William J. Ferguson II began dancing in the Company in 1989 and teaching in the Garth Fagan Dance School.  Although no longer performing, he is the Artistic Director and Choreographer of the Garth Fagan Dance School Ensemble.  The Ensemble members are aged 5-18 and are selected by audition.  They perform regularly at community events and annually at the Garth Fagan Dance Home Season at Nazareth.

Recently, the father of two grown sons who studied with Bill offered these words about their Ensemble experience.

“Garth Fagan designs his approach not so much to refine a person’s dancing as it is to refine a person’s character! That’s the difference that clearly brings kids to different place than almost any other activity where they could be participating, honestly.

My favorite Garth Fagan Piece has always been Prelude. Discipline is Freedom.  The idea that a person, no matter what his/her current place in an activity, regardless of background, inherent abilities or lack thereof, no matter what privilege or advantage or lack thereof, no matter whatever,  can begin working really hard on that activity and with the character qualities of self-control, patience, focus, discipline, respect, perseverance, consistency, and dedication; can begin to improve in the activity. From that point of accomplishment, the Freedoms associated with self-image, self-confidence, and self-respect open up for the person, which gradually convince him/her that the world is his/her doorstep, and that he/she can accomplish anything.   Application can be accomplished in any area, from Boating to Banking!

Thanks to Bill for being fantastic my sons!”

Bill is also the Executive Artistic Liaison/Personal Assistant to Garth Fagan.