About Us
Our History |
Founded in 1991 by Molly Koon Quist, the Dance Centre was originally located off Western Avenue in Knoxville, but its doors closed in 2017 to form one large company at our Oak Ridge location, started in 1994. It is a 4,300 square foot facility on East Division Road, with 3 studios (2 with floating wooden floors), spacious 14-foot ceilings, and expansive wall-sized mirrors.
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Every year, DCOR students take lessons in ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theater, and more in technique levels varying from beginner to elite. Each student receives individualized attention in a class environment from one of several qualified staff instructors, as well as being given the opportunity to participate in master classes, seminars, and workshops presented by renowned guest artists. All students are given the option to participate in the annual spring recital held in May to showcase the skills and techniques they have learned through the year.
DCOR Company |
The Dance Centre is also home to the DCOR Company, directed by Molly Quist and Katrina Rouse. Made up of 3 teams, the DCOR Company represents the studio at area competitions at both regional and national levels.
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The requirements for participating in the company are rigorous to maintain a level of professionalism and eliteness; all company members are required to attend every rehearsal and travel to competitions. Dancers are hand-picked each fall from the studio population to audition. The DCOR Company competes each year at a number of competitions such as Legacy Dance Championships, EPIC Dance Showcase, 24Seven Dance Convention, and Platinum Dance Regionals & Nationals. Our company has won numerous awards throughout the years at these prestigious competitions.
Oak Ridge
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ORCBA is a regional ballet company that holds open auditions for all area dancers. A non-profit organization, ORCBA boasts the oldest dance charter in the state of Tennessee. Many professional dancers have graced the stage with ORCBA's local dancers in two annual shows, including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Paquita, Cinderella, Giselle, Peter and the Wolf, The Tales of Hans Christian Anderson, Les Sylphides, La Bayadare, and Sleeping Beauty.
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ORCBA has had many directors throughout the years, including Suzanne Skeel, Joan Kunsch, Leslie Swazee, Steve McBride, Anna Marie Holmes, David Holmes, Greg and Julie Larson, and Eda Krasova. Molly Koon Quist took over as Director in 1997 and is currently assisted by Katrina Quist Rouse and Courtney Wills.
