Elvis & other men
Gala Night June 26, 7:30 pm
June 27-28, 8 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre
2 South Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801
828-257-4530
$30/$25 students & seniors
In an art form traditionally run by men, and populated primarily by women, artistic director Heather Maloy is turning dance on its ear. Terpsicorps has always had amazing male dancers. Men are drawn to her artistic yet highly athletic style of choreography and every summer Terpsicorps has found larger and larger numbers of men applying to spend the summer working with her. Because of this, the company has decided to use their June show, Elvis & other men to celebrate the dynamic power of the male dancer. Nine men from companies such as Pittsburgh Ballet, Balletmet, Nevada Dance Theatre and North Carolina Dance Theatre will be coming together to perform a repertoire free of women. A corps de ballet, or large group of dancers moving as a unit, is very seldom comprised of men. It is a rare treat to see nine virtuosic men leaping, turning and performing awe inspiring feats, in unison.
The evening will pay homage to men, in all their forms…
Every Man –
Salvatore Aiello’s critically acclaimed masterpiece “Journey” uses a corps of nine men to show the voyage of man as he progresses through the many fazes of life.
The Performer -
“Elvis has Left the Building” takes an alternately camp and thought provoking look at the trappings of celebrity, its glitz, allure and potentially devastating effects.
The Business Man -
“Run Ragged” takes a comedic look at the day to day competition and stress of the workplace.
The Working Man –
“Train” is inspired by the strength and determination of the men who truly embody the term ‘worker’ with their bodies, hearts and souls.
The Young Man
Every man has to get through their teenage years, with all the conflict, angst and rebellion that go along with them. “Ugly” uses the music of the Violent Femmes, known for capturing all of those emotions, to portray the good, the bad and the ugly of youth. The music will be performed live by Asheville’s own Holiday Childress of the Goodies, pairing up with the ladies of Ménage to put their own spin on the classic tunes.
Opening Night Gala
We also invite you to join us on Thursday night for our first ever Opening Night Gala. Regular tickets will still be available for this show, but Gala ticket holders will get the best seats in the house, champagne in a VIP area during intermission and an elegant dinner with the dancers and artists after the show. We think Terpsicorps deserves a true opening night celebration, and we would love to spend it with you!
was the associate artistic director of the NC Dance Theatre from 1979 to 1985 when he became the artistic director, putting his unique imprint on the company. Mr. Aiello’s professional career included the Joffrey Ballet, charter member of the Harkness Ballet, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Hamburg Ballet. Mr. Aiello has an extensive repertoire that consists of 36 ballets including his critically acclaimed versions of The Rite of Spring, The Nutcracker, Satto, Afternoon of a Faun and Coppelia. Without his amazing vision, Terpsicorps would never have been born. Although no longer with us, Sal’s work touches each and every one of the lives involved in this organization and is the common thread that brings us all together. Part of the reason for creating this company is to continue giving life to the works of this great man.
was born Steven Childress on an air force base in Valdosta, Ga. on October 20, 1972. Shortly after, his family was moved to England, staying until their return to the US when he was 7yrs old. At 11 Holiday found music and began to learn the guitar, quickly forming an obsession and life long love. After playing and leading his band through his teenage years, he created "The Goodies!" with long time collaborator and friend, Mike Allen, on the drums. Holiday changed his name from Steve and grew a handlebar mustache to create a persona for the band he envisioned. Both the name and the mustache never went away. “The Goodies!” still play and perform and Holiday produces other artists as well. Holiday is known to the Terpsicorps audience as the voice and embodiment of Edward Gorey from last year’s “The Many Deaths of Edward Gorey” and lives with his wife Cori and two sons, Gabriel and Sebastian, in Swannanoa N.C.
Menage (musicians)
Luscious and original, Asheville's own 'Ménage' delivers a contagious mix of soul, swing, pop, country and blues that will steal your poor heart! Sweet harmonies and distinct song writing are the backbone of this band's novel style. Ménage presents an exciting and powerful live show that began in a small neighborhood pub in West Asheville, NC in 2002. Since that time, much of the positive and widespread buzz about Ménage can be attributed to the support of local newspapers, television and news stations that keep Ménage in regular rotation. WNCW used one of the group's songs on their annual compilation disc in 2004, which also featured Donna the Buffalo, Gillian Welch, Tim O'Brian, The Indigo Girls, and many more. Currently, Hunt's is using their song, "Tomatoes" from the 7 Songs EP released in 2005 for a national Hunts tomato commercial. Ménage has shared the stage with nationally and internationally appreciated groups such as The Snake Oil Medicine Show, Donna the Buffalo, The Blue Rags, The Avett Brothers, The Duhks, Spin Doctors front man Chris Barron, Chris Isaak, and Stella Parton. Originally a female trio with a focus on vocal harmony, Ménage now has a new attitude. The band is fronted by 2003 founding members Sarah McDonald, the swanky wordsmith (guitar, banjo, super sultry singin') and Mary Ellen Bush, the sophisticated growler (dog house bass, guitar, harmonica, and amazing boots.) Ménage is proud to introduce 'the Matt's": Matthew Kinne on electric guitars (Kellin Watson, The Zealots) and Matthew Roberts on the drums (The Afromotive)