Asheville – Heather Maloy, a nationally recognized choreographer, is bringing an awe-inspiring dance spectacle to the Diana Wortham Theater in Asheville for the weekend of July 14th, 15th, and 16th. Vampyre, a Gothic Tale of Love, Death, and Immortality, has a dark storyline, which has grown out of vampire literature into an amazing dance production, is sure to captivate any audience’s attention. Terpsicorps is known for producing innovative, thought provoking, and entertaining performances of the highest professional caliber. “Vampyre” is not Dracula, nor is it what you might imagine ballet to be. After 11 years, the spell-bounding creation is returning to the stage, sponsored in Asheville by Deborah Bohan in memory of her husband, Joel Berkowitz, who was a strong supporter of the Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance. This highly erotic production is taking place at the Hanesbrands Theatre in Winston-Salem this weekend, July 7th through July 9th.
The Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance showcases critically acclaimed dancers from all around the United States, Canada, and abroad. During the summer months, these talented professionals are not dancing with their home companies and thus are free to travel to join other companies. Heather Maloy has searched far and wide to find the right dancer for this particular production. They must combine their talents to tell a Gothic tale based on a story written in 1819 by John Polidori. The story explores many diverse facets of erotic and romantic love with blood and gore. The lead dancers must be capable of exquisite technical virtuosity and possess the theatrical skills needed to bring this story to life.Through dance movements, costumes, and music, the production tells what is thought to be a true story on stage. It is thought that the author, Polidori, based his novella on his deep love and relationship with the English poet Byron. Polidori perceived the poet as a manipulative user of people through his charismatic ways and charm. The homosexual tones of their relationship are in evidence throughout their dance.
Maloy designed the stunning costumes herself, combining contemporary fashion and Gothic themes, and put together the music score. She hand-picked and brought together some professional stars for this thrilling dance production, which wowed audiences in 2011. Be prepared to see 15-foot tall dancing trees weeping as they stretch their branches over a young man and the body of his beloved, and Grecian ruins haunted by faceless statues come to life. Morgan Stillman (currently with Ballet Austin) will be taking on the role of Lord Ruthven; Madeline Bay (currently a dancer with Ballet Idaho), has the role of Miss Aubrey; and Dylan McIntyre (currently with Ballet Memphis) performs the role of Master Aubrey.
An unforgettable evening of dance is sure to transport the audience into a world of darkness and beauty that will undoubtedly haunt their memories for years to come. Visit https://www.worthamarts.org/events/vampyre-a-gothic-tale-of-love-death-and-immortality/ for ticket information.This production is recommended for ages 12+ and masks are required during this show as dancers will be in the aisles and down among the audience.
The Academy at Terpsicorps
The Academy is the official school of Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance at 1501 Patton Avenue, Suite 1, in Asheville. The Academy strives to educate and develop dance artists of all ages, mentoring students to a level of excellence that allows for the pursuit of professional careers in dance. On their website it says, “The Academy at Terpsicorps focuses on the individual student’s unique talent and artistic achievement both inside and outside the studio.” During the pandemic, the classes needed to be held through Zoom but are now beginning again.
There are classes year round for all ages, as young as three all the way into adulthood. With a team of professional teachers age appropriate classes are offered. A quote from Facebook says: “One of the most important things about finding a good ballet school is finding a teacher who will connect with each dancer. The relationship between student and teacher in ballet is deep and long-lasting. To become a ballet dancer takes so much risk, and it’s the teacher’s duty to keep the dancer safe enough to take those risks.” There are engaging summer camps to attend for a minimal cost, such as Fantasy Camps for dancers aged 3 to 6, Build-A-Ballet Camps for dancers aged 7-12 and Intermediate/Advanced Camps for dancers aged 10+. Registration is currently taking place, and classes are filling up rapidly.
Jamie Brege DeVito has just started as the Academy’s Director. She most recently served as Assistant Principal for Boston Ballet School, where she taught, choreographed, and worked closely with school leadership, faculty, students, and families to ensure a high-quality dance education experience for students of all ages and abilities.She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and began her ballet training at the Grand Rapids Ballet School. She continued her training with American Ballet Theatre, Vail International Dance Festival, and The Juilliard School and went on to earn a BFA in Dance Performance from SUNY Purchase and a MA in Dance Education from NYU.For more information call (828) 761-1277 or go to www.terpsicorpsacademy.org.