Chattanooga Dance Theatre (CDT) is a prominent dance studio and community performance company located in the neighboring community of Hixson. Founded by Christine Mashburn-Paul, the institution offers structured training across diverse genres—including ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics, tap, and musical theatre. Serving dancers from ages 2 through adulthood, CDT functions as an educational hub and an active production house that stages unique, locally tailored seasonal performances.
🎄 The ”Nooga Nutcracker” & Performances
Rather than a traditional classical ballet, the company is best known for its annual signature production:
• The Nooga Nutcracker: Returning for its 14th year on December 18–20, 2026. This highly creative, modern reimagining is set in present-day Chattanooga. The story follows Clara after she is awoken by a sassy mouse queen. Assisted by the UTC Mocs football players, she helps the Nutcracker Prince defeat the mouse posse. The Prince then rewards her with a magical evening out on the town in Chattanooga.
• The Venue: While studio operations take place in Hixson, the Nooga Nutcracker is staged downtown at the UTC Fine Arts Center. Tickets go on sale each October through the UTC box office.
• Spring Gala & School Showcase: The company also holds auditions in January for its annual Spring Gala (staged in April), followed by a School Showcase in May to conclude the primary training year.
👟 Training Programs & Adult Classes
The studio operates out of its main facility at 5151 Austin Rd, Hixson, TN 37343 and is structured into multiple learning tiers:
• Youth Syllabus Curriculum: Children’s foundational classes begin at age 2 with Creative Movement and Primary Dance, moving systematically into Pre-Professional paths across multiple disciplines.
• Adult Class Program: For adult dancers or beginners returning to the studio, CDT holds relaxed, low-pressure evening drop-in classes. Options include Adult Ballet Basics on Mondays (6:15 PM), Adult Tap & Musical Theatre on Tuesdays (7:00 PM), and a rotating Contemporary Dance Sampler on Fridays (7:30 PM) covering jazz, hip-hop, and modern technique. Leotards are not required for adult classes.
• Studio Schedule: The office is open for in-person inquiries Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Review: Shakespeare Would be in Love of this Show
Write a Shakespeare performance review by focusing on the unique live production choices rather than just summarizing the original script or text. 1. Gather Basic Production Facts 2. Set the Scene (Introduction) 3. Analyze the Performance and Direction 4. Evaluate Design Elements 5. Conclude and Offer an Evaluation Author: Scenic Stage This is an author […]
