asheville ballet

Current Events

• PRESS RELEASES
• REVIEWS
• CRITICAL ACCLAIM

PRESS RELEASES

REVIEWS

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

2010

Combining classical ballet with modern dance, and sexy French cabaret styles . . . . the production (An American in Paris) is quite an ambitious undertaking . . . . Sensual and filled with tension . . . . Will remind the audience of what it feels like to fall in love for the first time . . . . Epic.

– Aiyanna Sezack-Blatt for The Mountain XPress May 2010


Ann Dunn’s dreams come as poetry, and when she hears music, the notes are dancers in her mind…. Thousands have attended her classes, and many have gone on to wow new teachers at some of the best dance schools in the country, and then on to impressing audiences around the globe . . . . Dunn [mother of 5 grandmother of 9, professor of Medieval and Renaissance World at UNC Asheville] continues to collect life experiences outside of art that inform her craft . . . . They all inspire the performances that have graced Asheville stages for decades.

– Carol Motsinger for The Asheville Citizen Times April 25, 2010

2009

[Asheville Ballet’s Nutcracker is] impressive in its interpretive range and technical sureness. It's a good thing to leave a production wanting more — more stage room, a live orchestra, and more funding for this remarkable enterprise. More performances follow during this weekend. Bravi Tutti! The Land of Snow was breathtakingly beautiful . . . an artistic highpoint of the program. The illusion of a snow-covered landscape with falling snow was magical, drawing appreciative oohs from the audience. The masterful choreography with groups of dancers frequently entering and exiting the stage ensured that the foreshortened stage area was never overwhelmed by the graceful floating, swirling figures.

– Laura McDowell for Classical Voice of North Carolina Dec 2009

2008

Classical ballet and sweaty, writhing trench work. The two go hand-in-hand with this choreographer [Ann Dunn], whose skill and attitude stand resplendent when compared with... well, nearly anything. Her ballet company, one of the oldest arts institutions in Asheville, ranks with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra for continuous programs of stock repertoire and adventurous contemporary productions. . . . [The company] displayed high skills and evidence of deep training. The whole pulled together suitably to convey a very well structured and nearly perfect length classical ballet [Coppelia] worth experiencing many times. . . . The "Mambo and Cha Cha" [West Side Story] showed how classical training doesn't interfere when the ensemble is executing nature's best moves. It was a short set, full of drive and rich, creative movement that satisfied the music. They'll be there for the weekend, and the experience is worth far more than the ticket price. Classical ballet and modern dance bordering on rock 'n' roll is a wide swath, rich in both visual and aural stimulus.

– Roger Cope, Classical Voice of North Carolina, May 13


Passions, emotions and anguish. . . . Dunn introduces the audience to the very essence of the characters. Encompassing the themes of love, innocence, and betrayal sets the stage for a magical evening of dance that (leaves) audiences breathless.

- Mary Snow, The Asheville Citizen Times, September 21


[Dunn and Laney] pull out the sexy, divisive and lyrical qualities, concealed within Shakespeare’s great plays. . . . capturing the dynamic and complicated characters of Shakespeare through dance.

- Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt, The Mountain Xpress

2006

Ann Dunn is a one-woman verb. The work was innovative and fresh . . . brilliantly danced and elegantly choreographed . . . successful on all fronts. . . . Ann Dunn has direct lineage to [Classical and Modern] roots in both her training and professional experience, and she has brought the full impact of those creative forces to bear in Asheville. This company opened the season with a rock ballet, then staged a traditional holiday ballet production, we have just had four premieres with feet planted in both traditional and modern technique, and in May they will stage The Firebird. In this business, you must deliver to stay alive. This company is fit and well-trained, and it is thriving in creative riches too numerous to mention. We have Ann Dunn to hold responsible for it, and I advise you to go see Asheville Ballet productions as soon as possible. You will be hooked.

