Asheville Ballet Kicks Off New Season with “Fall Into Dance”
This weekend, the charming city of Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the Asheville Ballet opens its new season with a vibrant outdoor performance, Fall Into Dance, at Pack Square Park. Mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday, as dancers take to the stage to inspire audiences with their artistry and grace.
A Journey Through Movement
For many involved with the Asheville Ballet, dance is not just a form of expression; it’s a significant part of their identity. Dancer Megan Jones Medford describes her journey: “It started with movement, creative movement classes. Then it went into ballet, into jazz, into tap, into some hip-hop, contemporary, modern…” Her passion is palpable, and she emphasizes how dance has intertwined with her life for a long time.
The essence of dance runs deeply in Asheville Ballet’s history, shaped by the vision of its Director, Ann Dunn. After starting her own company in 1972, she took over Asheville Ballet in 1981, nurturing it as North Carolina’s oldest non-profit ballet company. “I learned under a lot of incredible people,” Ann recalls, adding that she was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to study at the New York City Ballet’s school when she was just 17.
Falling into Rhythm
As the dancers take to the stage on September 13th and 14th, they invite everyone to witness the magic of their art. Both Megan and Ann emphasize the pure joy of dance—a joy meant to be shared: “All anybody has to do is come watch it. A lot of times, people don’t come because they think they won’t understand it. And there’s nothing to understand. If you have eyes, if you have a soul… you don’t have to understand anything.”
Megan is set to perform a solo act this weekend, expressing a whirlwind of emotions intertwined with life, family, and dance. “It’s a super high, but the downfall of that is a super low after the show. But it gives me chills talking about it because it’s worth it every time,” she shares, highlighting the dedication of the performers who have come together every weekend for rehearsals.
The Connection Between Art and Life
The experience of performing brings together not only the technical skills of dance but also the emotional outlet it provides. “As a performer, ballet can be very internal and external,” Megan explains. The gift of being in one’s own body and expressing it through movement is a treasure, and dancing with others creates a memorable bond on stage.
Ann also acknowledges how ballet teaches essential life skills. “We train dancers here, but we also encourage people to take dance for their life. You tap into something in yourself that’s very deep and human.” This intersection of art and athleticism demands an incredible amount of core strength—traits that dancers carry with them in both their physical and mental lives.
Dance as a Lifelong Journey
Reflecting upon her long-standing love for dance, Megan shares, “I couldn’t live without dance, and I couldn’t live without my family. The way it all works out, I can do both.” It’s a beautiful aspect of living in Asheville, where art and community thrive together.
With nearly eight decades of dancing and promoting the joy of the performing arts, Ann understands the vital role that exposure to the arts plays in shaping a child’s future. “Take the kids to the art forms, take them to the museums, to the ballet, to the concerts. Share that experience with them,” she passionately advises.
Join Us for “Fall Into Dance”
This weekend promises to be a spectacular experience filled with heart, creativity, and the celebratory spirit of dance. Whether you’re a longtime ballet lover or a newcomer curious about this beautiful art form, there’s a place for you at Pack Square Park this Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the incredible artistry of the Asheville Ballet!
