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.

Monday, January 15, 2024
PacJAM Performers Audition
Jan 15 all-day
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Advanced PacJAM students are invited to audition for this new track designed to help grow their musical potential. PacJAM Performers will be best prepared to represent PacJAM bands that play throughout the region and in esteemed music festivals.

Advanced students are invited to audition on January 15 to be a part of this extensive new track designed to enhance and grow their musical potential. Instruction will get underway on Monday, January 22 and continue through Monday, April 22.

As with any coordinated group activity, multiple and extra coached sessions per week are optimal for best results. Work will be done in small group ensembles to help develop their abilities and repertoire for performing in PacJAM bands throughout the region.

Classes are $12/session for a total of $168 per student, with a 20-percent discount of $134 for each additional sibling. Parents may choose to split payments when registering. Also, scholarships are available. To get more information about PacJAM Performers contact Julie Moore at [email protected] or 864.420.6407 for scholarship and audition consideration.

 

Tuesday, January 16, 2024
LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO
Jan 16 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

You don’t need to know plié from a jeté to enjoy Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. The company, affectionately known as the Trocks, brings its internationally beloved troupe of male dancers to Greenville to perform a brilliant combination of skillful pointe work and hilarious parodying of classical ballet favorites like Swan Lake.

In the nearly 50 years since the company’s founding, it has grown to achieve great appeal among more mainstream audiences who flock to theaters throughout the world to see the prima ballerinas perform. The Trocks are “a guaranteed hoot for people who know nothing of ballet and an absolute must for those who think they know the originals” (Sydney Star Observer).

Friday, January 19, 2024
SHREK RAVE
Jan 19 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

IT’S DUMB JUST COME HAVE FUN. WHO CARES. COOL IS DEAD.

Ages 18+

Saturday, January 20, 2024
2024 Season Auditions Parkway Playhouse
Jan 20 all-day
The Mountain Heritage Center

Mark your calendars, auditions for our 2024 season will take place on January 20-21, 2024 at The Mountain Heritage Center (Across the street from Parkway Playhouse)!

Our audition schedule this year is…

Saturday, January 20th, 2024

– Experienced Auditioners: 10am-12pm

– Less-Experienced Auditioners: 12pm-2pm

Sunday, January 21st, 2024

– Less-Experienced Auditioners: 1pm-3pm

– Experienced Auditioners: 3pm-5pm

Experienced Auditioners: Please come prepared with a resume, headshot, and a one-minute monologue if you have them. If you plan to audition for the musical, please also prepare 16-32 bars of a song and bring sheet music or prerecorded tracks. You may also be asked to read sides at the auditions.

Less-Experienced Auditioners: If you’re new to auditioning, and you don’t have the items above prepared, we’ll provide sides for you to read at auditions. Sides are excerpts from the script. If you’d like to audition for the musical you can prepare part of a song without accompaniment.

If you wish to submit a video audition, please send an acting reel or filmed monologue, your headshot, your resume, and 16-32 bars of song (if auditioning for Ordinary Days) to [email protected] by January 21, 2024.

*Please note that we are unable to provide housing for our 2024 season.

Chase Away the Blues
Jan 20 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC’s popular event, Chase Away the Blues, returns to January in 2024 to brighten up the winter nights! Get ready! The VIP Blues Lounge opens at 5:30 PM with live music open bar and food provided by Tryon Resort in the Pavilion. All are sure to get your feet stomping…

Sunday, January 21, 2024
2024 Season Auditions Parkway Playhouse
Jan 21 all-day
The Mountain Heritage Center

Mark your calendars, auditions for our 2024 season will take place on January 20-21, 2024 at The Mountain Heritage Center (Across the street from Parkway Playhouse)!

