“A community based organization focused on developing and defining art education and appreciation of classical ballet, through self discipline, creative expression and performance exposure, in young people of diverse backgrounds.
Dance is a joyous celebration of life. Dance is mastery of the human body. Dance is a path of personal growth. These are some of the guiding principals of Ballet On Wheels Dance School (BOW)— Memphis ’ only non-profit, pre-professional, community-based classical ballet school and dance company. Student learn the fundamentals of dance while developing qualities that make for a successful and happy life: self-discipline, perseverance, creativity, and more. In 2002, Ballet On Wheels (BOW) was birthed six months after the untimely death of the Artistic Director’s mentor, Carlton Lee Johnson. Johnson’s dance legacy, inspiration and true commitment to quality instruction and performance flair is very much alive in the organizations current dance culture. Perhaps our mission statement best sums up our goal: to develop and define art education and appreciation of classical ballet and other dance genres, through self discipline, creative expression and performance exposure, in young people of diverse backgrounds. Professional teachers provide instruction to our diverse student body in the art form and theory of classical ballet, creative movement, pointe, modern, adult ballet, and hip hop dance genres. Classes run eleven months out of the year and more advanced students can participate in master class dance intensives and audition or be selected for our acclaimed, Ballet On Wheels Theatre of Dance, a pre-professional youth dance company. BOW sponsors annual innovative dance projects and community service dance events throughout the city. We also take our name literally, teaching classes in numerous Memphis City Schools and local youth organizations. Community service also figures prominently in the school’s curriculum. We believe in developing all sides of students’ lives, and helping the less fortunate is one way to instill gratitude and appreciation for the blessings we have. Most important, though, we make learning ballet fun, and celebrate the art of dance in its many forms. Governed by a professional board, Ballet On Wheels is a member of the National Dance Association, Tennessee Association of Dance and is an affiliate member of Arts Memphis.
Ballet On Wheels Performance Request Packet
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Artistic Director
Chauniece Conner
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-“Igniting a passion in students for music, soul & dance.” |
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Dance runs in the blood of Chauniece R. Conner, founder of Ballet On Wheels Dance School & Company – Memphis’ first non-profit, pre-professional African American ballet school and dance company. Chauniece first donned her ballet shoes at the tender age of eight under the instruction of George Latimer at Ballet South / Tennessee Ballet Company. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she landed parts with the company in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, The Red Shoes, Peter and the Wolf, and Cinderella. Her crowning achievement at the company was her 1986 selection for the role of Clara in The Nutcracker, which made her the first African-American female dancer to perform the part throughout the Southeastern region with a mixed professional ballet company—a truly landmark event that received critical accolades. Continuing her professional journey, Chauniece joined the River City Ballet Company in the early 1990s as a principal dancer under the tutelage of the world-renowned dancer/director/choreographer Carlton Lee Johnson. While studying under Mr. Johnson, she performed title roles in the majority of River City’s performances, including: “Beauty” in Beauty in the Beast, “Dorothy” in The Wizard of Oz and “Clara” in the Nutcracker. Having fulfilled her ambitions on the stage, Chauniece decided to pursue another dream: the founding of her own dance school. As the Artistic Director of Ballet On Wheels Dance School & Company, Chauniece provides her students with the same rigorous training she received. Just as important, she strives to cultivate confidence and self-esteem in her students, and enrich the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds through the art of dance. Chauniece’s talent, vision and contribution to the arts has been recognized by the larger community. In 2005, she was awarded the Peace Achiever of the Month award by Clearchannel Communications. In 2008, she was selected as one of the "50 Women Who Make A Difference" by Memphis Women's Magazine. She also was a 2008 recipient of the Epsilon Epsilon’s Prominent Black Women Award for Arts and Culture. In 2009, she was recognized for her achievement in the Arts through Top Ladies of Distinction, (Memphis Chapter) Ladies Choice Awards and a local hero through the General Mills, “Feeding Dreams” community program. Chauniece is a native Memphian, attended the Memphis City School system, and graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Business Administration. She is currently a member of Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church, where she actively serves as an Elder, Worship Committee Chairperson, Praise Dance Team Choreographer, and member of the Personnel Committee. |
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Board of Directors Joy Bowen, Doris Boyd, Chauniece Conner, Brian Dobbins, Wanda Edwards, Tameka Harrison, Tina Jones, Sam King, Dwilette Pride, Jackie Thompson, Sharon Williams |
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