Born in Hagerstown, MD, Erik Hoffman trained with the West Virginia Youth Ballet, under the artistic direction of Carolou Brown Russell. After high school he moved to New York City for training before transitioning into a trainee program with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, and subsequently, with Ballet West, in Salt Lake City. He had the opportunity to perform with both companies, in productions such as Lar Lubovitch’s Othello, Gerald Arpino’s The Nutcracker, and Adam Sklute’s The Sleeping Beauty.
Erik spent his summers training at American Ballet Theater, Ballet Austin, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and Orlando Ballet. He also studied under New York City Ballet’s legendary ballerina, Suzanne Farrell, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Erik danced with St. Louis Ballet from 2011-2016, and danced notable roles in a variety of ballets choreographed by George Balanchine (Chaconne, Divertimento No. 15, Serenade, Western Symphony), Christopher D’Amboise, Brian Enos, Emery Lecrone, Adam Sage, Pam Tanowitz, Michael Uthoff, and former New York City Ballet principal, and St. Louis Ballet artistic director, Gen Horiuchi.
In 2018, Erik graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, on the campus of Washington University Medical Center, in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s worked as a Registered Nurse at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and currently, with Children’s National Hospital, in Washington D.C.
This is Erik's first season with Ballet Embody.
Astrological Sign
Scorpio
Favorite Food
Too many to choose, but, PIZZA!
Favorite Color
Forest Green
Favorite Book
Mysteries/Thrillers; Harlan Coben, Stephen King, etc
Favorite Movie
Joker
Inspirational Quote
"Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are, for what you could become."
Favorite Music/Artist/Band/Musical Genre
I'm a fan of most genres, but I mostly listen to alternative, pop, folk pop, pop rock, and electronic/house music. Dave Matthews Band, Mumford and Sons, Passenger, Judah and The Lion, The Lumineers, Gryffin, Kygo, Sam Feldt, etc.
Favorite Place to Be
A beach.
If you were a dinosaur, which dinosaur would you be?
Brontosaurus
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about it/them!
No pets, although fans of French Bulldogs and Pugs!
What genre of dance is your favorite? Why?
Ballet, of course, but also admire hip hop, because it's a genre that's been difficult for me to learn.
What is your favorite full length ballet/variation/performance? Why?
Giselle...this ballet conveys a wide range of emotions: happiness, love, and heartbreak, with mysterious/dark undertones. The music, composed by Adolphe Adam, is so powerful!
Why do you dance?
To escape, to inspire, to maintain youthfulness.
What kind of flat shoes do you prefer?
SoDanca flat shoes.
What other jobs/activities/talents/passions do you pursue?
I work full-time as a Registered Nurse. In order to get in shape, I've found cross-training incredibly beneficial alongside dance, so I recently hopped on the Orange Theory train. I also take Irish Dance lessons in DC, as this style of dance has been a passion of mine since I was young. I love my family, and enjoy spending time with all of them!
From our followers: Do you have another job(s)? If so, what do you do?
Yep! A Registered Nurse; I've primarily cared for children, adolescents, and young adults (and their families) with cancer, blood diseases, and those undergoing bone marrow transplantation; I've also worked briefly in the Pediatric ICU.
What are you looking forward to this season with Ballet Embody?