IndepenDANCE Day Street Party Joins With Nightfall

Friday night, there was a collaboration between the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Night Fall for the first time ever.

"We are excited to have this Independence Day event where we’ll have dancers, a DJ, activities for the kids. Just a family friendly event to kick off the fourth of July weekend," said Bessie Smith Cultural Center executive director Dionne Jennings.

Eclectic Movement is a Chattanooga dance team that performs all over the area.

They brought their dance moves – and a little bit of hip hop flavor – to Night Fall this year.

"I’ve always loved trying to go to Night Fall and I love dancing and my crew is here and we’re gonna give you guys a show and it’s gonna be good," said dancer Ryan Rowe.

The IndepenDANCE Day street party had people of all ages dancing in the lawn of the Bessie Smith, bringing the revitalized MLK culture further into the Chattanooga community.

"And having Eclectic Movement come out and teaching dancing to kids and adults who want to learn but just really a good fun way to say MLK is a very vibrant place for families to come out and enjoy after hours," said Jennings.

Hundreds showed up for the music, the dancing, the cooking, the celebration to bring Bessie Smith into Night Fall for the fourth.

"It’s really nice to feel a sense of community here. Everybody’s so nice and friendly. It just feels wonderful," said Anne Willett who attended the event.