ERIN FAY-MONTALVO
ARTISTIC/TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Erin began studying dance in California at the age of three and at eight years old, started teaching her neighbor friends how to do ballet in the family garage. After moving to Washington, she continued her studies with Tony Gamlieli and Valli Hale, Tacoma City Ballet, Suburban Dance Studio and Pacific Northwest Ballet. During her summers she would fly to California and study at Tremaine Studios, working with the Fly Girls, Madonna's dancers and Mr. Barry Lathers, most famously known as Michael Jackson's choreographer.

 

Finally, she was able to realize her dream of opening her own dance studio, Charisma School of Dance, in Lakewood, WA in 1998. Her vision is to teach students of dance all the techniques needed to be successful, in an atmosphere of love and care, so that the dance world would be one that would be a welcoming environment, where dancers would never want to leave.

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Erin's collective experience of technical dance instruction, choreography, competitions, auditions, casting and more, are an invaluable asset to The Backstage Foundation. Her keen eye for talent is especially important during our scholarship selection process.

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In her spare time, Erin loves spending time with her son, Alejandro, her many dogs and family.