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Our History & Heritage

For the past thirty years, the Intercity Ballet Theatre has worked to bring guest artists and excellence in classical ballet to Northeast Tennessee. Founded in 1975, the company provides more than 4,000 young children in the Tri-Cities the opportunity to experience live ballet each year with annual performances of The Nutcracker. Intercity also acts as a springboard for many aspiring dancers.

Former dancers of the Intercity Ballet have gone on to perform with Atlanta Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and other hallmark companies. Guest artists brought to the area have included Jeffrey Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem, Boston Ballet and Ailey II Repertory Ensemble. Performers from such movies as Butterflies are Free, A Chorus Line, and Dirty Dancing have also been guests of Intercity. Master Class teachers for workshops have come from the National Ballet of Canada, Atlanta Ballet, Washington Ballet, Jazz Dance Theater of Atlanta, Houston Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Ballet Theatre of West Virginia.

Intercity began with students and schools originating from Johnson City and Kingsport with Mrs. Wilma H. Pace and Mrs. Reese Holloway Toohey as it’s founders. Mrs. Toohey was the first Artistic Director of Intercity Ballet. The hard work and vision of Mrs. Pace and Mrs. Toohey established a tradition that has given joy to countless dancers and the community at large. Over the years Intercity has grown and is now a strong nonprofit organization under the leadership of our present Artistic Director, Dorothy Hanner Ratcliff.

Intercity company members receive training in classical ballet and stage performance. Members are selected by public audition. Our company embraces dancers who range in age from as young as 4 through adulthood. Company members receive training from local artists, as well as master class instruction from visiting professionals. Performance opportunities are available to dancers of varying skill levels.

It is the goal of Intercity to provide a positive atmosphere
that encourages every dancer to reach their full potential and
become the best they can be.

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