Deniz Erkan Sancak ’22 Named One to Watch
DANCE magazine released its 25 to Watch list for 2026, featuring “the supremely versatile powerhouse.”
“I want to do whatever life brings me. I can’t stop moving.”
—Deniz Erkan Sancak ’22
DANCE magazine has once again lauded a Conservatory of Dance graduate as “One to Watch,” and this year it’s freelance contemporary dancer Deniz Erkan Sancak ’22.
Sancak is highly sought-after for his versatility and strength as a soloist and ensemble artist in both classical and modern repertory.
He’s recently performed in the Metropolitan Opera production of Ainadamar; and has worked with renowned companies such as The Mark Morris Dance Group, Trisha Brown Dance, and Stephen Petronio Company, and with choreographers including Liz Gerring, Douglas Dunn, Yoshiko Chuma, Christopher Williams, Ellen Cornfield, and Emily Pope.
A native of Turkey, Sancak began his career as a Ballroom/Latin dancer, competing globally as a member of Turkey’s national team in Latin American dance sport. And he danced as a guest at the Opera Ballet of Ankara.
At Purchase, Sancak received support from the Adopt-a-Dancer Scholarship program, and senior year, he joined the Peridance Contemporary Dance Company as an apprentice for the 2021 season, where he worked on pieces by Igal Perry and Yin Yue.
