Erin Barnett

Erin Barnett is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She began her formal training at age 6 at Mayfair Academy, then continued her training at Joel Hall and with Homer Bryant. By age 9, Erin focused her attention to classical ballet under the tutelage of Larry Long at the Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance. In 1987, Erin was selected as the first African American "Clara" in the Chicago Tribune Charities Production of the Nutcracker at McCormick Place. Ms. Barnett received a BFA in Theater Arts from Howard University in Washington D.C. Upon graduation, she performed and toured internationally with Garth Fagan Dance and Philadanco! After a three year run as "Sarafina" in Disney’s The Lion King in Las Vegas and dancing with Beyonce (Billboard Awards), Erin returned to Chicago to teach and share experiences with young dancers.