- Roger A. Cope, Classical Voice of North Carolina, January 20 http://cvnc.org/reviews/2006/012006/ABallet.html


(32nd annual Nutcracker) a stunning execution . . . . This production is a winner that hits all the marks . . . a tremendous artistic asset in this community.

- Roger A. Cope, Classical Voice of North Carolina, January 20


Ann Dunn continues to find magic in The Nutcracker ballet.

- Paul Clark, The Asheville Citizen-Times, December 3


(Gilgamesh) portrays all fo the human travails of power, lust, love, life, death . . . . As usual, Dunn generated a spacious, colorful and elegant panorama for the stage. Her usual troupe of dancers snapped up the parts and – regardless of role – delivered a terribly professional series of scenes. . . . A stage-front left-to-right passacaglia for female ended in a sensual embrace. At some point while observing Dunn's work you'll need to go outside to cool off.

- Roger A. Cope, Classical Voice of North Carolina, January 20

2005

Swan Lake: a blockbuster performance of one challenging classic. All that is splendid in classical ballet.

- Constance Richards, Asheville Citizen Times


exhilarating (Dunn's choreography for NC Stage's "A Doll's House")

- Jim Cavener, ACT April 1, 2005


By every possible objective standard - vision, execution, preparation, eloquence - Ann Dunn and her dancers stand toe to toe with their competition in the dance capital of the world (NY). . . . Dunn's poetry is lively, concrete, surprising, touching, and a good accompaniment to the beautiful dances. . . The dance (Element) hits peak after peak, words and music and motion blending, lifting, until at the end one knows one has seen a masterpiece, masterfully performed.

- David Hopes for MAIN and The Indy, February


(in) Element: Water, Fire, Earth, Air, choreographed by Ann Dunn . . . , Blair Chamberlain and Allison Hertzberg moved excellently together. . . (while) Lyle Laney and Sarah McGinnis pretty much tore up the stage.

- George Hubbard, ACT, February 19

2004

Splendid in every way.

- Hal McDonald, ACT, December 22


Nutcracker was great. . . splendid. . . pert, alert, lively and right on the money. . . spot on, with lovely pointe work and excellent partnering. . . grand pirouettes hit the target every time. . . swirled, bowed and lilted along. . . no drooping petals here! All too soon it was time for the finale.

- George Hubbard, ACT December 11


The dancing was splendid, great swirling movements. . . highly evocative. High points in the choreography were the opening movement. . . reminding one of Balanchine's "Serenade"; a pas de deux clearly celebrating its classical heritage, . . . (and) a rapt and fitting conclusion. (An) enthusiastic audience greeted both with appreciation, giving its 'bravos' particularly to WOOD.

- George Hubbard, ACT

2003

(Dunn achieves) a level of accomplishment that elicits helpless comments. . . haunting beauty and often stunning emotional pitch. . . gorgeous. . . the considerable power derives from the way the mythic resonates with everyday emotions.

- Carrie Frye, Mountain XPress


(Dunn) conveys an intense and almost divine sense of love. . . Themes and images echo in Dunn's cycle, frequently finding impressive new phrasings.

- Rob Neufeld, ACT


Celebrates the human emotions that distinguish the animate from the inanimate.

- Lisa Horak, ACT


Filled with beauty, love, tragedy and drama. . . an outstanding caliber of performers.

- Lisa Horak, ACT


Expressive carvings become animated, uncoiling the human core, . . . punctuated by Dunn's own reflective voice, urging an awakening.

- Kate Reynolds, Mountain XPress

2002

The dancers captured the hearts of the schoolchildren.

- ACT staff review


Truly a gem in Asheville's cultural crown . . . first-class.

- H. Rowney, ACT


A triumph of the human spirit

- Heather Rayburn, ACT

2001

[Ann Dunn's] choreography . . . thoroughly delighted the large audience, which responded with laughter and ready applause.

- Martha Fawbush, ACT

2000

I thoroughly enjoyed this dance interpretation as performed in Diana Wortham Theater . . . It ("Porgy and Bess")was a wonderful creative effort.

