Natalie Rogers-Cropper is a graduate of the Julliard School (B.F.A. Class of 1984) and joined Garth Fagan Dance in 1989. As a principal dancer, in 1992, she received the prestigious “Bessie” award for her performances. She is also a 1993 recipient of The President’s Award from her country of birth, Trinidad and Tobago. Natalie has dances at the 66th Annual Academy in a principal role in Great Performances production of Garth Fagan’s “Griot New York” performed live with the Wynton Marsalis Septet. Natalie was one of Mr. Fagan’s assistants for the Tony Award-winning megahit “The Lion King” on Broadway. She also assisted Mr. Fagan in setting “Ellington Elation” on the New York City Ballet, and “Jukebox for Alvin” and “From Before” on The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Ms. Rogers-Cropper has taught the Fagan technique worldwide for 32 years, becoming school director in 2004. For her leadership in business, and all her other achievements over her 33-year career with Garth Fagan Dance, Natalie became one of the recipients of the Women of Excellence Award from the Rochester Business Journal in April 2021.