Revisit AscenDANCE - Terpsicorps’ 2026 Season

This summer, an extraordinary company of artists came together for AscenDANCE—an evening that carried audiences from laughter and wonder to heartbreak, hope and connection.

More than 1,500 audience members joined us in Winston-Salem and Asheville for Salvatore Aiello’s Clowns and Others, the return of Heather Maloy’s HUNGER, and the world premiere of Coming Up for Air.

“It was cathartic to see social justice issues we all navigate portrayed in such a poetic way. I was given permission to feel things and celebrate our shared humanity.”

—2026 audience member

The emotional range of AscenDANCE was captured beautifully by reviewer Sadie Intihar in North Carolina arts journal CVNC:

“I giggled, I jumped, I nearly cried, and, of course, my mouth hung open in awe for much of the show.”

Beyond the Performances

Our 2026 season brought people together through dance, conversation, and community partnerships. Free youth matinees welcomed more than 150 young people, offering many their first opportunity to experience professional dance, while Bubbles & Ballet preshow chats invited audiences to learn more about the works onstage.

Movement for MANNA and our Asheville and Winston-Salem Foodie Raffles raised more than $9,000, with proceeds shared between Terpsicorps, MANNA FoodBank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

Explore these highlights from the season below.

Terpsicorps brings together exceptional professional dancers from across the country for an intensive summer residency in North Carolina. Get to know the remarkable artists who made up our 2026 company.

Revisit the works, artists, creative team, sponsors and community partners behind AscenDANCE in our digital playbill.

The curtain may have come down on AscenDANCE, but Video Club members can experience Terpsicorps throughout the year.

Supporters whose annual giving totals $200 or more receive access to our Video Club, featuring performance films from the Terpsicorps archives. It is a chance to revisit audience favorites, discover rarely seen works and stay connected to the artistry beyond our summer season.

AscenDANCE was made possible by the artists, audiences, donors, sponsors, volunteers and community partners who believe in the power of dance. Thank you for helping us create work that moves, challenges and connects us.