Appalachian Ballet Company

I think ABC is a wonderfully creative, hard-working ballet company that deserves a "Bravo". Their artistic director is fresh, lively and creative. Their dancers are dedicated and refined. I believe that they have a lot to be proud of. Their dancers can effortlessly excel in their craft and take it to the next level any where they want.

If a dancer or company cannot take criticism, then they don't need to be in the business of selling public shows. It is not heartless to ask more of this company - a company that use to have a really good reputation of having quality dancers. This company has become lax in many ways. If they are going to charge for their performances they must be on top of their game. When dancer's appear uncomfortable on stage it is apparent. Maybe they don't have quality rehearsal time - or dances placed on them timely. Whatever the problem is they need to fix it - ABC needs to have more of the company of 5 years ago...until then, it is hard to praise the comedy ballet that is set on them so often, or to offer praise on dancers that just don't cut at the semi-professional level. And the fall show of 2007 was once again not worthy of having any praise. This company needs help. IF they are willing to take your money for a performance - they should present a top notch performance.

The heartless individual who wrote that ABC needs help and regarded the silly pieces of the AD's mother's books, needs to find a heart for a heartless soul and a hobby! Oh, and have enough guts to sign your name next time! And to ABC, you continue to grow and please the crowd!!! My heart goes out to all the local dancers who give there all!!!! BRAVO ABC!!!! Rachel Brown

I have seen the Appalachian Ballet Company's performances for years now. And I enjoy myself everytime I go. Some are funny and the classical ones are marvelous. This years Nutcracker was so beautiful. I think that it was their best yet. Elizabeth Everitt as Sugar Plum fairy was amazing and the new choreography in Act II was phenominal. The artistic director Amy Moore Morton did a fabulous job. I would definitely recomending coming to see the Appalachian Ballet Company.

I grew up with the Appalachian Ballet Company. I took ballet there for MANY years! Unfortunately, I had to quit taking dance due to a death in my family. I no longer had transportation to and from practice. I have always thought that this company is a great springboard for anybody wanting to have a dancing career. Therefore, my own niece has begun her career at ABC as well. I'm sorry that some of the previous reviews have been so harsh. I hope that those reading them will take their own time to try out the Appalachian Ballet Company and form their own opinions. I think that you will enjoy the experience!

Fall show 2005 at Maryville College.....This is suppose to be a "professional" ballet company - however, the fall show resembled little more than a recital makeover. The opening dance - horrific! The dancers looked lost and uncomfortable. All the pieces that followed showed lack of direction, energy, and focus. Everything except the guest artistic (Ms Hill) showed that his company cannot go forward if they don't show technique, direction and a desire to become a premiere company for East Tennessee. The Artistic Direction of this company appears to be floundering. ABC in the past has showed promise to become the Ballet Company of Choice for East Tennessee. With the present direction it is taking - that doesn't seem to be a possibly. Such a shame!

ABC - this company needs help. Evidently the Artistic Director deosn't understand the meaning of rehearsal - or that pieces should not resemble "Recital Pieces". The core group or prinicipals/soloist show that they have the training - they need the leadership of a director. Also - more classical ballet would be great . All the silly pieces they presented on the AD's mother's books were just boring and didn't show the possiblity of a good company. Get with it - be Knoxville's Premiere Company - get good pieces and rehearse - You might win audiences back!