Dance Department

Eric Skinner

Skinner is originally from Muncie, Indiana and has been working nationally and internationally as a performer and choreographer for over twenty-five years. Eric originally trained as a gymnast before receiving his B.A. in Dance from Butler University's Jordan School of Fine Arts in Indianapolis. He has danced professionally with the Milwaukee Ballet, Ballet Oregon, Pacific Ballet Theatre, Los Angeles Chamber Ballet, and was a founding member of Oregon Ballet Theatre. Following his departure from OBT, he danced with contemporary choreographer Gregg Bielemeier and was a founder of aero/betty aerial dance theatre before joining artistic directors Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland in their innovative dance company, BodyVox, in which he performs and holds the position of Artistic Associate. Eric regularly teaches for Reed College, Center for Movement Arts and BodyVox Dance Center, and he has additionally served as a review panelist for both the Weiler Choreography Competition and the Regional Ars & Culture Council. In 1998, he cofounded the skinner/kirk DANCE ENSEMBLE with partner Daniel Kirk as a vehicle for their choreographic inventions. Catherine Thomas of The Oregonian said, “Skinner’s craftsmanship… is especially gratifying.” In addition to his work for Skinner/Kirk Dance Ensemble, he has choreographed for Inland Pacific Ballet, Portland Center Stage, BodyVox, BodyVox-2, Portland Opera and Polaris Dance Theater.