ABC is East Tennessee’s premier classical performing company that makes its home at Van Metre School of Dance in Maryville, Tennessee and is the resident dance company of the Clayton Center for the Arts on Maryville College campus. Chartered in 1972, ABC’s talented company of dancers performs an annual three-program season, providing the region with the highest quality dance performances. ABC offers a wide repertory from traditional classics to creative contemporary ballets and has performed with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Opera Company. The company also collaborates with area performing arts groups and is active in educational outreach.
For more information about the 2023-2024 Student Matinee Shows including The Nutcracker, please visit our website. http://www.appalachianballet.org
Artist Work Samples
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
For over 130 years, this classic story of The Nutcracker as composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky has proven to be a favorite, enchanting audiences of all ages. Come see the magic of this full-length ballet with lavish sets and scenery, glorious tutus, soldiers, snowflakes and sugar plums. Dancing the role of the Sugarplum Fairy will be guest artist Laura Morton La Russa, “25 to Watch” in Dance Magazine 2021. ABC will feature James La Russa as Herr Drosselmeyer and the Arabian Prince, along with other guest artists and the entire Appalachian Ballet Company. During the short intermission, the students will engage in classical ballet pantomime with the Artistic Director. Total time is 75-90 minutes.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
The artistic director will go into the elementary schools and demonstrate with a ballerina about how the ballet company works and how a dancer learns her skills.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
