Christopher Compton
Christopher Compton is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona School of Dance in Tucson, Arizona. He is also Co-Director of Dance at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp in Steamboat Springs, CO. He teaches Ballet Technique, Ballet Repertory, Partnering, Men’s Technique, Modern Dance, Choreography, and Dance History. Chris earned his MFA from the University of Arizona for Dance with an Emphasis in Choreography and Performance in May 2015. Prior to attending UA, Chris trained with Marcia Dale Weary at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, Pa., and earned his BFA in Ballet under the tutelage of Andrew Pap at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pa. Chris had been on the faculty of many dance schools, and has been a guest teacher at many ballet schools, community colleges, and summer programs across the U.S., including the Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase in Tucson, AZ.
Chris has performed principal roles in the works of Twyla Tharp, George Balanchine, Paul Taylor, Alan Hineline, Andrew Pap, Scott Thyberg, Douglas Nielsen and Michael Williams. As a dancer for Twyla Tharp, Chris performed principal roles in the Tony-Award winning Movin’ Out. Chris was also a member of Koresh Dance Company in Philadelphia, Pa., and has been a frequent guest artist at numerous ballet companies across the U.S., including Pennsylvania Ballet, Georgia Ballet, and Lexington Ballet. Additionally, Christopher was honored perform the role of ‘Johnny,’ made famous by Patrick Swayze, in the North American Premiere of Dirty Dancing at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, On. His first job out of high school, Chris was proud to make his professional debut as a dancer in the National Tour of The Music Man. Chris has also appeared in commercials and promotional materials for Movin’ Out, Dirty Dancing, Six Flags Over Georgia, The University of the Arts, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.
Chris’ choreography has been performed at The Stevie Eller Theatre in Tucson, AZ., The Drake Theatre in Philadelphia, PA., The Strings Festival in Steamboat Springs, CO., Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp in Steamboat Springs, CO., Artifact Dance Project in Tucson, AZ., as well as many ballet schools across the U.S. In 2014, Chris was presented with the prestigious Creative Achievement Award by the University of Arizona. Chris is also the proud winner of the Aleksei Judenic Ballet Prize from the University of the Arts. Christopher’s proudest achievement is being a father to John Wyatt, Jack Henry, and Cody Marshall, his wonderful sons, and a husband to Tammy, his amazing wife.
