Erika Ballard joined the Milligan Musical Theatre faculty as an Adjunct Instructor of Ballet in the Spring of 2024. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Ms. Ballard danced professionally with the Cincinnati Ballet and earned both a BFA in Ballet Performance and an MFA in Dance from the University of Oklahoma. After teaching and choreographing for various studios throughout the Southwest, she relocated to eastern Tennessee in 2004, where she primarily served on faculty at Kingsport Ballet for 16 years, teaching Ballet, Modern, and Pilates classes. Ms. Ballard also served as Spring Concert Coordinator for the school and Stage Manager and contemporary choreographer for the company. In 2017 she was primary choreographer for Seeds of Change, Kingsport Ballet’s contribution to the city of Kingsport’s Centennial celebration.
Ms. Ballard wholeheartedly believes, as it says in Colossians 3, that she should complete every endeavor, mundane or significant, with her whole heart as unto the Lord, rather than to men, and she believes the power to do so is found in Ephesians 3: experiencing the love of Christ and being empowered by the Holy Spirit, who can accomplish “infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ms. Ballard is excited to teach at Milligan University, where excellence in the arts and faith in Jesus Christ are integrated so fully.