Ballet dancer and founder of American Midwest Ballet, Erika Overturff, shares her journey as a professional ballet dancer, the demands on the body and mind, and the rewards of creative expression. She also talks about ballet’s importance and the motivations behind founding a professional ballet company.

Erika Overturff began her training in Iowa at the Academy of Ballet, studying at various summer programs, then after graduating high school early as valedictorian, She earned in just three years her B.F.A. in ballet performance and teaching from the University of Utah. Overturrf went on to dance with various ballet companies performing principal and soloist roles in a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire. She has also been a faculty member and guest teacher for schools around the United States. Overturff has collaborated with Omaha Theater Ballet, Opera Omaha, Omaha Symphony, and Joslyn Art Museum in choreographing completely original ballets and fresh interpretations of classic works.