Our audition schedule this year is…

Saturday, January 20th, 2024

– Experienced Auditioners: 10am-12pm

– Less-Experienced Auditioners: 12pm-2pm

Sunday, January 21st, 2024

– Less-Experienced Auditioners: 1pm-3pm

– Experienced Auditioners: 3pm-5pm

Experienced Auditioners: Please come prepared with a resume, headshot, and a one-minute monologue if you have them. If you plan to audition for the musical, please also prepare 16-32 bars of a song and bring sheet music or prerecorded tracks. You may also be asked to read sides at the auditions.

Less-Experienced Auditioners: If you’re new to auditioning, and you don’t have the items above prepared, we’ll provide sides for you to read at auditions. Sides are excerpts from the script. If you’d like to audition for the musical you can prepare part of a song without accompaniment.

If you wish to submit a video audition, please send an acting reel or filmed monologue, your headshot, your resume, and 16-32 bars of song (if auditioning for Ordinary Days) to [email protected] by January 21, 2024.

*Please note that we are unable to provide housing for our 2024 season.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Auditions: The Importance of Being Earnest
Jan 23 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE

For Readers Theatre Showcase auditions, there’s no need to make an appointment – we will get you signed in when you arrive! Expect to read from the script. Prepare for your audition by reading the script beforehand.

AUDITION DATES AT A GLANCE

  • The Importance of Being Earnest – February 16-18, 2024
    • Auditions: January 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

The Importance of Being Earnest

Performance Dates: February 16-18, 2024
Auditions: January 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Directed By: Maggie Crowell
Production Assistant: Susan Maley

About The Importance of Being Earnest: Wilde’s most successful and enduring play is a wonderful and witty comedy of deception, disguise and misadventure. Two bachelors, Jack and Algernon, create alter egos in an effort to avoid tedious social obligations and win the hearts of Gwendolen and Cecily, the two women they adore.

additional auditions:

  • The Birds – March 22-24, 2024
    • Auditions: February 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Over the River and Through the Woods – April 26-28, 2024
    • Auditions: April 2, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Enchanted April – May 31-June 2, 2024
    • Auditions: May 7, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Auditions: 101 Dalmatians
Jan 23 @ 4:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Youth Production Auditions

This an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. Read more about Youth Productions HERE.

At the First Cast Meeting, students will be taught a dance combination and song to take home and practice for auditions and parents will receive comprehensive information about the entire Youth Production process.

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids

Ages: 8-12
Performance Dates: March 8-10, 2024
First Cast Meeting: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Auditions: Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 4:30 PM

About Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids: Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen. Based on the classic animated film, Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids is a fur-raising adventure with a high-spirited score and lovable characters that will charm and delight all audiences.

Read more about registering for Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids HERE

Matilda: The Musical Adult Auditions
Jan 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Mainstage Auditions

Auditions are held over two nights, and you may choose either night to audition. Please fill out the Audition Form (per show) to secure an audition time. Walk-ups will be asked to fill out the audition form on site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.

For musical auditions: In general, come dressed to dance and prepared to sing 16 bars (30-45 seconds) of a musical theatre song, in the style of the musical. Depending on the show, you may be asked to bring sheet music to be played by an accompanist or you may be asked to bring a backing track (like a karaoke track on your phone) to play on a provided speaker. Please read each show’s audition requirements.

For non-musical auditions: Generally, you will be asked to memorize and prepare a monologue or to read pages from the script in front of the director, the stage manager, and another reader. Please read each show’s audition requirements.

Matilda: The Musical

Performance Dates: April 12-May 5, 2024
Youth & Teen Auditions: January 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Adult Auditions: January 22 & 23, 2024 with time slot
Callbacks (for Youth, Teens, & Adults): January 25, 2024
Rehearsals: February 5, 2024-April 11, 2024
Directed and Choregraphed by: Zoe Zelonky
Music Direction by: Kristen Johnson Dominguez

About Matilda: The Musical: Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Matilda: The Musical, a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.

