Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, North Carolina’s professional summertime ballet company, is heading back to Winston-Salem for the second year. Last season’s performances at the Agnes DeMille Theatre of the UNC School of the Arts sold out early and the standing ovations following the shows were an exciting greeting for the company’s inaugural Triad season. This year the company is adding an extra performance and bringing with them a show with special meaning for Winston-Salem dance audiences.

The Rite of Spring & other works pays tribute to artistic director Heather Maloy’s mentor, critically acclaimed choreographer Salvatore Aiello. Aiello was the artistic director of NC Dance Theatre (NCDT) while it was based in Winston-Salem. Brought here by founding director, Robert Lindgren, Aiello was a brilliant choreographer and created works for NCDT that helped solidify the company’s stellar reputation within the international dance scene. Aiello’s innovative contemporary version of The Rite of Spring, has drawn dancers from six companies across the country eager to participate in this landmark performance. His interpretation of Stravinsky’s infamous work that caused audiences to riot at its Paris premiere, is breathtaking in its sexuality, power and portrayal of primitive tribal practices. Rounding out the evening are Heather Maloy’s crowd pleasing tribute to New Orleans, Second Line, and one of Aiello's earliest works and one known and loved by all fans of the old NCDT, the whimsical Clowns & others. This subtle comedic masterwork was a staple in the NCDT repertoire for close to 20 years and is filled with whimsy, pathos and humor.

As the last dancer hired into NCDT when it was still based in the Triad, as well as being a Winston-Salem native and UNCSA alumnus, Maloy followed the company to Charlotte but continued to hope for a stronger tie with their former roots. When she created Terpsicorps in Asheville, it was her goal to do two things, keep Salvatore Aiello’s work alive with a company devoted in part to his memory, and to bring his works home to Winston-Salem along with new, innovative choreography of her own that kept his spirit of ingenuity, theatricality and humor alive. In keeping with her desire to keep strong toes n the community, this summer marks the third season of the Terpsicorps UNC School of the Arts apprenticeship program. Five current and recent students of the school will be performing alongside the seasoned professionals, gaining invaluable experience that will help them as they embark on their new careers.


The Rite of Spring & other works – July 8-10, 8:00 p.m., Agnes DeMille Theatre on the campus of the UNC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem. $20/ $18 students & seniors. To purchase tickets visit the Stevens Center Box office or call 336-721-1945. Tickets go on sale mid-June.