Faculty Spotlight: Sara Murdaugh

Meet Sara Murdaugh

Degrees and Experience
  • B.A., Dance (San Jose State University)
  • A.A.S., Pre-Physical Therapy (Lower Columbia College)
  • Cecchetti qualified
  • PBT certified
Biography and Professional Achievements

Sara Murdaugh comes from Longview, Wash., where she received an A.A.S. in pre-physical therapy. In 2001 she received her B.A. in dance from San Jose State University where she graduated cum laude and received the “Senior of the Year Award” for excellence in performance, choreography, and academics.

While attending San Jose State University, under the tutelage of Janet VanSwoll, Gary Masters, and Fred Mathews, she was invited to perform with the University Dance Theater, which enabled her to perform with the Limón Company as well as work with world-renowned choreographers. Murdaugh has performed in various venues during her multi-decade career, including on the cruise ship The Big Red Boat and eight years with the Ormao Dance Company and Mathtastic. Her award-winning choreography has been used all over the West for dance companies, musicals, and competitions, to name a few.

Murdaugh has had the pleasure of working with all ages and levels in multiple positions including public schools and ice rinks. Through the years, she has worked with students that have been scholarship recipients in some of the best dance schools in the nation, as well as world recognized ice skaters. Currently a Cecchetti-qualified teacher (level V) and PBT licensed, Murdaugh is the training division director at Turning Pointe Dance and an aerial coach with Dragonfly Aerial Company.