How to prepare:

Youth & Teens will begin with the dance audition then move into the vocal audition. Please arrive before 1 PM to check in and make sure you are ready to go as auditions will begin promptly. Dance auditions will take about an hour, and vocal & acting auditions will immediately follow in the order in which you check in. After you have completed your vocal & acting audition, you will be free to go.

  • Dancing: Please wear clothes that allow full body movement. You will learn a short, upbeat dance combination and perform it in small groups.
  • Singing: Please prepare a 1 minute cut of an upbeat musical theatre song. An accompanist will not be provided, so please bring your chosen track with you. This can be a YouTube karaoke track cued up to the correct time on your phone, an mp3 file on a flash drive, etc. We will provide a speaker for playback and will have a laptop available to play your track if needed.
  • Acting: Choose one of the following audition sides (it does not have to be memorized, but if it is, that’s great, too!) and prepare to perform it. You may be asked to read another side in the audition room or at callbacks.

Adults:

  • Singing: Please prepare a 1 minute cut of an upbeat musical theatre song. An accompanist will not be provided, so please bring your chosen track with you. This can be a YouTube karaoke track cued up to the correct time on your phone, an mp3 file on a flash drive, etc. We will provide a speaker for playback and will have a laptop available to play your track if needed.
  • Acting: Choose one of the following audition sides (it does not have to be memorized, but if it is, that’s great, too!) and prepare to perform it. You may be asked to read another side in the audition room or at callbacks.

Audition Time Slots: 

  • Youth & Teens: Youth & Teens auditions happen at the same time. Fill out the audition form HERE.
  • Adults: Please select your time slot and fill out the audition form HERE.

Audition Sides

Thursday, January 25, 2024
City Dance
Jan 25 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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.

Friday, January 26, 2024
Wortham Center Student Series PARSONS DANCE
Jan 26 @ 10:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

Recommended grades: 4-12
Performance duration: 60 min

With athleticism, grace, and unparalleled innovation, Parsons Dance creates unforgettable contemporary performances that amaze audiences.

Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.

Reservations for individuals (10 people or less): $12 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form, call the box office at 828-257-4530 ext. 1, or email [email protected].

Reservations for groups (11 people or more): $11 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form. Please note that all group reservations require a deposit of $1 per ticket. Please contact the box office if you have questions.






PARSONS DANCE
Jan 26 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

As one of the world’s premier contemporary dance companies, this talented troupe showcases a dynamic fusion of styles that combines athleticism, grace and unparalleled innovation. Through endless creativity and self-expression, striking choreography and powerful music, Parsons Dance creates unforgettable performances that push the boundaries of dance and bring life-affirming artistry to audiences across the globe.

Connect with the art and artists

  • Dance workshop — details forthcoming
  • Pre-show discussions: January 26 & 27 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Auditions Parkway Playhouse
Jan 27 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Mountain Heritage Center

Little Women
Written by Kate Hamill
Adapted From the Novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Erika Tyner
Showing June 7-16, 2024
(3 Male Presenting Characters, 6 Female Presenting Characters)

Almost, Maine
Written by John Cariani
Directed by Michael Lilly
Showing June 28-July 7, 2024
(3 Male Presenting Characters, 3 Female Presenting Characters, flexible casting)

Ordinary Days (Musical)
Written by Adam Gwon
Directed by Jeff Catanese
Showing August 9-18, 2024
(2 Female Presenting Characters, 2 Male Presenting Characters)

Vanities
Written by Jack Heifner
Showing September 6-15, 2024
(3 Female Presenting Characters)

Please note that Parkway Playhouse is unable to provide housing during our 2024 season. 

Experienced Auditioners: Please come prepared with a resume, headshot, and a one-minute monologue if you have them. If you plan to audition for the musical, please also prepare 16-32 bars of a song and bring sheet music or prerecorded tracks. You may also be asked to read sides at the auditions.

