Meet Starr | Choreographer of the Year | Best Dance Company
Meet Starr
rva dance awards nominee
best choreographer | best dance company
My journey into the world of dance began at the age of nine. My mother was a dancer and a visual artist, and my father a music collector and brick mason. It seemed obvious to them to enroll me in dance classes to cure my tomboy ways and provide an outlet for my creative spirit. Both of my parents did odd jobs for the studio I was enrolled in, such as scenic and costume construction, in exchange for payment of my training. I was then fortunate enough to receive scholarships to train in NYC during my adolescence. In 1987 I moved up north and met a studio owner named Judith Mingus who introduced me to modern dance and gave me the opportunity to choreograph. I received my first in-print review for my choreography in 1988. I continued my training, enrolling in intensives with the Jose Limón Dance Company, the Martha Graham Company and also performing in professional work with various dance artists.
I moved to RVA to start at VCU Dance, and it was there I met Chris Burnside, who shared his intense passion for the art form and creative process, and also allowed me to continue my professional endeavors. During my time at as a student, I was the recipient of full scholarships at the American Dance Festival for three consecutive summers, which allowed me to choreograph, train and perform with a wide range of exceptional dance artists, many of which I am still connected with. In 1999, I began my job at VCU Dance, then in 2001, I established Starr Foster Dance. As a choreographer, it became essential to me to create an outlet for other dance artists to be able to present work in a professional setting, so I launched the Mid-Atlantic Choreographers Showcase. To this date, the Showcase has produced over 125 artists in the last 17 years.
In addition to my position at VCU, I am also faculty at the University of Richmond and the Richmond Ballet. It is an absolute privilege to be able to share my love for dance through teaching and choreography around the country for young and professional dance artists. If I am able to inspire young dancers to reach beyond their limits, believe in themselves and fulfill their dreams, then I consider that my greatest accomplishment.
Fun fact: I’m a serious book worm, reading about 1 book a week. I am also a mother to a beautiful daughter, Grace 21, who is a rather amazing photographer.
