Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Ashley Hannah Davis, Interim Director of Tennessee Ballet Theater and Director of Show for “901 Stories: Down on Beale,” who highlights the nonprofit organization’s recent performance and broader mission “to bring Memphis together through dance!” Ashley Hannah discusses her background in ballet, starting at age two and dancing with Ballet Memphis for many seasons before joining Tennessee Ballet Theatre in 2023. She talks about the power of dance in opening access to opportunities for youth and explains how ballet develops both physical and mental capabilities that are skills for success in life and business.
Ashley Hannah discusses how Tennessee Ballet Theater creates immersive dance performances in meaningful venues rather than traditional theaters, with their latest show at the historic New Daisy Theater featuring volunteer dancers performing pieces throughout different spaces including the stage, VIP area, and opera boxes. She explains the origin of the show “901 Stories: Down on Beale,” noting the New Daisy Theater’s significance as the first movie theater for African Americans and its previous use for boxing and other types of shows. Ashley Hannah shares how she and her team researched the venue’s history to create a show that would highlight significant events and performers who had been there. She shares some of the glowing feedback from the performances, which took place June 5 and 6, with audience members learning something new and feeling proud of Memphis’ history and cultural contributions.
Ashley Hannah also describes their associated educational programs, including the Children’s Ballet Theater School and the Frayser Dance Project, which provides free dance classes to underserved communities through funding from generous supporters, including Nike. The interview covers how dance has evolved in Memphis to offer more accessible pathways for young people, particularly highlighting the importance of seeing diverse representation in ballet. Ashley Hannah emphasizes the community’s role in supporting the organization through attending performances, donating to the Frayser Dance Project, and marking calendars for the upcoming “Clara and the Nutcracker” show on December 6th and 7th at the Rose Theater on the University of Memphis campus.
Visit https://www.tennesseeballettheater.com to learn more about Tennessee Ballet Theater.
