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. Kylie recently retired from the stage in 2023. Kylie teaches ballet and jazz at Van Metre School of Dance and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique. She 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. Kylie serves on the National Board of Regional Dance America as the RDA/Southeast President and the RDA Social Media Manager.

Board of Trust

Amy Morton Vaughn, Artistic Director
Kylie Morton Berry, Associate Artistic Director
Andy Luttrell, Chair
Chris Hayes, Secretary
Helena Pound, Secretary
Kimmy Allen, Member
Evans Bowen, Member
Sue Clark, Member
Catherine Quist Shanks, Member
Melissa Sykes, Member
Buffy Bright Arms, Member
Miranda Navratil, Member

Welcome to

the Ballet