The Appalachian Ballet
ABC's mission
is three-fold:
1. To provide dancers with the highest caliber of classical training and performing opportunities.
2. To produce a first-class season of classical and contemporary ballets showcasing local artists
and encouraging collaboration among the area's performing arts.
3. To promote and foster a love and appreciation of the arts through performances and lecture demonstrations within the community.
Under Founding Artistic Director Cheryl Van Metre, the company developed a strong foundation in classical technique and a repertoire comprised of many great classics. In 1989, the company was accepted into Regional Dance America/Southeast and made the prestigious level of Honor Company in just three years.
Presently, under the artistic direction of Amy Morton Vaughn, ABC has kept up its strong tradition of classical repertoire while developing an innovative contemporary repertory to match. After 30 plus years as a talented dancer, teacher and choreographer; Ms. Morton Vaughn has served as artistic director of ABC since 1997. She is the chair for the advisory board for The Clayton Center for the Arts, as well as serving on the board of Regional Dance America. The Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts named Amy Morton Vaughn the 2009 teacher of the year. She has also received the Individual Artist Fellowship from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Kylie Morton Berry began her training at Van Metre School of Dance and Appalachian Ballet Company. In 2007, she received a contract with the North Carolina Dance Theatre (now known as Charlotte Ballet), where she remained for several seasons. She returned to Tennessee in 2010 and has performed title roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and The Little Mermaid. In 2017, she received her certification in Progressing Ballet Technique. Kylie teaches ballet and jazz at Van Metre School of Dance and is the rehearsal mistress for the Appalachian Ballet Company. In Addition she was announced as Associate Artistic Director in December 2021 for the Appalachian Ballet Company.
Board of Trust
Amy Morton Vaughn, Artistic Director
Kylie Morton Berry, Associate Artistic Director
Kimmy Allen, Member
Sue Clark, Member
Katharine Dorner, Business Manager
Andy Luttrell, Chair
Helena Pound, Secretary
Chris Hayes, Secretary
Catherine Quist Shanks, Member
Melissa Sykes, Member
Buffy Bright Arms, Member
Miranda Navratil, Member
Welcome to the Appalachian Ballet Company
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