In addition to capturing joy and the frivolity of movement, dance is an expression of the locale from which it arises — its history, habits, taboos and the lore of people from that region. Appalachian dance and its many styles — including clogging, flatfooting and square dance — put movement to a melting pot of influences with European, African, British and Native American origin. It’s a beautiful thing to behold. Like a perfectly skipped pebble, Appalachian dance has a nonchalant constancy that is perfectly at home in the Blue Ridge. This production features performances by Chloe Edmonstone, Kristin Andreassen, Clelia Stefanini and more in what director Becky Hill says is an attempt to “blend the lines between musicians and dancers exploring both the darkness and the light in Appalachia and in ourselves.” There will be traditional and original (presumably old-time) music, as well as the stark photography of Lisa Elmaleh. CY WINSTANLEY
