Appalachian Phoenix: A Celebration of Community, Resilience, and Hope

Resilience. Hope. Celebration. Experience a transformative evening where world class dance, music, art, and community come together to honor the heroes of Hurricane Helene and the tenacity of the Western NC community.

Terpsicorps choreographer Heather Maloy’s latest work, Appalachian Phoenix, pairs the exceptional dancers of this critically acclaimed contemporary ballet company  — handpicked from some of the nation’s finest professional companies — with renowned WNC artists and musicians. Together, they bring to life a powerful story of hope, unity, and transformation in the face of disaster.

Experience More Than a Performance

• Be Inspired by Heroic Stories: True stories of community heroes from WNC, shared by the neighbors they helped, will be woven into the very fabric of the choreography, influencing every movement and creating a powerful narrative of renewal and recovery.

• A Score Rooted in Community - Created and performed live by award winning musicians from across WNC, the music reflects the many voices and influences that shape WNC today, blending past and present, creating a sound as dynamic and diverse as the region itself. Click here to learn about the musicians and other collaborators.

• Art Built from Community Need & Responsibility - 12,000+ water bottles, repurposed by local schools, businesses, and individuals in the wake of the storm, comprise both a full stage backdrop and a massive installation piece designed by accomplished WNC artists Sara Sanders and Chas Llewellyn.

• A Commitment to Sustainability - Appalachian Phoenix uses only repurposed materials, including empty water bottles and other items collected after the storm, for its sets and costumes.

• The World Class Terpsicorps Dancers! - Handpicked from some of the nation’s finest professional ballet and contemporary companies, the Terpsicorps dancers’ unique combination of athleticism and artistry will leave you breathless. Click here to learn about the dancers and see them in action!

• Get Involved: Click here if you know a story about a hero who helped WNC in the aftermath of Helene. The story will inspire the choreography, and a printed version will be incorporated into the Rising Phoenix sculpture. If selected, your hero will receive two free tickets to attend a performance in either city.

• Enhance Your Experience with a VIP Ticket: Join choreographer Heather Maloy for an exclusive pre-show chat and champagne toast, held in the theater as the dancers warm up on stage. Gain unique insight into the choreographic process, Heather’s artistic vision, and how she discovers Terpsicorps’ exceptional dancers. PLUS… enjoy early access and first choice of seating for the performance!

Plus… Four additional works from Terpsicorps’ repertoire, all chosen to inspire, amaze and bring a smile to your face.

View the trailer on your phone - or on your computer

Visit Terpsicorps.org to learn more about the company, this year’s collaborators, the 4 additional works on the program, and to stay updated as they prepare for this unforgettable event!