The Appalachian Ballet Company is the resident dance company of the Clayton Center for the Arts. Making its home at Van Metre School of Dance in Maryville, Tennessee, ABC is East Tennessee's premier classical performing company and a well-respected honor company in the Regional Dance America/Southeast organization. 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 regularly performs with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. The company also collaborates with other area performing arts groups and is active in educational outreach.