Commenting that The Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble wanted “to perform dances that will heal the hearts of all who see them,” the dance company has announced it will be performing Thursday, June 13, at 7 pm, in Newtown High School auditorium.

“Following the shootings in Newtown, our dancers and staff were moved with compassion for the families and Newtown,” added Irina Linn, co-founder of the ensemble. “Don’t miss this opportunity to see this appealing family favorite. You will leave inspired!”

The event is being hosted by HealingNewtown. Suggested donation is $5, to benefit HealingNewtown.

Founded 32 years ago by modern dance pioneer Dr Dorothy Floyd, a psychologist and dancer, Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble is an official goodwill ambassador for the state of Tennessee. It has danced at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., across the United States, and internationally in tours of England, Scotland, Norway, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore/Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Canada and Jordan. Five television documentaries have been produced on the ensemble, and another will be produced throughout this tour.

The year 2013 begins a new era as the ensemble actively pursues ways to use their craft to continue to help children and families in crises on a national and international level.  Their mission of  “movement with meaning” translates into the dances that make up the repertoire for TCDE.  Evoking themes like war and peace, and life and death in a child’s world, their dances aim to make a difference in the lives of all who experience the dance.

Following their performance in Newtown, the company will travel to a community on the New Jersey shore devastated by Hurricane Sandy, performing at Memorial School in Union Beach, N.J. The community is rebuilding three of its schools, so TCDE’s performance will be outside by necessity.  TCDE will take with them some token gifts from Newtown to share with the children of Union Beach.

Reservations for the June 13 performance are requested, and can be done at www.HealingNewtown.org.