Valentina Baldini, Editor-in-Chief
Featured Image from Dance Against Cancer
Erin Fogarty is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College and a former dancer at Carolina Ballet, where she performed roles in a number of George Balanchine’s most famous works. She also served as Assistant Director of Administration for the New York State Summer School of the Arts Ballet, Director of Programming of Manhattan Youth Ballet Faculty and executive assistant to Damian Woetzel on a variety of his projects, including the Vail International Dance Festival. Currently, Erin is the executive director of GALLIM Dance and founder of Dance Against Cancer.
From performing in various companies to working alongside choreographers, Erin has gained multiple perspectives. “Moving through different roles gave me a deep respect for the full ecosystem that supports dance,” she said. “Performing taught me what it means to commit your body, time and vulnerability to the work. Working in educational programming showed me how formative access, mentorship and structure can be. Together, these experiences shaped my belief that the dance world is strongest when artists are supported holistically, not just onstage.”
All featured images from past Dance Against Cancer performances
Erin founded Dance Against Cancer in 2010, a nonprofit organization and nationwide movement that unites the dance community with inspiration to dancers, educators and families battling cancer. “Dance Against Cancer began from a very personal place, like it does for so many people touched by cancer,” she said. “When someone you love is battling something like that, you can feel a bit helpless. I experienced my father’s strength, courage and love throughout his cancer journey and I knew I wanted to do anything I could to help.”
Dance Against Cancer has a one-night-only annual performance at the Lincoln Center to benefit the American Cancer Society. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $2.7 million. “I asked my insanely talented and generous friends if they would take the time to perform to raise money for the cause. What started as an idea and a single event became a platform for collective action. It’s been incredibly moving to see dancers, companies and audiences come together to contribute to change,” Erin said.
Erin has gained much experience working with numerous choreographers, such as Damian Woetzel and GALLIM’s Artistic Director, Andrea Miller. “Working with artists like Damian and Andrea has taught me that leadership in the arts is as much about listening as it is about vision,” she said. “Damian’s ability to connect artists, institutions and ideas across disciplines showed me how expansive dance can be. Andrea’s work has reinforced the importance of rigor, curiosity and trust in the process, in the body, and in the people around you.”
As Executive Director of GALLIM, Erin has many visions for the future, including transition, growth and solidity. “At GALLIM, my focus has been on building stability alongside ambition,” she said. “I want to continue to strengthen the organization so the artists can take real risks. Looking ahead, I hope GALLIM continues to be a place where bold artistic work and care for others coexist. I want audiences to feel invited into something visceral and meaningful, and for the next generation of artists to see a future for themselves in this field.”
Erin has shared advice for younger dancers who hope to continue in the future. “Stay curious and stay connected,” she said. “The dance world isn’t linear, and there’s no single “correct” path. Learn how things work beyond your immediate role, like how a production comes together, how organizations are sustained and how relationships are built. Take your craft seriously, but don’t lose sight of your humanity. The people who last in this field are the ones who are open to learning, to collaboration and to redefining success as their lives evolve.”