Less-Experienced Auditioners: If you’re new to auditioning, and you don’t have the items above prepared, we’ll provide sides for you to read at auditions. Sides are excerpts from the script. If you’d like to audition for the musical you can prepare part of a song without accompaniment.

If you wish to submit a video audition, please send an acting reel or filmed monologue, your headshot, your resume, and 16-32 bars of song (if auditioning for Ordinary Days) to [email protected] by January 24, 2024. 

 

Click below to view the sides for our 2024 Mainstage Auditions. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

PARSONS DANCE
Jan 27 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

As one of the world’s premier contemporary dance companies, this talented troupe showcases a dynamic fusion of styles that combines athleticism, grace and unparalleled innovation. Through endless creativity and self-expression, striking choreography and powerful music, Parsons Dance creates unforgettable performances that push the boundaries of dance and bring life-affirming artistry to audiences across the globe.

Connect with the art and artists

  • Dance workshop — details forthcoming
  • Pre-show discussions: January 26 & 27 at 7 p.m.
THE TAYLOR PARTY: THE TS DANCE PARTY
Jan 27 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Ages 18+

Hey, Lovers!

Are you ready for it?

THE TAYLOR PARTY, the original Taylor Swift Inspired Dance Party ✨

💃 Come shake it off at our enchanting evening of Swifties, singing and dancing through all TS iconic Eras.

Pick your Eras outfit, bring your besties, and come party in style! 🕶️

Long live the magic we’ll make. 💎

Sunday, February 4, 2024
Old Farmer’s Ball Annual Meeting + Dance
Feb 4 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
 Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson

Annual Meeting And Dance

Date:          February  4, 2024 / Sunday

Time:         5:00 to 9:00 pm

5 to 6 pm – Snacks & Socializing

6 to 7 pm –  Meeting

7 to 9 pm –  Dance / Lagomorph with David Winston calling

Location:  Bryson Gym, Warren Wilson

Meeting Agenda:

  • Introductions: (10seconds each)
  • Recap of the previous year
  • Presentation of the budget approved by the board.
  • Committees
  • Nominations for new board members
  • Vote on the new board incoming board members
  • Presentation mission and vision of CDSS
  • Open discussion
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Westie Wednesdays at Continuum ft. Ryan Pflumm
Feb 7 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
CONTINUUM ART

Help us relaunch the Westie scene in a premier venue showcasing spacious dance floors, high ceilings, and a vintage vibe. If you are new to West Coast Swing, come check out for yourself the popular dance style that can be done to a wide variety of music, including pop, country, blues, and contemporary music! For those looking to advance their skills, the Hendersonville WCS community is excited to welcome Pro Instructor Ryan Pflumm to Continuum!

As always, the dress is casual and no partner is needed. Join us for an incredible night of connecting and dancing with our MONTHLY event every FIRST Wednesday!

PRIVATE LESSONS
If you would like to book a private lesson with Ryan for $75 per hour, please message Continuum with the following:

  1. Which timeslot(s)
  2. number of people attending
    Times:
    3:30-4:30pm
    4:30-5:30pm
    5:30-6:30pm
    first come, first served

CLASSES
7:00-8:00pm Intermediate w/ Ryan Pflumm!
7:00-8:00pm Beginner w/ Rachel Harris
8:00-10:00pm Social Dance

Each class is $10 and includes a pass to the social dance. The social dance is $7 without a lesson. Music will be DJ’d by Pro Instructor Ryan Pflumm.

Bring your own beer/wine. Liquor and other beverages above 16% alcohol content are strictly prohibited.

Masks are encouraged but, not required.

Cash, cards, Venmo, PayPal, and Cash app are accepted.

