Eric Rivera ’96 MFA ’12

Eric Rivera ’96 (dance performance) MFA ’12 (choreography) was promoted recently to the rank of Associate Professor in the Department of Dance and Choreography in the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University.

During his performing career, he danced with Ballet Hispanico of New York for 13 seasons, where he helped to create over 20 original works. He also performed with Minnesota Ballet as principal dancer, Ballet Theater of Pennsylvania, Danza Jazz de San Juan, and in the European tour of West Side Story.

He has appeared as guest artist in different companies such as Connecticut Ballet, Thomas Ortiz Dance, Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, Westchester Ballet, and Brooklyn Ballet.

Rivera had the pleasure of performing choreographies of Ann Reinking, Mark Morris, José Limon, Kenneth McMillan, Margot Sapinton, Graciela Daniel, Kevin Wynn, Vicente Nebrada, Talley Beatty, and George Balanchine.

His television appearances include PBS’ Setting the Stage, NBC’s 20th Hispanic Heritage Awards, Hispanic Day Parade with Brenda Blackmon, Puerto Rican Day Parade with Ernie Anastos, and the documentary “Pedro Ruiz Home Coming” among others. Rivera earned his MFA in choreography and BFA in performing from SUNY Purchase College.