In this episode of At the Barre, we are joined by Eric Stith III, Company Dancer with Madison Ballet and emerging choreographer featured in this season’s Innovation II.

Eric shares his unconventional path into ballet and how he found his way back to the art form after almost stepping away completely due to burnout.

We dive into Eric’s evolution as a choreographer, including the moment he discovered his artistic voice and what it means to create work that reflects both his movement influences and his identity as a queer Black artist. He opens up about the creative process behind his new piece, Genesis 1:3, a deeply personal work honoring his grandfather’s life.

Eric also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like choreographing on your fellow company members, how he builds trust with fellow dancers, and the balance between structure and spontaneity in the creative process.

About Eric Stith III

Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Eric started training at the age of 7 at The Old Donations Center for the Gifted and Talented and then transferred to The Governor’s School for the Arts. While training, he was a part of the film Dancing on the Shoulders of Giants filmed by WHRO. At age 19, Eric started his professional career in the Second Company of Charlotte Ballet under the direction of Christopher Stuart.

After joining Madison Ballet in 2023, Stith has performed in many illustrious works choreographed by Artistic Director Ja'Malik including Duo Amore, Hallelujah Junction and Rhapsody in Blue. He also has performed in works by prestigious choreographers Richard Walters, Yury Yanowsky, Stephanie Martinez,Tamisha A. Guy, and Alia Kache.

Eric has worked to find his choreographic voice starting with Charlotte Ballet’s Choreographic Lab in 2022. In 2023, Eric created a work for Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s New Dance Fest. In Madison, he choreographed for Madison Ballet’s Innovation Program, Isthmus Dance Collective's Bike Path and the Paw de Chat Fundraising event.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/eric_stithiii/

See Genesis 1:3 by Eric LIVE in Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii

Attend a Madison Ballet Special Projects Ballet Storytime

🩰📚https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/events

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson