Shake it Off: Dancing for fitness and fun
Volume
29
/ Issue 27
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Photo courtesy of Misa Terral
Despite pandemic setbacks, Asheville still offers a wide range of dance classes that get feet tapping and spirits soaring. Xpress looks at some new studios and classes on offer, as well as why local instructors and students find dance so fulfilling.
arts
Young adult novel brings Asheville’s street-music scene to life
Buskers, bullies, a menacing pet pig and various homages to the characters and colorful businesses that populate the Asheville downtown area show up in local author Jennie Liu's latest young…New and established dance studios and classes help locals stay fit and feel great
Despite pandemic setbacks, Asheville still offers a wide range of adult dance classes that get feet tapping and spirits soaring. Here’s a look at some new studios and classes on…Center for Craft broadens impact with new five-year plan
The Craft Matters plan is centered on activating resources, catalyzing craft communities and amplifying craft’s impact.Bill and Alice Hart Collection bolsters UNCA’s historical holdings
The expansive personal library has deepened the Harts' connection to Western North Carolina, and will now do the same for scholars and the general public.Art exhibit seeks to demystify the nude
“We hope folks will come in here, see the naked body, see there's nothing vulgar about it and see the work and effort artists put in to see the beauty…Around Town: Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective centers conversations about race
Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective presents Abe Lincoln and Uncle Tom in the White House. Plus, Grail Moviehouse screens Wattstax, an Asheville author recounts her experience reporting on cults and…food
New meal prep program targets community health
"I wanted to address food insecurity with those who had Type 2 diabetes or hypertension and do something similar to Hello Fresh or Blue Apron, but with food pantry food,”…Health checkup: The foundation of healthy ecosystems
Author Laura Lengnick discusses our individual and collective health, healthy ecosystems and the power of silence.What’s new in food: Fermenti launches brick-and-mortar in North Asheville
After years of participating at local farmers markets and hosting annual festivals, Meg Chamberlain prepares to open her first brick-and-mortar. Also: Asheville Truffle Experience returns; La Bodega by Cúrate hosts…living
WTF: Fentanyl test strips
North Carolina criminalizes the possession of drug-testing equipment as drug paraphernalia. The state defines paraphernalia as “all equipment, products and materials of any kind that are used … [for] testing,…Health checkup: The evolution of the local vitamin and herb scene
Bill Cheek, co-owner of Nature's Vitamins & Herbs discusses popular products, the need for kindness and the importance of getting outdoors.Health checkup: Yoga and music
Whitney Shroyer, co-owner of Purna Yoga 828 and a local DJ, discusses self-care, music's role in health care and the respect he has for the history and tradition of yoga.Health checkup: Balance and joy
Chad Johnson discusses bringing the body into balance, misconceptions about acupuncture and cultivating joy.Health checkup: Misconceptions about sex therapy
Jenny Shealy, a local sex therapist, discusses the importance of understanding pleasure, misconceptions about sex therapy and the joys of connecting with nature.Health checkup: Making time for exercise
Fabrice Julien, an assistant professor of health and wellness at UNC Asheville, discusses making time for physical activities and the benefits of exercise on a person's mental health.news
WNC’s summer sports adapt in winter months
Tennis, soccer, baseball and softball players face different challenges in the colder parts of the year.Area fitness centers emerge from COVID-related downturns
For many local gyms and workout facilities, which saw membership plummet in 2020 and 2021, things took a positive turn in 2022. Most say they are at or near pre-COVID…Health checkup: The benefits of psychedelics
Ehren Cruz, founder of The SpArc, discusses the role psychedelics play in healing and the misconceptions people have about them.Q&A: Local pharmacist earns statewide award for community work
Dr. Shawn Taylor discusses her local and international work, as well as how alternative treatments and pharmaceuticals can work together.Report: Buncombe homelessness can be halved in 2 years
Much of the presentation focused on the shortcomings of how local governments and service providers currently collaborate to address homelessness.Development roundup: Northridge Farms proposes 577 units for Weaverville
The proposed development on 88.12 acres would include 118 single-family homes, 163 townhomes or casitas and 296 multifamily apartments across 11 buildings. The single-family homes would be for sale; all…Buncombe seeks more input on 20-year roadmap
Buncombe County's Comprehensive Plan 2043, the draft of which was released in December, is now in the fourth and last phase of its development. County officials are seeking a final…Asheville joins Buncombe County surveillance system
An agreement between Asheville and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, approved by City Council in a 4-1 vote Jan. 24, will allow the APD to use a county-operated camera network…From Asheville Watchdog: What are the odds of a casino in Asheville?
North Carolina can support as many as nine Las Vegas-style casinos with gambling throughout the state, including one in the Asheville area, according to a report commissioned by the General…opinion
Letter: Taking heart from messages about beauty
"It’s essential that there are positive messages about body image in the world to contradict negative ones because otherwise, young women’s self-esteem just keeps getting bombarded by societal expectations."Letter: The dangerous combination of children and guns
"Teaching children not to touch guns is important, but the ultimate responsibility lies with adults."Letter: Build a new stadium with better parking
"For that much money, they should just build a new stadium in a part of town with better parking where they want more people to go."Here comes the sun
Letter: TDA should pay for McCormick Field upgrades
"The Tourism Development Authority is the party that needs to pony up the money!"Groups work to strengthen and reimagine local food systems
"We must address classist and racist systems and structures through policy change, food sovereignty and food justice."Letter: Spend tax dollars on infrastructure
"I think tax dollars could be better spent on infrastructure — perhaps an upgraded water system?"Letter: Please keep Tourists baseball in Asheville!
"I can’t even get my head around $30 million or how we can find a way to get it, but I’m pretty sure there’s enough people with that kind of…New tagging program
Letter: A cause for celebration
"If you feel a fondness for Ireland, land of your forebears or not, there is good news."