Hometown: Mobile, Alabama; grew up in Birmingham; moved to Arkansas in 2017
Occupation: Former Professional Ballerina; Associate Artistic Director, Ballet Arkansas
Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham
As the associate artistic director of Ballet Arkansas in Little Rock, Catherine Fothergill’s career is still marked by the passion, dedication and discipline that defined her days as a professional ballerina. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons the performing arts can teach is the ability to do what one does best, even — and especially — in the face of adversity. Fothergill discovered that firsthand during her first professional performance of the “Sugarplum Fairy” — the same day she graduated from college — when the music cut out midway through. “I danced the end of the variation in silence, and the audience loved it,” she said. “It’s now one of my favorite onstage memories and a reminder to ride the waves of life.”
If money were no object, what would you be doing?
I would still be working in the performing arts. There’s nothing else that combines creativity, leadership and community connection the way this does. I’d just take a few extra days to rest and reflect along the way.
What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?
Helping lead significant growth and change at Ballet Arkansas and seeing the resulting impact on our local arts community has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to witness the community embrace the arts.
What is your hidden talent?
I can quack like Donald Duck — thank you, Dad! It’s a silly skill, but it never fails to make my son laugh.
What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?
The guidance I’ve received about balancing dedication and self-care resonates daily. Most importantly, the wisdom from other mothers — that being a parent is both the most rewarding and the most challenging role — has been profoundly true.
What is something you love that most people hate?
For the dancers reading this: gargouillade, a complex ballet jump where the dancer’s legs and feet work like an eggbeater in the air.
If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?
Performing one of my favorite ballets alongside my husband remains unforgettable.
How do you recharge at the end of a long day?
A quiet drive over the Arkansas River with classical music, time with my husband and son, and a hot shower is my perfect reset.
What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?
Becoming a mom has shifted everything. Balancing parenthood with running a nonprofit arts organization has taught me empathy, patience and the importance of community support.
Favorites:
Drink: Matcha latte
Snack: Chocolate
Place: Lake Willastein
Car: An elegant SUV — I’ll let you know once I’ve found time for a test drive
Song: “La Vie en Rose”
Restaurant: Cypress Social
