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

Tickets on sale now!

We are thrilled to unveil the concept for this season's premiere, Appalachian Phoenix!

This new work celebrates the resilience and unity of Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The choreography, performed by Terpsicorps’ exceptional dancers and accompanied by local musicians, is inspired by true stories of kindness and strength shared by our WNC neighbors. These stories of local heroes, nominated by their communities, will be woven into the very fabric of the performance, influencing every movement and creating a powerful narrative of renewal and recovery.

Experience More Than a Performance

The Rising Phoenix sculpture - Crafted from over 6,000 plastic water bottles collected by schools, businesses, and individuals affected by the storm, this stunning piece will greet audiences in the lobby of both venues. Created by WNC artists, the Rising Phoenix symbolizes the transformative power of collective action, rising from the ashes of hardship. The stories of our heroes will be printed on paper and literally integrated into the sculpture, creating a lasting tribute to their acts of kindness and strength. This artwork is a testament to the spirit of resilience and the importance of community in the face of adversity.

The Set - A monumental backdrop made from an additional 6,000 of these reclaimed water bottles will be lit to evoke Appalachian sunrises, waterfalls, and mountain vistas, immersing audiences in the beauty of the region’s natural environment. The bottles not only symbolize their own significant environmental impact, but also serve as a poignant reminder of the waste and debris left in the storm’s wake. By transforming these materials into art, we shine a light on the importance of renewal and environmental stewardship.

Honoring our Heroes - At each Asheville performance, we will pay tribute to local heroes whose acts of kindness and resilience during Hurricane Helene have helped their communities recover. While Winston-Salem was spared from the storm, our audiences there will connect to the powerful stories of these heroes, woven into the choreography and inspired by the recovery efforts of our WNC community.

Join us for an evening that celebrates breathtaking artistry, environmental consciousness, and the strength of community spirit. Appalachian Phoenix unites us all in celebrating the power of renewal—across cities, through art, and for a shared future.

Also on the program - This year’s program will feature some of Terpsicorps’ most beloved comedic and inspirational works, offering an evening of artistry, humor, and inspiration you won’t want to miss!

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!