What is Terpsicorps?

A group of diversely exceptional professional dance artists from across the US and beyond, converging in NC every summer to bring highly entertaining and strikingly thought provoking works of contemporary ballet dance theater to the communities of Asheville and Winston-Salem.

THIS is Terpsicorps…

aNNOUNCING AN EVENING OF BEAUTY AND RESILIENCE through the art of dance

Appalachian Phoenix: A Community-Driven Celebration of Resilience

Terpsicorps’ world premiere of Appalachian Phoenix is more than a performance—it’s a testament to the strength, creativity, and unity of Western North Carolina. This powerful new work transforms real stories of kindness and perseverance in the wake of Hurricane Helene into breathtaking movement, music, and design.

A Performance Created by and for the Community

🔥 Stories That Inspire – Our world-class dancers bring to life the true stories of local heroes, nominated by their communities. Their acts of kindness and courage shape the choreography, making Appalachian Phoenix a deeply personal and meaningful experience. Know someone who made a difference? You can still nominate a hero!

🌎 Art Built from Community Effort –

• The Rising Phoenix Sculpture – Designed by artists Sara Sanders and Chas Llewellyn, this breathtaking installation is built from over 6,000 plastic water bottles collected by local schools, businesses, and individuals affected by the storm. The STEAM Studio and SkillSet at UNCA, along with local volunteers and summer camp students will help bring the sculpture to life, weaving the names and stories of WNC heroes into its wings.

• A Transformative Set – Another 6,000 bottles, recovered in the aftermath of the storm, will form a stunning, illuminated backdrop evoking Appalachian landscapes. These materials, once debris, now stand as a testament to renewal and environmental responsibility.

🎶 A Score Rooted in Community – Created by critically acclaimed WNC musicians River Guerguerian and Chris Rosser of Free Planet Radio, alongside composer Jeff Schmitt of Saint Disruption, this original score features the powerful vocals of Datrian Johnson. Reflecting the many voices and influences that shape WNC today, the music blends past and present, creating a sound as dynamic and diverse as the region itself.

🏆 Honoring Local Heroes – Each Asheville performance will pay tribute to individuals whose strength and generosity helped their neighbors rebuild. Their stories will not only be brought to life through dance but will also be documented in a collection of short stories by local author Beth Huber and a collection of poetry by Jason Huber of Beasts of the Mountain Poetry Collective.

🌱 A Commitment to Sustainability – With a set, costumes, and props made from repurposed materials, Appalachian Phoenix highlights the power of transformation. In partnership with Asheville GreenWorks, we’re raising awareness about environmental stewardship and community action. GreenWorks will be in the lobby to share their mission, offer resources on sustainability, and inspire audiences to take action in their own communities.

🩰 PLUS!!! – The evening also features some of Terpsicorps’ most beloved comedic and inspirational works, promising an unforgettable blend of artistry, heart, and humor. ⬇️

AYT? (Are You There?) – A hilarious technological love story about our co-dependent relationship with cell phones.

Le Suil Go... (In the Hope That…) – A vibrant and athletic tour de force that showcases the strength and artistry of the Terpsicorps dancers, set to lively, rhythmic Celtic music that pulses with irresistible energy.

The Date – A laugh-out-loud romp through a ridiculously disastrous romantic encounter, told through a wildly entertaining and increasingly inebriated tango.

Senza Fretta (Without Worry) - A high energy tour de force duet by the late master choreographer, Salvatore Aiello (creator of last season’s showstopper, SATTO). In Aiello’s words, Senza Fretta is “A whimsical encounter which brings forth a simpatico friendship.”

Moving Forward Post-Helene

Terpsicorps has faced many challenges over the past 21 years, but our director, Heather Maloy’s unwavering passion and tenacity have always seen us through. Her creativity never rests, and her dedication to creating beautiful, meaningful work for the unique and empowered people of North Carolina promises a performance experience not to be missed.

Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene’s impact on the local economy, Maloy is determined to move forward.

“When Terpsicorps held its first performances after COVID, the joy and sense of renewed community that it brought to our audiences was palpable. Any doubts about the importance of the arts in our lives melted away during that run of shows, and despite the new challenges we will surely face raising funds in Asheville this year, we know that moving forward is the right decision for the mental health and happiness of our community and the audiences we serve.”

Here are three ways our loyal fans can help at this moment

1 - Take care of yourself! If you live in WNC, even if you came out of this event with your property intact, you are not unscathed. This has been a traumatic event for us all. As we lift each other up, we must remember to care for ourselves as well.

2 - Support the artists and small businesses that make WNC the uniquely magical place we hold so dear. Whether you live in the area, or far away, there are ways you can help by clicking the links below to find an opportunity that speaks to you.

3 - Don’t forget about the arts organizations that you hold dear. Even if an organization did not sustain physical damage, it is losing income as we speak. October through December are the prime fundraising months for non-profits of all kinds. After you give to support those most in need, try and reserve a small amount towards the future you want to see. Do you want Asheville to remain a community that is vibrant, filled with performing arts organizations that give you joy? So do we!

Let’s work together to get normalcy back in our lives. Thank you in advance for supporting our community and understanding the importance of art!