Asheville Contemporary Dance

For residents across North Carolina, especially those in the vibrant cultural hub of Asheville, finding a dance institution that offers both exceptional training and a deeply nurturing environment is a true gift. Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT), and its esteemed school, the New Studio of Dance, stand as a testament to this ideal. This organization is not merely a place to learn dance steps; it is a dynamic community where passion for movement meets professional instruction, fostering artistic growth, self-expression, and a global perspective in its students.

ACDT holds a distinguished place in Western North Carolina's arts history, having been founded in 1979 as the region's first professional modern dance company. Its school, the New Studio of Dance, boasts an even longer legacy, established in 1970, marking over 50 years of dance education in Asheville. This rich history underscores their commitment to dance as an art form and their enduring presence in the community. What sets ACDT and the New Studio of Dance apart, as consistently highlighted by appreciative families, is their unique blend of challenging training within a non-competitive, supportive atmosphere. Under the guidance of creative and caring owners like Susan and Giles, and a team of experienced, hard-working, and encouraging teachers, students are empowered to blossom as dancers and performers. They are exposed to diverse dance styles and cultural perspectives, making every performance brilliantly staged with often hand-made, museum-quality costumes. For any family in North Carolina seeking a dance experience that feels like family and offers world-class artistic development without the pressures of a competitive environment, ACDT and the New Studio of Dance are highly recommended.

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) and its school, the New Studio of Dance, are centrally located at 20 Commerce St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA. This prime address in downtown Asheville places the studio within easy reach for residents across the city and surrounding communities in Western North Carolina. Commerce Street, situated in the heart of Asheville's bustling cultural district, ensures excellent accessibility.

The studio's downtown location means it benefits from the area's robust infrastructure. While specific parking situations can vary in urban centers, downtown Asheville typically offers various parking garages and street parking options, making it feasible for parents to drop off and pick up students. Its central position also means it is well-served by public transportation routes, offering convenient access for older students and those living nearby. Being nestled amidst other cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants, the location not only makes attendance convenient but also integrates dance into the vibrant life of Asheville, a major draw for North Carolinians looking for an enriching local experience. This accessibility contributes to ACDT's role as a true community hub for dance.

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) and the New Studio of Dance offer a comprehensive range of dance education and performance opportunities for students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds, from novice to pre-professional.

• Classical Ballet and Pointe Work: The school provides excellent training in classical ballet, which is foundational for many dance disciplines. Students also have the opportunity to engage in Pointe work under faculty permission and supervision, typically for students aged 11 and up.
• Modern Dance: As Western North Carolina's first professional modern dance company, ACDT offers extensive training in modern dance, incorporating diverse perspectives on movement and kinesiology at beginning, advanced, and adult levels.
• Contemporary Dance: This expressive form allows dancers to explore emotional storytelling through fluid movement, blending elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance.
• Jazz and Broadway Dance: Classes explore a broad range of jazz styles, including those rooted in African American vernacular dance and Broadway musical theater, focusing on conditioning, alignment, strength, and cardiovascular health.
• Tap Dance: Students learn the percussive art of tap, incorporating knowledge of ballet and jazz techniques, musicality, and technical precision from both rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap traditions.
• Pilates and Conditioning: Recognizing the importance of physical fitness for dancers, the curriculum incorporates Pilates, a system focusing on concentration, control, centering, core strength, and precision, essential for dancer training and overall wellbeing.
• Creative Ballet (for Young Children): Specifically designed for 3-4 year olds and 5-6 year olds, these classes introduce basic ballet terminology, body coordination, and musicality in a fun and engaging way.
• Recreational Dance Program: This program is for students who love to dance but prefer a less intensive commitment, offering high-quality instruction with enthusiasm.
• Pre-Professional Program: For serious and focused dancers, this elite program provides rigorous training with the aim of preparing students for professional careers in dance, inspiring them to achieve at the highest levels.
• Junior Company: This program is for high school and middle school students receiving world-class training and numerous performing and choreography opportunities, often apprenticing to ACDT. Classes are taught in workshop series covering Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Partnering, Theater, Voice, Improvisation, Composition, and Choreography.
• Adult Dance Classes: ACDT welcomes adult dancers, offering classes that allow them to explore dance, improve fitness, and connect with the community.
• Summer Camps and Intensives: Providing immersive dance experiences during school breaks, these programs allow students to deepen their training and explore various dance forms.
• Performance Opportunities: Students participate in two major dance-theatre performances annually: "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" in December and another full production in May. Every performance is brilliantly staged and choreographed.
• International Exposure: The company, ACDT, performs regionally, nationally, and abroad (France, Canada, Cuba, Mexico), exposing students to a global perspective on dance and diverse cultures.
• Festival Production: ACDT is a key producer of several dance and performing arts festivals in Asheville, including the Fringe Arts Festival, the North Carolina Dance Festival, the Men's Dance Festival, and the 48 Hour Dance Project, providing broad community engagement and performance platforms.