- Marie Kitazumi, ACT


This year's Nutcracker: Even more magic, with all the traditional fare intact plus lots of new treats.

- Marcianne Miller, Mountain Xpress


Ann Dunn voted Best Local Dancer (3rd year in a row)

- Readers Poll, Mountain Xpress

1999

the accomplished Ann Dunn has been voted Best Local Dancer. And you could add playwright, poet, performance artist, choreographer and a host of other high-falutin' titles to that accolade . . . Dunn assembled a veritable army of dancers, costumers, and prop technicians to bring to vivid life a sumptuous, extravagant production.

- Marsha Barber, Mountain Xpress


ethereal and mythical

- Mark Goldstein, Mountain Xpress


Ann Dunn. . . is well known for her long and distinguished career in dance, as a dancer, dance teacher, choreographer, and producer of dance events.

-Jeremy Bacon, Asheville Citizen Times

1998

Ann Dunn is a virtual powerhouse of ambitions and ideas, articulate and highly intelligent . . . The Asheville Civic Ballet deserves our support.

-Veronica Wilcox, The Asheville Tribune

Dunn has managed once again to bring a quality production to Asheville . . . I urge the public to support Dunn's efforts.

- Gypsy Adams, Hendersonville Times News

Ann Dunn voted Best Local Dancer

-Readers Poll, Mountain X-Press

1997

With the emboldening stance and lithe muscles the words take as they figure and turn into poetry . . . Dunn rears back and sings.

- Shelby Stephenson, The Pilot, Southern Pines

1996

Ann Dunn evokes emotions by the graceful movement of her body on stage . . . (and) makes lines in words that move the reader, capturing emotions in the privacy of the page . . . Her music can shift between the elevated diction to the dangerous ditty.

- Dale Neal, Asheville Citizen Times

1994

Ann Dunn gave a spectacular performance. Her unique combination of poems and dance produced a show that was mesmerizing.

- Elizabeth Langford, SGSA Reporter Brevard

enough unflagging discipline and creative instincts for five people . . . unusually versatile and energetic. Dunn is daunting.

- Lori Harmon, Vision Indiana University

1993

Few artists have brought a more unified perception and a more varied collection of tools to bear on the business of making art than Ann Dunn. When Nietzsche called opera the highest of the arts because it contains most of the others he might have held Ann Dunn in some visionary corner of his mind. Dunn has become a visionary of the performance form.

- David Hopes, Green Line

I want to be the first to applaud and the first to spread the news. Dunn's magnum opus . . . is a multimedia cocktail, an opthamological/otolaryngological treat . . . a beautiful blending of the classical and contemporary . . . an orgy of mind, eye and ear that doesn't exhaust, rather stimulates. Begs for more.

- Thomas Rain Crowe, Out & About

1991

Ann Dunn (has) perfected the combination of dance and drama

- Jenny Larson, The Blue Banner, UNC - Asheville

1990

(Dunn) is relentless in her pursuit of perfection . . . a ballet dancer gone mad . . . a woman of talent and vision . . . only gets better the fifth and sixth times around . . . I liked the diversity and quality.

- Thomas Rain Crowe, The Arts Journal

an interdisciplinary entertainment experience . . . highly effective, combining aspects of both modern dance and classical ballet . . . quite a powerful image on the stage.

- Lane Hollifield, The Blue Banner

1989

a powerful, lyrical, poetic antidote to the sorrow and loneliness of our modern times . . . an affirmation of an orderly and beneficent cosmos . . . rich in nature’s imagery and filled with poignant emotion . . . the ensemble work was some of the best I’ve seen for a long time . . . exquisitely beautiful, with a poignant sensuality . . . a visual, aural, and kinesthetic feast.

- Carolyn Barker, The Equinox, Keene, NH

1987

It is both true and insufficient to call Ann Dunn the best artist in the state; poet, painter, educator, choreographer, composer, she may well be the most various and impassioned artist of any sort . . . our one performing artist of truly national rank.

