CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — The Appalachian Artist Festival kicks off Saturday with a celebration of the art of dance.

Performances by students from The Inez Dance Academy are set to begin at 10:30 a.m. onstage.

The Inez Dance Academy, founded in 2022 by Abbie Crowe Fitch, has become a mainstay of the local arts scene.

Fitch, a seasoned dance professional, established the academy after relocating to Martin County, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for dance.

Her journey in dance began at the Yvonne Dekay School of Dance in Ironton, Ohio, where she studied under the tutelage of Yvonne Sinnott and Mitzi Sinnott, a notable New York writer-performer. She further refined her craft at Morehead State University.

Upon completing her studies, Fitch returned to the Yvonne Dekay School of Dance, dedicating six years to teaching under the Sinnott family’s mentorship.

Her teaching repertoire includes ballet, jazz, contemporary and musical theater.

Come out to the Appalachian Artist Festival and enjoy the artistic expression of Fitch’s young performers on the stage behind the courthouse.