Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Supplies Needed: Internet connection, enough space to move around, comfortable clothes, and light sneakers, jazz, or ballet shoes.
Click here to RSVP for this event. On the day of the event, we will send a reminder email with the link required to attend.
Like most of our events, this event is free. If you decide to attend and to purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!
Inspiring, revealing, and deeply relatable, Being a Ballerina is a firsthand look at the realities of life as a professional ballet dancer. Through episodes from her own career, Gavin Larsen describes the forces that drive a person to study dance; the daily balance that dancers navigate between hardship and joy; and the dancer’s continual quest to discover who they are as a person and as an artist.
Starting with her arrival as a young beginner at a class too advanced for her, Larsen tells how the embarrassing mistake ended up helping her learn quickly and advance rapidly. In other stories of her early teachers, training, and auditions, she explains how she gradually came to understand and achieve what she and her body were capable of.
Larsen then re-creates scenes from her experiences in dance companies, from unglamorous roles to exhilarating performances. Working as a ballerina was shocking and scary at first, she says, recalling unexpected injuries, leaps of faith, and her constant struggle to operate at the level she wanted–but full of enormously rewarding moments. Larsen also reflects candidly on her difficult decision to retire at age 35.
An ideal read for aspiring dancers, Larsen’s memoir will also delight experienced dance professionals and fascinate anyone who wonders what it takes to live a life dedicated to the perfection of the art form.
Gavin Larsen was a professional ballet dancer for 18 years before retiring in 2010. A principal dancer with the Oregon Ballet Theatre, she also danced with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet and Alberta Ballet and as a guest artist with Ballet Victoria. She has written for Pointe, Dance Teacher, Dance Spirit, Dancing Times, Oregon ArtsWatch, Dance/USA’s From the Green Room, the Maine Review, and The Threepenny Review, among others. She writes and teaches in Asheville, North Carolina.
Born at the height of the civil rights movement, the Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Leave students in awe with the language of movement in this forward-thinking, impassioned and compelling performance that celebrates African American culture.
If you had already purchased tickets for the original May 5 & 6, 2020 performances:
1. Do nothing. Your tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates.
Tickets for Tuesday, May 5, 2020 —> New date: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Tickets for Wednesday, May 6, 2020 —> New date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021
If you are holding tickets to the Tuesday, May 5, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Tuesday, April 27, 2021 performance. If you are holding tickets to the Wednesday, May 6, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Wednesday, April 28, 2021 performance. Tickets can be exchanged between both new dates, based on availability. Exchanging show dates must be confirmed through the box office: [email protected] or 828-257-4530.
2. Can’t make the rescheduled dates? No problem. Convert your tickets into a credit to be used for another performance in the future (good until June 30, 2022).
3. Transform your tickets into a donation to the Wortham Center.
4. Request a refund.
Grades: 4th – 8th
Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructor: Anna Kimmell
Supplies Needed: Internet connection, a small, designated space to safely move around during class.
The A.R.M.E.S. Dance Concert 2021 is a showcase of our afterschool dance program at the Fine Arts Center. Dance 1 our youngest group and Dance 2 our intermediate group, will both perform ballet and modern dance pieces. Dance 3, is our oldest group that will be showcasing their ballet and modern pieces along with the classic “Farewell” piece.
The A.R.M.E.S. Dance Concert 2021 is a showcase of our afterschool dance program at the Fine Arts Center. Dance 1 our youngest group and Dance 2 our intermediate group, will both perform ballet and modern dance pieces. Dance 3, is our oldest group that will be showcasing their ballet and modern pieces along with the classic “Farewell” piece.
The A.R.M.E.S. Dance Concert 2021 is a showcase of our afterschool dance program at the Fine Arts Center. Dance 1 our youngest group and Dance 2 our intermediate group, will both perform ballet and modern dance pieces. Dance 3, is our oldest group that will be showcasing their ballet and modern pieces along with the classic “Farewell” piece.
Supplies Needed: Internet connection, enough space to move around, comfortable clothes, and light sneakers, jazz, or ballet shoes.
