For the past two seasons our artistic director, Heather Maloy, has been researching and planning to create a new evening length work inspired by the turbulent life of Zelda Fitzgerald.  Other projects have diverted her attention, placing the piece on the back burner until 2018.  Then, the organizers of the Celebrate Zelda weekend of events honoring the 1920’s icon who tragically lost her life in a fire at a mental hospital here in Asheville, chose the Rooms at Terpsicorps as a venue for their upcoming event.  The project was kicked into motion.

Its not often that a choreographer gets the chance to create sketches of upcoming works.  With the creation of the Academy at Terpsicorps and its talented pre-professional students, such an opportunity is now possible.

Working with a professional choreographer to explore characters and concepts is an incredible learning experience for the teen-aged students, and one that they are embracing with great maturity and artistry.  To tell a story that follows the historic couple along their path from young love, to fame, self involvement and alcoholism, all the way through to eventual mental illness and death, is challenging for the most experienced professionals.  It will be thrilling to see what our Terpsicorps dancers do with it next summer, but in the meantime watching these blossoming artists tackle it is incredibly inspiring.

Join us Saturday, March 11th, at 6pm, for a free of charge event at The Academy at Terpsicorps, 1501 Patton Ave, Asheville.  The performance is part of an art show, music performance and silent auction to raise money for Aurora Gallery, a supportive art studio for artists affected by mental health needs, addiction and/or homelessness.