The story of Giselle is one of young love and betrayal; of a philandering Count Albrecht and a trusting peasant girl, Giselle.

The Story – Act I

Despite having a weak heart, Giselle loves to dance and her beauty enchants Count Albrecht. On the day of the village festival, Albrecht disguises himself as a peasant. Unaware of his noble birth, Giselle first resists Albrecht’s advances but ultimately succumbs to his romantic persistence. She trusts his pledge of eternal love, and she too falls in love. The arrival of a hunting party in the villages includes the Duke of Courland and his daughter Bathilde, to whom Albrecht is already engaged. Hilarion, a gamekeeper in love with Giselle, discovers Albrecht’s true identity and reveals his lie to Giselle. Learning of this deceit, Giselle loses her mind, and the first act ends with her untimely death.

The Story – Act 2

Act II is set deep in the forest where Giselle was buried and has become a wili. The wilis are ghostly apparitions – girls who have died betrayed by their faithless lovers on the eve of their weddings. Mourning at Giselle’s grave, Hilarion tragically encounters Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, and her maidens, who haunt the forest, luring those who pass by to dance with them until they die, which he does. Full of remorse, Albrecht also comes to Giselle’s grave. Myrtha commands Giselle to come from her grave and entice Albrecht to join her in dance. Giselle dances with Albrecht through the night. And although she was betrayed by Albrecht, she helps him to stay alive until the dawn when the wilis lose their power and cannot destroy him. At dawn, Giselle disappears into her grave, and Albrecht’s life is spared by Giselle’s love.

CREDITS

Choreography Marius Petipa, Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot

Staging Vlada Kysselova

Music Adolphe Adam

Get moving in this fun, high-energy dance class focusing on Broadway-style choreography. Lay the foundation of jazz technique through warm ups and across the floor, and practice picking up steps and style in theatre dance combinations inspired by a variety of musicals. Join us to get a weekly workout, learn how to fill your movement with character, and step into your next dance audition feeling confident. Masks are required. 

Instructor: Anna Kimmell

Notes: To ensure the safety of our students and staff, we require that all participants and faculty wear masks during indoor classes.

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  An All-Ages Hip Hop Dance class led by LEAF  Schools & Streets Master Teaching Artist Otto (Aquaboogy) Vazquez. Get up and get your body moving every Thursday at LEAF Global Experience, with this great family-friendly, fun class!

  Weekly on Thursdays from 2:00 – 3:00pm at LEAF Global Experience (19 Eagle St, Asheville, NC, 28801)

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.

MAINSTAGE SERIES FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

TWEET TWEET!

Led by Stewart/Owen Dance Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this open level adult contemporary dance class gradually awakens the body and senses through guided improvisation and a follow along warm-up, followed by foundational across-the-floor exercises and center-work combinations. All experience levels welcome!

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots. They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Led by Stewart/Owen Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this class begins with full body conditioning followed by a series of technical modern exercises, and culminates in either phrase creation or Stewart/Owen repertory. Dancers are encouraged to modify for their own bodies and spaces! We recommend this class to experienced dancers who are looking for a fast-paced contemporary class that pushes their physical and mental boundaries.

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots.They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

MAINSTAGE SERIES FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

TWEET TWEET!

A.R.M.E.S. Dance Concert is a performance of both ballet and modern dance styles showcasing the dancers’ wonderful talent. This annual performance highlights grace, discipline, and artistry that will capture your hearts.

Led by Stewart/Owen Dance Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this open level adult contemporary dance class gradually awakens the body and senses through guided improvisation and a follow along warm-up, followed by foundational across-the-floor exercises and center-work combinations. All experience levels welcome!

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots. They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Led by Stewart/Owen Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this class begins with full body conditioning followed by a series of technical modern exercises, and culminates in either phrase creation or Stewart/Owen repertory. Dancers are encouraged to modify for their own bodies and spaces! We recommend this class to experienced dancers who are looking for a fast-paced contemporary class that pushes their physical and mental boundaries.

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots.They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

The Fine Arts Center, Greenville County’s public high school for pre-professional arts study, is proud to present their first annual showcase. Sponsored by the Fine Arts Center partners, Synovus, Atticus Creative, and Steve Bichel, this event features the top student performers from the FAC Performing Arts Programs – Dance, Theatre, Creative Writing, Digital Film Making, and Music. Audience members will have the opportunity to view work from FAC student visual artists before taking their seats in the theatre for an evening of entertainment by the top talent from the school.

Led by Stewart/Owen Dance Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this open level adult contemporary dance class gradually awakens the body and senses through guided improvisation and a follow along warm-up, followed by foundational across-the-floor exercises and center-work combinations. All experience levels welcome!

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots. They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Led by Stewart/Owen Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this class begins with full body conditioning followed by a series of technical modern exercises, and culminates in either phrase creation or Stewart/Owen repertory. Dancers are encouraged to modify for their own bodies and spaces! We recommend this class to experienced dancers who are looking for a fast-paced contemporary class that pushes their physical and mental boundaries.

