been so much more than just dance. I’ve enjoyed being able to perform for my community while also creating lifelong friends and memories throughout my 15 years dancing.”

She plans to attend the University of Georgia as a pre-med/psychology major.

Lanier Land, a senior at Dalton High School, has danced since she was 3. She is the daughter of Dana and Mitch Land. She is a varsity cheerleader and was honored as the 4A-6A Cheerleader of the Year. She serves as senior class president and is president of the Pep Club. She is also a Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader, plays varsity lacrosse and is an active member of the ChristChurch Presbyterian Youth Group.

She said, “Dance was instrumental in making me the person I am today. It taught me hard work and that sacrifices were necessary. Over the past 15 years, my love and passion has consistently grown for dance, and it has become my sense of joy and comfort.”

She plans to major in biology but has not decided at which university.

Katie and Jeff Tatum are the parents of Lucy Tatum, a senior at Dalton High School. She has been dancing for 15 years. She is a member of the Pep Club and the River Community Church where she served in the Children’s Ministries. In the fall, she plans to attend college and major in communications.

She said, “My biggest takeaway from my dance career is the lifelong friendships I have made and the ability to learn how to jump out of my comfort zone. Dance has made me into the person I am today and has provided some great life lessons and advice that will stick with me forever.”

The Dalton Arts Project presents the Dalton Dance Company in its spring dance concert “Dancing Queen” Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m.,; and Sunday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in the Dalton High School theater. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the Dance Theatre of Dalton studios, 411 North Park Drive, or the theater door on the day of the shows.

For more information, please call (706) 529-5664 or connect with the Dalton Dance Company on Facebook and Instagram.