BOONE, N.C. — Denise Ringler, director of arts engagement and cultural resources at Appalachian State University, received $14,700 from the North Carolina Arts Council to support the residency program of the Dance Theatre of Harlem at Appalachian. Dance Theatre of Harlem is a professional ballet company and school based in Harlem, New York.

This residency was part of the 2018–19 season of music, dance and theater events in the university’s “The Schafer Center Presents …” series. The dance troupe performed in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 19.

“The 17-member, multiethnic ensemble performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African-American culture,” Ringler said. “The renowned dance company tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century.”

During their stay on Appalachian’s campus, the dancers and the company’s artistic director, Virginia Johnson, also conducted workshops and master classes for students in Appalachian’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

Additionally, members of Appalachian’s Black Student Association, Black Faculty and Staff Association and Omicron Kappa Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority participated in a meet-and-greet opportunity with the company’s artistic director.

Ringler said the performance and residency were also supported by an additional grant from South Arts.

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North Carolina Arts Council

The North Carolina Arts Council launched its work in 1967 as awareness of the importance of arts to all citizens was becoming a national movement. In the ensuing nearly 50 years the arts in North Carolina have come to be valued as one of our state’s most durable and productive assets.

After decades of vigorous work, experimentation, and refinement, our state’s arts infrastructure reaches into all 100 counties through one of the most highly developed and effective networks of local arts councils in our nation. An abundance of outstanding artists and arts organizations continues to enrich our communities. Artists and institutions improve quality of life, educate and inspire our youth, and stimulate an extraordinary amount of economic activity.

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About the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts

The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts is a 1,673-seat, multiuse auditorium located on the campus of Appalachian State University. The center, which features orchestra and balcony level seating as well as a proscenium stage, is dedicated to enhancing the artistic and cultural landscape of Appalachian and the surrounding region by providing a venue devoted to the year-round presentation of campus and community events that enrich, educate, inspire and promote quality of life. The Schaefer Center is also home to the Smith Gallery, which presents work by students and faculty members during the academic year. Learn more at http://theschaefercenter.org.

About the Department of Theatre and Dance

The Department of Theatre and Dance is one of seven departments housed in Appalachian’s College of Fine and Applied Arts. Its mission is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community and the region. Learn more at https://theatreanddance.appstate.edu.

About the College of Fine and Applied Arts

Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.