“Choreography is a language,” says Erin Strong ’96, and she has turned that language into a life of purpose. Her four years as an Oak Knoll High School student nurtured the values that would carry her through a successful career as a professional dancer, ultimately leading her to find a calling in dance education.

In addition to its academic reputation, Strong chose Oak Knoll because of its renowned dance program. She had been taking private lessons outside of school, and being aware of the lack of dance programs in public schools, the arts at Oak Knoll provided extra incentive.

“ The idea of being able to dance during the school day was exciting,” she explained. “In my time at Oak Knoll, I found my voice, both verbally and expressively, through my involvement in the arts, dance, choir, and musicals.  At Oak Knoll, I had a safe place to express myself as an artist.”

Strong was already studying and practicing choreography by grade 11 at Oak Knoll and learning how to turn gestures into a language that told a story on the stage. She majored in dance and business at  Skidmore College, where she  became involved in different aspects of the arts, arts administration, and performance. During her summers, she  administered summer programs for prominent dance companies, allowing her to network with full-time professional dancers and renowned choreographers.

After college, Strong quickly gained a foothold in the field, working as a member of several renowned companies. While dancing professionally, she had the opportunity to do  educational outreach in public schools. She was surprised at how drawn she was to the teaching aspect of dance instead of strictly performing. 

Strong realized that she liked teaching so much that she didn’t want to continue the route of being a performer full-time. She wanted to fashion a new career as a teacher. 

She committed herself to a future of service through education and obtained a  graduate degree in dance education from NYU, where she received teaching certification for K through 12. Currently, she is a dance instructor to K-5 students at The Pingry School.

“ As I’ve ventured into the world of education, I find myself returning to so many messages I heard at Oak Knoll,” she explained. “Like Cornelia Connelly’s educational philosophies and what a whole child education entails. It’s not just the head, it’s the heart and body. Creativity is part of the big picture of education and helps educate the whole child. I lived that through my time at Oak Knoll, and now as a teacher, I keep returning to the importance of creativity.”

Working in New Jersey has allowed Strong to serve the students at her alma mater on several occasions. She has collaborated on classes and workshops with her old mentor and current friend, long-serving Upper School Dance and Physical Education Teacher Carlee Bennett. A major collaboration began in December of 2024 when Bennett approached her to choreograph a number for the 2025 Spring Dance Concert and Photography show on Friday, April 24 at Oak Knoll. Since that invitation, she has regularly visited to work with our students for months. The result is an energetic musical theater jazz number based on a song from Wicked.

As opposed to visiting as an alumna for an event, homecoming, or a panel discussion, working closely with the students over an extended period has given her a unique perspective on the similarities and differences between the school culture of the 1990s and today.

“I notice how busier the students are today than they were 20 and 30 years ago. They have so much more to manage and juggle,” she related. “However, Oak Knoll still recognizes the importance of slowing down to reflect and has continued the tradition of retreats. The fact that the school still has the students go on retreats is incredible, slowing down to connect with each other, themselves, and God.”

English and Theology Teacher, Sister Marlene Brownett, SHCJ — who also served as a former Provincial Head and member of Oak Knoll’s Board of Trustees until her passing last fall — significantly impacted Strong. 

“She began every class by taking a breath and saying a simple prayer, ‘Lord, teach us.’ Then, asking us to take that moment to pause and be open to whatever lessons are about to be presented. They might not be the lessons you go in expecting to learn. Be open to that. What does God have for you today?”

Being open, meditative, and present in the moment is essential to Strong. She has allowed a higher power to guide her movements and choreograph for her a life of service, meaning, and purpose.

The Spring Dance Concert and Photography Show is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Campion Center for the Performing Arts at 44 Blackburn Road in Summit.