Erin Winter

Erin Winter

Erin Winter exemplifies the power of perseverance and passion, proving that it’s never too late to pursue the art of dance. With a BA in Theater and a Minor in Child Development from Sacramento State University (2005), Erin’s artistic journey has been as diverse as it is inspiring. From performing on stage to mastering the technical elements of theater production, she has continuously explored new creative avenues.

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Erin’s love for dance reignited during adulthood when she began taking tap classes at Citrus Heights Dance Academy in 2011 under the guidance of Quinn Castle and Angela Barker. Over the years, her repertoire expanded to include ballet and jazz, eventually leading her to train with Felicia Fry at Citrus Heights Dance Academy and Divergence Dance Conservatory. With a dedication that knows no bounds, Erin now spends over eight hours a week immersed in ballet, including pointe work, alongside younger dancers who inspire her with their kindness and camaraderie.

Her journey in dance is marked by significant achievements, including passing her Cecchetti Grade 7 Exam in May 2024. Erin has also supplemented her training with a variety of classes at Sacramento State and American River College, ranging from pop jazz and tap to African Caribbean and Polynesian dance styles, enriching her understanding of movement and rhythm across cultures.

Erin’s stage credits reflect her lifelong passion for theater. She has brought vibrant characters to life in productions such as Thoroughly Modern Millie (Standout Talent, 2018), Hairspray (Standout Talent, 2016), and Wizard of Oz (T Street Theater, 2003), among others. Behind the scenes, she has contributed as a Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Prop Master, and more, for over a decade’s worth of theater and dance productions. Her technical expertise spans from set construction at Music Circus to light crew work for T Street Theater.

Learning ballet as an adult has presented unique challenges for Erin. She candidly shares, “My body doesn’t always want to or can’t do what I tell it to… my brain just can’t pick up combinations and choreography as quickly as I’d like.” Yet, her persistence has yielded results she never thought possible. From starting in a single adult tap class 13 years ago to now dancing alongside teens and taking formal ballet exams, Erin embodies the adage: “What seems so hard now will one day be your warmup.”

Erin’s story is a testament to the joy of embracing challenges and the fulfillment of finding a supportive dance community. Beyond the studio, she channels her overactive imagination into creating sets, props, and costumes, blending her love for theater and dance into a well-rounded artistic life. Erin’s journey continues to inspire dancers of all ages, proving that passion, determination, and a supportive environment can unlock possibilities at any stage of life.