Songs & Dances of Love & the Epic Journey of Frederick Davis – From the Streets to the Stage Experience different shades of love through song, dance and the epic journey of Frederick Davis - From the Streets to the Stage in Yellowstone Ballet Company’s Songs & Dances of Love on Saturday, February 8th 7:30 p.m. at the Willson Auditorium. "From the Streets to the Stage: The Journey of Fredrick Davis" is the story of an African American child who overcame tremendous odds to achieve his dream of dancing. “My experience growing up as a kid was one of living in poverty on the streets of Chattanooga. I had many dreams. I wanted to be a lawyer, businessman, firefighter, wrestler, football player. I couldn’t afford to try out for the football team and the dance auditions were free, so that was where it all started.” His exposure to dance at age 11 changed his life; he found inspiration, love and the support he needed from Ballet Tennessee, his church family, his grandmother and a caring community to become a principal dancer with the Harlem Ballet. After training on scholarship at Ballet Tennessee, “I was offered a full scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City and then joined Dance Theatre of Harlem” said Davis. Dance Theatre of Harlem Artistic Director, Virginia Johnson, said, “One could anticipate that the stardom of having danced as a Principal with the legendary Dance Theatre of Harlem could easily go to one’s head, but this is farthest from the truth with Fred. His hard work and humble beginnings reflect who he is today”. After leaving Dance Theatre of Harlem, Davis participated in a Dance for America tour and danced at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. As a sought-after performer, Fredrick has served as a guest artist for Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Ballet Tucson, Dance Theatre of Harlem, San Jose Dance Theatre, New JerseyBallet Company, and Connecticut Ballet. He also has been a guest choreographer for Neville Dance Theatre. “I am in the process of opening a non-profit dance school and company in Tennessee. My goal is to build a bridge going forward for the African American and underprivileged community.” To quote Stan Lee Davis says, “don’t listen to the naysayers. If you really want to do something, do it. Find your purpose in life and goals and go for it. Nothing is ever certain in life. You can never be ready when the time is right, you can only be ready enough to take the chance. Be the best that you can be.” Along with Davis and his partner Gabriela Escalona from Venezuela performing Le Corsaire and The Lark Ascending, the mélange includes excerpts from: Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet with Molly Groesch and Lucas Segovia and love songs sung by Ciara Walace. Come bask in the love that the arts can bestow to all hopeful and hopeless romantics. Your heart will be tickled pink! Tickets are available at www.Yellowstoneballet.info