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) and its New Studio of Dance distinguish themselves with an impressive array of features and highlights that contribute to their esteemed reputation in North Carolina.

• Long-Standing Legacy: With the New Studio of Dance founded in 1970 and ACDT in 1979, the organization boasts over 50 years of continuous dance education and performance in Asheville. This extensive history demonstrates deep roots in the community and a proven track record of excellence.
• Non-Competitive Environment: A significant highlight repeatedly praised by parents is the "non-competitive environment." This allows dancers to "blossom" without undue pressure, focusing on growth, creativity, and a genuine love for dance rather than external validation. This fosters a healthier and more supportive learning atmosphere.
• World-Class Training with Global Perspective: The school is committed to providing "world-class dance education" by hosting "quality artists, teachers, and performers from around the world." Students gain exposure to "dances from all over the world as well as getting to have dance instructors different cultures."
• Experienced, Caring, and Creative Leadership/Staff: Owners Susan and Giles are described as "wonderful, creative, and caring," while teachers are "experienced, hard-working and encouraging." This dedicated and passionate team is pivotal in guiding students to become their best dancers.
• Focus on Holistic Development: The studio cultivates a welcoming atmosphere that supports students in becoming the best dancers they can be, emphasizing growth in self-esteem and confidence alongside technical skills. The idea that students "feel like family" underscores this nurturing approach.
• Professional Company Affiliation: Being the school of ACDT, Western North Carolina's first professional modern dance company, provides students with unique opportunities to learn from and apprentice with professional dancers, exposing them to the highest levels of the art form.
• Innovative and High-Quality Productions: Every performance is lauded for being "brilliantly staged and choreographed," with "hand-made costumes... like something out of a museum." This commitment to artistic excellence in presentation creates memorable experiences for performers and audiences alike.
• Diverse Curriculum and Programs: The wide range of classes, including Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Pilates, and specialized programs like the Junior Company, ensures a well-rounded dance education that can cater to various interests and aspirations, from recreational to pre-professional.
• Community and Festival Contributions: ACDT actively produces several major dance and performing arts festivals in Asheville, such as the Fringe Arts Festival and the North Carolina Dance Festival, enriching the local arts scene and providing additional platforms for artistic expression and community engagement.
• Positive Impact on Students' Lives: Reviews highlight the profound impact on students, keeping them "busy" and providing "a very special experience," demonstrating the positive influence beyond just dance skills.

For those in North Carolina interested in enrolling or learning more about the programs offered by Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre and the New Studio of Dance, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 20 Commerce St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

Phone: (828) 254-2621

Mobile Phone: +1 828-254-2621

For residents of North Carolina, particularly in Asheville and its surrounding communities, Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) and its New Studio of Dance represent an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local institution for dance education. What truly sets this organization apart, as consistently emphasized by local families, is its remarkable blend of world-class professional training within a genuinely non-competitive and supportive family-like atmosphere. This approach allows dancers of all ages and levels to not only develop strong technical skills but also to truly blossom as performers, fostering confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for dance without undue pressure.

The studio's long-standing legacy of over 50 years in Asheville, coupled with its visionary and caring leadership, ensures consistent quality and a deep understanding of dance pedagogy. Students benefit from diverse cultural exposures and learn from experienced, passionate instructors who are dedicated to each individual's growth. The unique opportunity to engage with a professional dance company (ACDT), participate in high-quality, beautifully staged performances, and even contribute to local arts festivals, provides an enriching experience unmatched by many other studios. For any North Carolinian seeking a dance home where their child can thrive artistically and personally, feeling welcomed and supported every step of the way, ACDT and the New Studio of Dance are an invaluable asset to the community.

Asheville Contemporary Dance

20 Commerce St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA