American Repertory Ballet welcomes Gillian Murphy as Artistic Associate

American Repertory Ballet welcomes iconic ballerina Gillian Murphy to be the organization’s first-ever Artistic Associate, effective immediately. 

“We are incredibly honored to welcome Gillian Murphy to the artistic team,” says Executive Director Julie Diana Hench. “She is such an inspiration, with her unparalleled gifts, unique artistry, breadth of experience, and generous nature. Her involvement will be a tremendous opportunity for our professional Company dancers and Princeton Ballet School students, as they’ll be able to learn firsthand from this extraordinary artist.” Ms. Murphy’s appointment is made possible by Lewis and Genevieve Geyser. 

Ms. Murphy has already had her toes in the studios at Princeton Ballet School, coaching dancers on their May 2021 production of Swan Lake. "Students were mesmerized and star struck, hanging on her every word and soaking in the beauty of her movements,” says Aydmara Cabrera, Director of Princeton Ballet School. “You could see them applying her notes in the moment, and finding so much joy in their interactions with her.” Ms. Murphy is not only a star ballerina with American Ballet Theatre, but an idol for ballet students - and ballet fans - across the world. In addition to special coaching sessions and master classes, Ms. Murphy will be directing Princeton Ballet School’s Winter Intensive program, January 3-6, 2022. 

Joining the American Repertory Ballet’s leadership team with new Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel and Rehearsal Director Ian Hussey, Ms. Murphy will be staging repertoire, teaching, and coaching Company artists, all while continuing to perform with American Ballet Theatre. 

Of her new role as Artistic Associate, Ms. Murphy says: “Throughout my career I have been fortunate to work with so many wonderful coaches, and my appointment with American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School is my way to pay it forward and to share my passion for dance with the next generation of artists.”