Performing Arts Collective

In 1984, I founded Performing Arts Collective in Fayetteville, Arkansas. My hope was to use low-key, highly-collaborative grass-roots methods to bring free classes and low-cost performances to an underserved community. There were previously-professional dancers, both ballet and modern, not teaching and not performing, and it just seemed a wasted resource right there in town, so I set a goal to see them teaching and performing regularly by spring 1985.

In the beginning, I handled every aspect of Administration, handling scheduling, publicity, class spaces and concert venues, finances, everything. For the first concert, I was even hanging lights. I designed our "little leaper" logo, which also graced our T-shirts. I regularly taught the beginning modern dance classes, and I choreographed, composed, and performed in the concerts myself. Nine people became deeply involved in PAC, and additional musicians and dancers occasionally joined us for specific events.

The local press regularly wrote about us, and even ran a large feature article with numerous photos during our first year. Our very first production was well-received in both Fayetteville and Eureka Springs. Below are previews of our November 1985 concert.

The article below is too hard to see, but I loved the tone of the writing: "The Performing Arts Collective was founded by Kathy Pierson, who recognized the need for an umbrella organization to bring together area dancers and musicians, collaborating and supporting one another's creations," and then there is a more accurate mention of our ongoing free dance classes, and "Although the Collective is an independent, community-based group, there will be a special performance by University of Arkansas dance faculty members, Terry Brusstar and Aubrey Watson. Also, Joe Paul and Eliza Wood of the Northwest Arkansas Hapkido Association will present a related martial arts piece." Aubrey's choreography, in this off-campus venue, was seen by a broad audience, and the choreographed hapkido demonstration was so beautifully done that it brought the house down.

Several of the original PAC choreographers still live in Fayetteville - including Gail Leftwich, who recently won a major Arkansas Arts Council choreography grant - and they continue to dance, to teach, and to work together (now as "Dance Coalition") to produce high quality choreography concerts in Fayetteville.

To return to Kathleen Pierson's Home Page, click Here