- David Hopes, Out ‘n About

. . . a masterpiece . . . profound and redeeming humor . . . insight into the intricacies both of craft and of the human heart . . . the finest work of art made by anyone I know personally, perhaps the finest work made yet in these mountains.

- David Hopes, Out ‘n About

Creating poetry and dance is as natural to Dunn as breathing.

- Maggie Lauterer, The Asheville Times

1986

Somewhere between the humdrum habits of everyday life and our universal desire to create something new is the quiet space of inspiration. It was in just such a space that Dunn created Goddesses.

- Mary Joe Padgett, The Arts Journal

1985

An original dramatic monologue filled with telling verbal images . . . Dunn’s concept is well chosen . . . eloquently expresses the anguish for a lost child . . . fluid and vital . . . most effective.

- John Bridges, The Asheville Citizen Times

1984

developing a rapid admiration of Dunn’s flexibility and strength . . . balance, agility and athletic power.

- Carol Currie, The Asheville Citizen Times

1983

Dunn displayed her technical and sensitive expertise . . . her movements were elegant, her gestures excitingly appropriate . . . hauntingly lyrical . . . exhibited an impossible ability to balance . . . a daring journey . . . exotic and compelling.

- Stephanie Tilden, The Asheville Citizen Times

1982

a sheer delight . . . beyond delicious . . . Dunn created a wonderful and enjoyable evening the likes of which will probably not be duplicated for a long time to come.

- Karen Zimmerman, The Asheville Citizen Times

1981

A.C.D.T. scored a major coup with “Gatsby”, a full length work commissioned from Ann Dunn . . . an important new piece . . . demanding allegros . . . extremely challenging choreography . . . exciting.

- Kathy Amos, The Asheville Citizen Times

1980

. . . smart, sophisticated . . . fresh and even impertinent at times . . . she produced a complex texture of word, rhythm, movement and image.

- John Bridges, The Asheville Citizen Times

. . . a sensually complete experience . . . Ann danced beautifully and with the technical precision that never seems to fail her.

- Carla Hoffman, The South Bend Tribune, IN

portrays tragedy, comedy, mystery and the obvious truths about human behavior. They burn bright long after the curtain is drawn . . . She makes you watch.

- Judy Johnson, The South Bend Tribune

1979

magical . . . beautifully performed, very enjoyable.

- M.R. Dougherty, Pulaski County

Dunn performed as only she could, with agility and perfection . . . the giant . . . the most stunning performer . . a tormented, sensuous solo . . . thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

- Carla Hoffman, The South Bend Tribune

1978

a friendly, intimate evening . . . one of her finest works . . . a visual celebration of the life-force . . . evocative . . . a substantial and exciting performance . . . Ms. Dunn’s dancing has long stunned audiences . . . lovely maturity.

- Carla Hoffman, The South Bend Tribune

1977

Ms. Dunn’s choreography was never more outstanding . . . magical moments . . . rare touches of humor . . . a delighted audience.

- Maxine Ford, LaPorte Herald-Argus, IN

1976

highly accomplished and talented professional, and the result is quality.

- Candace Bullard, River City Review

1975

Variety abounds . . . force and intensity . . . Ms. Dunn shows a sense of ease and self-presentation . . . exciting . . . hypnotic . . . Ms. Dunn is notable for her communicable warmth and fine dancing.

- Bill Borden, The South Bend Tribune

1969

Theatrically fresh and meaty enough to provide fuel for dozens of intellectual discussions.

- Jim Wensits, The South Bend Tribune

1966

Dunn realized her part most successfully . . . fragile . . . most appealing . . . Dunn’s portrayal was very moving.

- The Gunnery News, CN

1964

A bouquet must be thrown to Ann. Endowed with a unique sense of musicality and grace, her dancing was always a pleasure to watch.

- The Princeton Packet, Princeton, NJ

1963

equipped with enthusiasm, charm, and considerable talent . . . accomplished.

- The Princeton Packet, Princeton, NJ