Tribute to Thomas highlights Dance Theatre of Tennessee's '11-'12 season

Elaine Thomas, Dance Theatre of Tennessee's beloved assistant artistic director, will be feted in the company's 2011-2012 season opening At 75: A Tribute to Elaine Thomas, one of the highlights of the young company's second official season of offerings for midstate audiences.

"The upcoming season will hold something for everyone with its rich offering of professional performances," maintains DTT Artistic Director Christopher Mohnani.

As ballet mistress to many prominent companies around the world, guest artists from Ballet West, Pennsylvania Ballet, Texas Ballet Theatre, and others will add their artistry and accolades to the very special celebration of Thomas' life and career.

The tribute to Thomas "promises to be an evening of celebration and gratitude," Mohnani says, "and will culminate with a stunning performance of Act Two of Swan Lake."

As the holidays draw closer, DTT will treat audiences throughout Middle Tennessee with its full-version tour of The Nutcracker.

"Children and adults alike will enjoy this timeless classic as Dance Theatre of Tennessee brings this beautiful production to a city near you," Mohnani says.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, DTT will welcome 2012 with Latin Heat - Aspects of Love 2, featuring Latin influenced music and dance. Highlighting the variety and enrichment that cultural diversity brings to the arts, this inspiring production is conceived as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Aspects of Love, which featured new works by company members Brian Williamson and Ea Marie Torrad and presented during DTT's inaugural season in February 2011.

The 2011-12 season will draw to a close with the Children's Series featuring ballet's most famous comedy of errors, a full-length version of Coppélia, an entertaining piece about a beautiful doll who is mistaken for a real, living girl. Children will enjoy special pre-show activities designed for both the young and the young at heart.

Other highlights of the season include the continuation of DTT's successful anti-bullying Ugly Duckling outreach performances which runs throughout the year, as well as special Halloween and In-Studio Choreographer's Series.

For updates and additional information on DTT's exciting performance schedule, including dates, venues and school outreach performances please visit www.dancetheatretn.com.