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots.They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

The Academy at Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents their Spring Showcase on May 14th at 2 pm and 7 pm. This showcase will feature students from all levels of the Academy. Under the direction of Cynthia Ridler, Academy Principal Director, the original ballet “The Velveteen Rabbit” will headline this showcase. This ballet features choreography by many members of the Academy faculty. Also, Academy dancers will appear in original contemporary works choreographed by faculty member Jamie Brege and Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance Artistic Director Heather Maloy.

The Academy at Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents their Spring Showcase on May 14th at 2 pm and 7 pm. This showcase will feature students from all levels of the Academy. Under the direction of Cynthia Ridler, Academy Principal Director, the original ballet “The Velveteen Rabbit” will headline this showcase. This ballet features choreography by many members of the Academy faculty. Also, Academy dancers will appear in original contemporary works choreographed by faculty member Jamie Brege and Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance Artistic Director Heather Maloy.

Grab your friends, grab your family and join Odyssey Community School for an evening of music, dance and joy! Ticket includes food, 1 drink and headphones for our Silent Disco fundraiser event!

A spectacular professional production by Western North Carolina’s own Ballet Company, directed by Ann Dunn. This event features exciting new work by resident choreographers, including Lyle Laney, Fleming Lomax, Megan Jones Medford, Tricia Renshaw, Sandi Weinberg, and Stephanie Wolfe.
Image by Rose Pillmore.

Led by Stewart/Owen Dance Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this open level adult contemporary dance class gradually awakens the body and senses through guided improvisation and a follow along warm-up, followed by foundational across-the-floor exercises and center-work combinations. All experience levels welcome!

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots. They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Led by Stewart/Owen Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this class begins with full body conditioning followed by a series of technical modern exercises, and culminates in either phrase creation or Stewart/Owen repertory. Dancers are encouraged to modify for their own bodies and spaces! We recommend this class to experienced dancers who are looking for a fast-paced contemporary class that pushes their physical and mental boundaries.

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots.They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Annual student showcase of Asheville Academy of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, official school of the Asheville Ballet.

A spectacular professional production by Western North Carolina’s own Ballet Company, directed by Ann Dunn. This event features exciting new work by resident choreographers, including Lyle Laney, Fleming Lomax, Megan Jones Medford, Tricia Renshaw, Sandi Weinberg, and Stephanie Wolfe.
Image by Rose Pillmore.

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.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”,

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, a frolicking ballet based on Shakespeare’s spriteful play, is set by Ballet Conservatory director Angie Lynn, ballet master Nadia Iozzo and Gavin Larsen after Sir Frederick Ashton’s ballet “The Dream.” Felix Mendelssohn’s prolific score showcases it’s celebrated overture and famed “Wedding March.” Tender, fading melodies and playful rambling riffs capture the imagination of youthful romance.

Ballet Conservatory’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs May 27-28 at the Wortham Theatre, with performances Friday at 7pm & Saturday at 3pm & 7pm.

Ballet Conservatory’s Helen Coates and Esme Hair alternate the role of Titania alongside Manuel Mata as Oberon. Sarah Adams dances the role of Helena & Sophie Feinblatt as Hermia, with partners Jonah Bell as Demetrius and Eli Simpson as Lysander. Addie Rockoff and Jillian Epstein alternate as the mischievous fairy, Puck, plus Iris Schreiner as Peasblossom.

Ballet Conservatory’s thirteenth Performance Season includes: “Winter Works: Innovations and Variations”, back in March with guest choreography by Nederlands Dans Theater’s Fay Van Baar; “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, May 27-28; and “The Nutcracker”, performing at Western Carolina University and the Wortham Theatre this December 2022. The Ballet Conservatory offers excellent classical training in its comprehensive Pre-professional program and full schedule of children’s open classes in ballet, modern, jazz & tap. This year BCA students were awarded spots to attend prestigious Summer Intensives, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, School of American Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. BCA students have been accepted into ABT’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis school in NYC, North Carolina School of the Arts and the top U.S. universities for ballet: Indian University, Oklahoma University, Butler University, Utah University & Cincinnati University; and one just signed a professional contract with Finnish National Ballet.

Led by Stewart/Owen Dance Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this open level adult contemporary dance class gradually awakens the body and senses through guided improvisation and a follow along warm-up, followed by foundational across-the-floor exercises and center-work combinations. All experience levels welcome!

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots. They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Led by Stewart/Owen Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this class begins with full body conditioning followed by a series of technical modern exercises, and culminates in either phrase creation or Stewart/Owen repertory. Dancers are encouraged to modify for their own bodies and spaces! We recommend this class to experienced dancers who are looking for a fast-paced contemporary class that pushes their physical and mental boundaries.

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots.They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.