Thursday, February 8, 2024
LaDonna Smith and Susan Hefner / John English and Kris Gruda
Feb 8 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

LaDonna Smith and Susan Hefner

LaDonna Smith and Susan Hefner have a long relationship of working together in creative collaborations. Beginning in 1976, Susan was part of a dance group of young improvisers who collaborated in one of the earliest TransMuseq concerts. She was only 16 years old at the time! Embarking on a career in dance & improvisation she worked with the Alwin Nicolais Dance Theater. She was Director/choreographer of Susan Hefner and Dancers as well as continual improvisatory explorations with LaDonna Smith and Davey Williams TransMuseq projects in Alabama as well as projects & improvisers in the Brooklyn-NYC scene. Significantly, she co-created performance art with percussionist Michael Evans and currently is curator of her Susan’s Salons in both Birmingham and Brooklyn.

Her work often grows from visual wit and ironic images, intended to deliver an irreverent message of freedom while lampooning societal rigidities. Zany images are brought to life through a feminist lens, and the dance language is drawn from physical manifestations of human emotions. Through a process of improvisation and revision she seeks a range of authentic expression, human and vulnerable. Susan and LaDonna will come together for one of a kind collaborative performance at BMCM+AC.

John English is an improviser and photographer from Black Mountain, North Carolina. Kris Gruda is an avant-garde guitarist, sound experimenter, and songwriter based in western North Carolina. He plays in solo and group contexts on electric or acoustic with or without electronics. His guitar-in-car album, Kris Gruda Plays for You, was released on Palilalia Records in 2023. FreeJazzRockSoulNoise.etc.

Friday, February 9, 2024
80s vs 90s Dance Party
Feb 9 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

All Ages

Rouge: A Cirque and Dance Concert
Feb 9 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Expect the unexpected! From Charlotte, Caroline Calouche & Co is making their debut in Asheville with Rouge: A Cirque and Dance Cabaret. Rouge features daring aerial acts, thrilling acrobatics and poetic dance that cannot be missed. The Madame of Ceremonies is your guide for a mesmerizing good time that holds audiences spellbound. Rouge is the perfect event for a date night or night out with friends.

https://www.carolinecalouche.org/

Rouge: Cirque and Dance Cabaret
Feb 9 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Expect the Unexpected!
Rouge features daring aerial acts, thrilling acrobatics and poetic dance that cannot be missed. The Madame of Ceremonies is your guide for a mesmerizing good time that holds audiences spellbound. Rouge is the perfect event for a date night or night out with friends.

Saturday, February 10, 2024
Adult Beginner Tap 1: Intro to Tap
Feb 10 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Hendersonville Theatre

Does Tap dancing seem a little daunting? Is it something you always wanted to try but didn’t have the time to commit to months of classes at a time? Whether you are preparing for a show with tap involved or just interested in a new skill for fun, this class is for you. Allison Starling will break down the basics of Tap into easy-to-catch moves that build the foundation of any Tap number. This 8-week class is a comprehensive basics course that you don’t want to miss!

*Tap shoes required and not provided. Below is a link to some reasonably priced shoes. Make sure to order early so your shoes are here in time!

Adult Beginner Tap 2: Kicking it up a Notch
Feb 10 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

It’s time to build on the basics you learned in Intro to Tap while still refining those foundational steps. Whether you are preparing for a show with tap involved or just interested in a new skill for fun, this class is for you. Allison Starling will break down the basics of Tap into easy-to-catch moves that build the foundation of any Tap number. This 8-week class is a continuation of beginner tap that will push you to learn harder steps and combinations while still allowing you to learn at your own pace!

WNC Dance Repertory Company Benefit Showcase
Feb 10 @ 5:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

WNC Dance Academy presents our annual winter benefit concert featuring the WNC Dance Repertory Company, Stewart/Owen Dance, and other professional local artists.

Going Nowhere Fast – Emo Night
Feb 10 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
DSSOLVR

EMO NIGHT IS BACK BABY! THIS TIME, WE’RE GOING ON TOUR!

