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BachataAVL Dancing Events Hosts Inaugural Asheville Winter Weekender to Aid Hurricane Relief

Umeko Yuko

BachataAVL Dancing Events presents the inaugural Asheville Winter Weekender, a multi-day celebration of Latin dance and music from Thursday, January 16, through Sunday, January 19. Taking place at the Crowne Plaza Asheville, the event features workshops, world-class performances, social dance parties and a live concert by acclaimed Bachata artist Jiory, all while raising funds for Western North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. The event kicks off with a ticketed pre-party on Thursday at Urban Orchard Cider Company starting at 8:30 p.m.

Tati and Leo

“Especially now, after the hurricane, we hope to provide a non-judgemental place for people to be able to dance and enjoy having fun,” says Tori Frasher, who learned Bachata while training in Mexico.

The weekend’s performers hail from all over the globe, including Yaya (Miami), Pamela Perez (Argentina), Tati & Leo (Uruguay), Josiah Harris (Baltimore), Eli Naas (Wilmington), Rodrigo and Wendy (Charlotte), Krystal Warden and Kyla Hallums (TN) and Sarah Barton (Greenville).

World champion Bachata dancer Umeko Yuko from Japan will headline the weekend. “Her style and passion for teaching are incredible,” Frasher says. On Saturday night, Jiory will perform live, offering dancers the chance to experience authentic Bachata music. “It’s the first time we’ve had a Bachata artist perform live in Asheville,” says Frasher.

DJ Cokie

BachataAVL has partnered with grassroots hurricane aid organization Hell Or Highwater NC to ensure all net proceeds go towards recovery resources, including the construction of a tiny home for someone in need.

“I think having an event like this will give people a bit of fun and sunshine,” says Courtney Crouse of Hell Or Highwater NC. “People need some hope and something to look forward to. Life is heavy for everyone that was impacted by the storm and so much of day-to-day life is just survival.”

The Crowne Plaza Asheville is located at 1 Resort Drive, Asheville. Weekend or individual passes are available. Purchase passes and learn more by visiting BachataAVL.com or emailing bachataavl@gmail.com.

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