Candace Bendever, coordinator and teacher for the present dance team, Driven, has been in the groove approximately 8 years with different groups from Sevierville. She is extremely proud of these kids and all that they have already accomplished. She hopes to engrain in them a love of dance and more. “I truly want them to find hope in hopeless situations for their lives and dreams. To reach for their dreams and never give up is something I try to instill in them. They are a great group to work with and as they grow, my goal is that this will be a time they look back on and have great memories of.” Bendever commented.
Dance is not the only competition these teens will be performing for the more than 10,000. Choral groups, trios and solo performances will also grace the stage in Knoxville for competition at the state level. Jihan Cox, choral director for the group has prepared these teens for over a year. Working with students for the last few years, Cox has tried to teach them the importance of commitment and what can be gained from the attitude of staying in the game. “From this experience, I would like the kids to see that they can do great things in their lives, even at a young age. To see and understand the purpose for the lives that God has given them is what I desire them to get from this encounter.” Cox responded.
To assist with the trip, several fund raising endeavors have been set in motion. Prior to the competition on March 28 and 29, a performance of choral and dance on individual and group levels will be held on March 26 at New Hope Church in Kodak, Tennessee. New Hope Church has taken residence in the Lee Greenwood Theatre location.
Donations will be collected upon arrival at the performance scheduled for 7 p.m. For more information, you may contact the church at 932-4673 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.