ABT legend Gillian Murphy shares lessons on presence, gratitude and growth at UNCSA

The School of Dance at UNCSA welcomed celebrated alumna Gillian Murphy (High School Ballet '96) back to campus. Fresh off her retirement as principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT) after nearly three decades, Murphy met with students for a candid conversation with Dean Endalyn T. Outlaw and led a series of ballet and pointe masterclasses.

Relive the highlights from her visit below.

A conversation on artistry, gratitude and growth

Onstage in Freedman Theatre, Murphy reflected on the “pinch-me moments” that defined her career — from her early performances with ABT to her final bow as Odette/Odile in "Swan Lake."

Throughout the conversation, Murphy emphasized presence and self-awareness as key to her success, lessons that resonated deeply with the students in attendance.

Click here to watch the full discussion.

Masterclasses: where discipline meets imagination

Returning to the same studios where her journey began, Murphy guided UNCSA ballet students through a series of technique and pointe masterclasses.

Her message was clear: technical precision and emotional depth go hand in hand. “Trusting my intuition and really listening to my body has been critical,” she said.

Inspiring the next generation

Murphy’s visit served as both a homecoming and a masterclass in what it means to sustain a lifelong artistic practice. Reflecting on her own time at UNCSA, she shared how the school’s training laid the foundation for her success.

My training here at UNCSA was similar to what your training is now. Ballet class, pointe, variations and regular contemporary classes all really set me up to have the career that I had.

High School Dance alumna Gillian Murphy

“My training here at UNCSA was similar to what your training is now,” she said. “Ballet class, pointe, variations and regular contemporary classes all really set me up to have the career that I had.”

She encouraged students to find joy in their work and remember why they dance.

By Natalie Shrader and Melissa Upton Julio

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