Eric Ragan
Eric Ragan, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of dance experience. His journey began under the guidance of dance legends, including Flemming Flindt at Dallas Ballet and Natasha Krassovska of the Ballet Russe. In a pivotal moment, he was handpicked by Frederic Franklin to portray Johnny in Ruth Page Center’s Frankie and Johnny, launching a remarkable career that owes much of its brilliance to Franklin, his cherished mentor.
Eric’s ascent continued as he joined the Tulsa Ballet Theatre in 1988. He swiftly rose to the position of soloist and delivered unforgettable performances, including the roper in Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo. His artistic pursuits next took him to Ballet Austin, then to the Eugene Ballet, where he collaborated with renowned choreographer Tony Pimble, leaving an indelible mark as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.
Venturing to Switzerland’s Stadttheatre StGallen, Eric enchanted a new international audience before returning to the Eugene Ballet, bringing with him 15 years of honed expertise. New York beckoned, and he embraced it with soloist roles in prestigious companies like Dances Patrelle, Ballet for Young Audiences, and the Suzanne Farrell Ballet at the illustrious Kennedy Center. Eric’s guest performances, most notably with the American Ballet Theatre, where he portrayed the Roper in Rodeo, solidified his status as a dance luminary.
Beyond his remarkable dance career, Eric is inspirational force in the world of motivational speaking. Eric Ragan is the visionary founder and artistic director of the Long Island City Ballet, a platform where he champions the arts with unwavering passion. As a choreographer and producer, he has demonstrated his exceptional talents, enriching the world of dance. Eric’s commitment to ballet’s artistic evolution is unparalleled.
Eric is a co-founder of Ragan Pilates, alongside his beloved wife Bootsie Ragan, where he pioneered,
ART: Assisted RestorativeTherapy, positively impacting thousands of individuals by enhancing their physical and mental well-being.
Currently, Eric is diligently crafting his video biography and authoring a book titled, “The Last Grotesque,” showcasing his multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication to the arts. Eric Ragan is not only a motivational speaker but a true inspiration in every facet of his extraordinary journey.
“It is good to consider what you’re focusing on in your dancing when choosing a mentor. I specialize in character-driven dance. I am, at my heart a ‘grotesque,’ which is an old fashioned way of saying, ‘I believe that all dance and movement has a reason and says a specific thing, tells a story, or conveys meaning. Even in abstract or contemporary ballet, a simple gesture always says something meaningful. I am an expert in telling stories through dance and how to be natural on stage to bring the audience in. Balanchine was very clear in teaching, there is always an internal dialogue that informs the movement quality. All of his greatest dancers - Suzanne Farrell or Jacques d'Amboise - can say anything with the simplest of gestures…” ~Eric Ragan