News

Amy Morton Vaughn Receives Honor at State Dance Festival

By Grace Robinson, Public Information & Research Coordinator —

Amy Morton Vaughn c/o Van Metre School of Dance
Amy Morton Vaughn c/o Van Metre School of Dance

Amy Morton Vaughn of Maryville, TN was awarded the Margaret Martin Award by the Tennessee Association of Dance (TAD) at their annual festival on October 1, 2016.

Since 1997,  Vaughn has served as the director of both Appalachian Ballet Company and Van Metre School of Dance, after 30 plus years as a talented dancer, teacher and choreographer. Through her continued work with both programs, she has presented quality performances and encouraged collaboration between various arts groups in East Tennessee, including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, the Knoxville Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Opera. Her expectations for dancers inside the studio have taught responsibility, independence and self-confidence — skills the dancers never forget. Vaughn currently serves as the vice president of the Southeast Regional Ballet Association (SERBA), chair of the Clayton Center for the Arts’ advisory board and also serves on the board for Regional Dance America.

Amy directs Brittany Blum of Appalachian Ballet Company's Corps de Ballet during practice for "The Nutcracker" at the Van Metre School of Dance.
Amy directs Brittany Blum of Appalachian Ballet Company’s Corps de Ballet during practice for “The Nutcracker” at the Van Metre School of Dance.

The Margaret Martin Award is given to a person who has made an impact on the Tennessee dance community, furthering the public image and accessibility of dance in the state. Nominations for the award are accepted on a rolling basis and the award ceremony is held annually at the Tennessee Association of Dance Festival. This year’s award was presented by TAD President Courtney World.

The Tennessee Association of Dance is a statewide network of organizations and individual dedicated to artistic excellence and committed to ensuring that dance is a vital and respected part of life for all Tennesseans. TAD provides services that support communication, fellowship, advocacy, leadership, and education for a broad-based dance constituency.

For more information about the Tennessee Association of Dance programs, including the Margaret Martin Award, visit their website or email info@tennesseedance.org.