Get ready for…
🖤😭 DSSOLVR’S SUPER EMO VALENTINE’S WEEKEND! 😭🖤
02/10 in Asheville starting at 6pm

Featuring:
-Sing along with DJ XZANEINSANEX @zanebuchholz, @djdeckades, and @dj_sellout
-The Release of Emo Nightmare GF Sour
-Swoopy Hair Photo Booth
-One time only Emo long sleeve shirts
-The Return of L.G. FUAD Jello Shots
-VIP Tour Badges
-Probably more stuff that I forgot

Then the party continues, on Sunday with the BIG GAME playing in both taprooms. 😭💀🏈💀😭💀🏈💀😭💀🏈💀😭

Party on,
xXDSSOLVRXx

Sunday, February 11, 2024
Kids Artistic Review Dance Competition
Feb 11 all-day
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

KAR is dedicated to producing world class dance events that provide rewarding and positive experiences for dancers, teachers, and parents. Our competitions give dancers across America the opportunity to showcase their talent and passion on the KAR stage. We also proudly acknowledge the achievements and excellence of dance teachers, choreographers, and parents and appreciate their efforts in helping to make dreams come true! KAR is honored to be recognized as America’s Favorite Dance Competition and look forward to seeing the amazing talent your city has to offer!

Kendra Bunch

(714) 826-8440 ext 1020
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
DRUM TAO 夢幻響
Feb 13 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Experience the thrilling rhythms of Japan, the electrifying energy of passionate, percussive performance and the otherworldly theatrical flair of these professional taiko drummers. With vibrant costumes, synchronized movements and thunderous beats, Drum Tao creates a mesmerizing spectacle that’s sure to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment — delivering the spirit of traditional Japanese drumming with all the excitement of contemporary culture.

Fat Tuesday Fiesta ft Tuxedo Junction
Feb 13 @ 7:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
-ALL AGES
-MIXED SEATED and STANDING SHOW with DANCE FLOOR

TUXEDO JUNCTION

Calling all music lovers, dancers, and supporters of a worthy cause! Celebrate Mardi Gras during a singular evening benefitting the Asheville Breakfast Rotary Foundation! Tuxedo Junction covers a HUGE variety of danceable hits from Swing Jazz to Classic Rock, Pop, Funk, Motown, Beach, Country, and Rockabilly! All proceeds go back into the community for charitable organizations and scholarships.

STEP AFRIKA!
Feb 13 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping—a polyrhythmic, percussive dance form that uses the body as an instrument. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 50 countries across the globe. Step Afrika! is one of the top 10 African American dance companies in the world.  Step Afrika! promotes stepping as a contemporary dance genre through critically acclaimed performances and arts education programs. Creatively engaging audiences in this nascent art form, the Company creates full-length productions that expand on stepping’s unique American history.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional West and Southern African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

The Company reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year through a 50-city tour of colleges and theatres and performs globally as Washington, DC’s one and only Cultural Ambassador. Step Afrika! has earned Mayor’s Arts Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education (2005); Innovation in the Arts (2008); and Excellence in an Artistic Discipline (2012); and performed at the White House for President Barack Obama and the First Lady.

Critically Acclaimed works, such as The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence and Drumfolk, tour major U.S. cities. Step Afrika! is prominently featured at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture with an interactive exhibit on the art form of stepping.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Wortham Center Student Series DRUM TAO 夢幻響
Feb 14 @ 10:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

Recommended for grades 3-9
Performance duration: 60 min.

Experience the thrilling rhythms of Japan in a percussive and mesmerizing spectacle by this company of professional taiko drummers. With vibrant costumes, synchronized movements and thunderous beats, Drum Tao creates a mesmerizing spectacle that’s sure to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment — delivering the spirit of traditional Japanese drumming with all the excitement of contemporary culture.

Reservations for individuals (10 people or less): $12 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form, call the box office at 828-257-4530 ext. 1, or email [email protected].

Reservations for groups (11 people or more): $11 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form. Please note that all group reservations require a deposit of $1 per ticket. Please contact the box office if you have questions.






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