Season 2025

 

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

Hanesbrands Theatre, Winston-Salem - July 17-19, 2025 

Diana Wortham Theatre,  Asheville - July 24–26 , 2025

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

This production celebrates the resilience of Western North Carolina with a stunning set created from over 6,000 reclaimed plastic water bottles and costumes salvaged from overstocked distribution sites. These bottles tell a profound story: during the recent unprecedented natural disaster of Hurricane Helene, they symbolized both the urgent need for relief and the incredible outpouring of kindness from individuals and businesses who donated them. They nourished us in a time of desperation yet left behind a stark reminder of the waste we must now confront—plastic that takes, at minimum, 450 years to decompose.

By transforming this debris into art, we highlight the beauty and strength of a community rising from adversity, turning pain into purpose and finding hope in renewal. Combining environmental awareness with artistic beauty, this "resilience through art" approach addresses community concerns while inspiring audiences. If fundraising efforts succeed, the performance will also feature live music from WNC musicians, reimagining Appalachian themes with modern instrumentation to honor our region’s heritage.

Also on the program are some of Terpsicorps’ most beloved comedic and inspirational works, including:

  • AYT? (Are You There?) – A hilarious technological love story about our relationship with cell phones.

  • Le Suil Go... (In the Hope That) – A moving statement of hope and resilience, set to Celtic music.

  • The Date – A wildly entertaining tale of a romantic encounter gone wrong, told through a very drunken tango.

This lineup promises an evening of artistry, humor, and inspiration you won’t want to miss!

SAVE THE DATE - TICKETS ON SALE SOON!

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. Click the links below to find the charity 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 a community that is vibrant, filled with performing arts organizations that give you joy? So do we!

4 - If you are in WNC, Donate your uncrushed 16.9 oz water bottles to the project by contacting us at information@terpsicorps.org or calling 828-761-1371. Together, we can transform waste into something truly extraordinary!

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!