Donate in honor of Michael Fothergill, Executive and Artistic Director!
Michael was introduced to dance as a student of the Betty Hill Dance Studios in Des Moines, Iowa, furthering his training under the guidance of Robert Thomas and Miyoko Kato at the Robert Thomas Dancenter. His studies continued on full scholarship at the Milwaukee Ballet School, Boston Ballet School, and ultimately at the School of American Ballet. Graduating from high school ahead of schedule, Michael went on to complete his training at American Ballet Theatre before launching a professional dance career that spanned nearly two decades.
Michael performed extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan as a principal guest artist, and held positions on the bookends of his career with the Milwaukee Ballet, Charleston Ballet Theatre, City Ballet of San Diego and, ultimately, Alabama Ballet under the direction of Tracey Alvey. During his time in Japan, he was honored with the prestigious title of Artist of Extraordinary Merit-a distinction rarely awarded, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the art of ballet.
Upon retirement, Michael was appointed Executive and Artistic Director of Ballet Arkansas. Michael oversees all aspects of Ballet Arkansas's professional company and its affiliated school, the Ballet Arkansas School for Dance, which he co-founded with his wife, Catherine, in August 2022. In fewer than 5 years, Michael transformed the organization's vision and programming, eliminated its debt, and doubled its gross operating budget to $1.7M with a $1M endowment. Today, the organization is ranked among the Largest 75 Ballet Companies in America by the Dance Data Project and has been twice named Best Performing Arts Organization in Arkansas by the Arkansas Times.
In addition to his work at Ballet Arkansas, Michael is a sought-after choreographer whose work has been performed professionally and academically across the US and internationally. His choreography for film was featured in Dance the Dream at 50, an international documentary produced by acclaimed filmmaker Richard Karz. Over seven seasons, Michael has created several full-length productions for Arkansas audiences, including Dracula, Sleepy Hollow, The Great Gatsby, The Nutcracker, Wonderland: Alice's Epic Adventure, Cinderella, and Carmen, all of which received rave reviews.
Michael is a dedicated educator and the founding director of the Cecchetti Council of America's Enhanced Men's Training Program. He frequently serves on the faculty of CCA's International Summer School and Teacher Training Seminars. His teaching experience spans numerous professional companies and schools both in the USA and internationally. Michael is an adjunct faculty member of arts and humanities at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
Recognized for his exceptional business acumen, Michael has earned numerous professional accolades. He was named one of the Top 100 Professionals in Arkansas in 2020 and one of the Top Influencers of 2022 by Arkansas Money & Politics Magazine. That same year, he was inducted into Who's Who in America, and in 2023, Soirée Magazine honored him as one of just 25 Men on a Mission statewide. Most recently, in 2025, Michael and his wife Catherine were named Visionaries in the Performing Arts by Arkansas At Home Magazine. Additionally, Arkansas Business Publishing Group named Michael one of Arkansas's 250 most influential business leaders in November 2025. Michael is a 2026 Governor's Arts Award Recipient in the area of Arts Community Development, presented by the Arkansas Arts Council.
Outside of his professional commitments, Michael is a proud father, an avid runner, and a freelance consultant. He enjoys music, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