Grades: 4th – 8th
Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructor: Anna Kimmell
Supplies Needed: Internet connection, a small, designated space to safely move around during class.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
The Grove House Entertainment Complex (Scandals Nightclub) is reopening this Friday and we are gathering in support of our friends and owners of one of the oldest and largest dance/bars in Asheville. Its time to put on your dance shoes and burn up the dance floor and dance the night away.
What we’re about
Common Blue Ridge Mountain activities with old and new friends through public and private events. Giving to and celebrating life in positive ways…Share what nourishes us socially, spiritually, physically or emotionally. You will find a variety of activities…
Volunteering, Hiking, Camping, Mtn Bike Rides, Motorcycle Riders, Fishing, Game Nights, Campfires, Karaoke, Visits to Local Establishment of all types (Food, Activities, Concerts, and much more).
Ticket price includes one set of wireless headphones.
A Scottish fairy, La Sylphide, enters the dream of a young Scotsman, then allures him when he wakes. On the eve of his wedding, a sorceress reveals that his fiancé and best friend are actually a better match. Spirited Scottish dances infuse the first act’s pre-wedding celebration as the fairy makes her flirtations clear to the Scotsman. Sadly, if a human touches the fairy, she will lose her wings and perish. As the second act descends into the Scottish woods, the sorceress offers the Scotsman a charmed scarf and an ill-fated plan to romance the fairy.
Ballet Conservatory offers excellent classical training in its comprehensive pre-professional program and full schedule of open classes for all ages in ballet, modern, jazz & tap. Faculty include ballet mistress, Nadia Iozzo (KC & Alberta Ballet), director Angie Lynn (Arts Educational, UK; Vienna Festival Ballet) and Gavin Larsen (PNB; principal, Oregon Ballet Theatre; SAB). BCA hosts a popular four week summer intensive, plus frequent master classes with world-class guest teachers like Karen Averty (“Etoile”, Paris Opera Ballet; principal, San Francisco Ballet; JKO & Boston Ballet faculty); Daniel Ulbricht (principal, NYC Ballet); Paul Taylor Dance Company; John Selya (American Ballet Theatre dancer & choreographer, Tony Nominee-Broadway’s “Movin’ Out”); Amanda Edge (NYC Ballet, Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera”), Parson’s Dance Company.
Recent students have trained year-round at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre JKO School, The Royal Ballet School in London, School of American Ballet (NYC Ballet’s school), Harid and Nutmeg Academies; trained summers at ABT & SAB in NYC, Royal Ballet School, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Miami City and Chautauqua; and were accepted with scholarship to Indiana, Oklahoma, and Butler Universities, plus Marymount-Manhattan.
A Scottish fairy, La Sylphide, enters the dream of a young Scotsman, then allures him when he wakes. On the eve of his wedding, a sorceress reveals that his fiancé and best friend are actually a better match. Spirited Scottish dances infuse the first act’s pre-wedding celebration as the fairy makes her flirtations clear to the Scotsman. Sadly, if a human touches the fairy, she will lose her wings and perish. As the second act descends into the Scottish woods, the sorceress offers the Scotsman a charmed scarf and an ill-fated plan to romance the fairy.
Ballet Conservatory offers excellent classical training in its comprehensive pre-professional program and full schedule of open classes for all ages in ballet, modern, jazz & tap. Faculty include ballet mistress, Nadia Iozzo (KC & Alberta Ballet), director Angie Lynn (Arts Educational, UK; Vienna Festival Ballet) and Gavin Larsen (PNB; principal, Oregon Ballet Theatre; SAB). BCA hosts a popular four week summer intensive, plus frequent master classes with world-class guest teachers like Karen Averty (“Etoile”, Paris Opera Ballet; principal, San Francisco Ballet; JKO & Boston Ballet faculty); Daniel Ulbricht (principal, NYC Ballet); Paul Taylor Dance Company; John Selya (American Ballet Theatre dancer & choreographer, Tony Nominee-Broadway’s “Movin’ Out”); Amanda Edge (NYC Ballet, Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera”), Parson’s Dance Company.
Recent students have trained year-round at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre JKO School, The Royal Ballet School in London, School of American Ballet (NYC Ballet’s school), Harid and Nutmeg Academies; trained summers at ABT & SAB in NYC, Royal Ballet School, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Miami City and Chautauqua; and were accepted with scholarship to Indiana, Oklahoma, and Butler Universities, plus Marymount-Manhattan.
