Black Mountain Center for the Arts introduces new ballet instructor

Heidi Longwith brings strong resume to her new position

The Valley Echo
October 22, 2020

A new ballet instructor will lead classes at Black Mountain Center for the Arts.

Heidi Longwith, whose resume includes 26 years as the executive and artist director for the Tennessee Youth Ballet and recognition from the Tennessee Governor’s School of Arts, will provide instruction for students ages 3 to adult.

The nonprofit organization began offering ballet classes eight years ago, but was forced to cancel the program due to COVID-19 restrictions. As BMCA begins offering smaller classes to accommodate social distancing requirements, Longwith will succeed former teacher Casey Kristofferson.

Longwith’s career as a performer and choreographer have taken her to New York and Sydney, Australia and Moscow. She lives in Asheville and has been a regular substitute teacher at BMCA.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Heidi with us throughout the week,” said program coordinator Marylee Rorick. “The classes for children are fun and disciplined, and confidence building. The adult classes are a good workout, the movements are elegant and the whole class feels inspirational.” 

Ballet allows children and adults to build strength, endurance and flexibility. The practice also helps improve cognitive function and is a great way to relax.

Longwith has a teaching philosophy built on experience and love of the artform. 

“As George Balanchine said, ‘…but first a school,’ and that is exactly what I hope to build at BMCA,” she said, “an excellent ballet school.

“Initial ballet experiences should be of high quality with consistency of training and technique to develop beautiful dancers,” Longwith added. “At every age and level dancers should be given the most professional experience possible in their training, as well as their performance opportunities. I hope to deliver that to the dancers I train at BMCA.”

There is limited space due to distancing restrictions, but there are openings in classes for all levels of experience. Adult classes are offered Wednesday morning, Thursday evening and Saturday. Children's classes are held on Saturday mornings.

To register or for more information go to blackmountainarts.org/ballet or call 828-545-8362. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 West State Street.