WNC Dance Academy presents their annual Spring Showcase, featuring award winning WNCDA Performance Company and the artistry of talented academy students and choreographers.
Downtown Asheville comes alive with the sights, sounds, music, pageantry, colorful costumes and extraordinary talent of Latin America. Local and regional Latin acts take the stage and unite festival-goers with the rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, Zamba, Tropical, Tango and Merengue.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, a renowned professional ballet company that brings Asheville vivid cutting-edge dance every summer, is ready to get back on stage after a year of shut downs and restrictions. This summer’s three shows and gala will be a huge celebration, including outdoor events where the audience can safely enjoy the first big party since covid numbers have decreased in Buncombe County. The renowned dance company will build a stage in the River Arts District and put together a stylish and festive way for people to enjoy dance, music, amazing food and drink. The events pay tribute to local philanthropists, John Cram and Leah Karpen, both major supporters in the arts and each show is dedicated to their memory.
The dance performances will showcase critically acclaimed dancers handpicked from companies across the US and abroad. Now in her nineteenth season as artistic director, Heather Maloy, a nationally recognized choreographer, is known for her creative stories that sometimes have humor, shed light on the complexities of the human experience and entertain. The company, typically known for making bold statements on current events, is choosing instead to focus on providing this summer’s audience an escape from them. Highlights on the program include Salvatore Aiello’s Senza Fretta, Maloy’s comedic crowd pleaser, Couch Potatoes, and the world premiere of Famous Last Words, created to Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and featuring local comedian, Tom Chalmers.
The company has chosen to present this season’s performances at Foundy Street in the River Arts District. Audiences can choose from several different events. Opening Night features a post-performance dance party at Rabbit Rabbit. For families, the Saturday morning Family Matinee has a shortened run time, kid friendly repertoire and a more economical price tag. Gala Night, a “must” for performing arts patrons, is a full evening event, starting with dinner and drinks and finishing off with dessert with the world class dancers. The gala is being touted as the best party to happen in Asheville since 2019.
The 2021 season is being sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Winston-Salem and donors, Patty and Malcolm Brown.
For more information, visit: http://www.terpsicorps.org or call 828-761-1371.
Get moving in this high-energy virtual dance bootcamp focusing on Broadway-style choreography. Beginning with a traditional jazz warm-up and center exercises, students will learn new vocabulary, hone their dance skills, and practice picking up fun musical theatre choreography! Learn how to fill your movement with meaning and unleash the fun in expressing yourself through dance!
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 19
The Street Dances have been a tradition for over 100 years in Downtown Hendersonville! They began in 1918, at the end of World War I, when the city welcomed home its soldiers from the War by celebrating in the streets, and became nationally known after they were included in the guidebook Blue Ridge Music Trails, Finding A Place In The Circle, written by Fred S. Fussell. The guidebook was winner of the first PRESERVE AMERICA Presidential Award for Heritage Tourism.
The sounds of fiddles and banjos playing at the Street Dances have been a part of Henderson County’s heritage for more than 100 years, calling people of all ages to journey to downtown Hendersonville to enjoy toe-tapping-good mountain music.
Hendersonville comes alive with people listening to the traditional mountain and bluegrass music performed by a live band, square dancing and special appearances are often made by area clogging teams for a foot stomping evening.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
Enjoy free, live music at the Visitor Center every Monday & Friday evening in July and August! Click here to learn more about Monday Night Live! and here to learn more about Music on Main Concerts.
For additional information call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708. The Street Dances are coordinated, produced, and sponsored by Henderson County Tourism Development Authority.
Click to download a copy of the 2021 Summer Music Series brochure.
MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday. Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.
DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.
MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday. Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.
DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.
Sing and dance your way through an entire musical in just a week! This high-energy, low-pressure virtual class explores the plot and characters of a Broadway musical as young actors learn songs and dances from the show. With fun activities and games emphasizing creative play, movement, voice, and improvisation, this process-based camp will build theatre skills and allow a fun outlet for your bite-sized Broadway star. No experience is necessary.
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 19
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
