Florida Southern College Honors Erin LaSala Phillips with Wynee Warden Fellowship in Dance

Florida Southern College Honors Erin LaSala Phillips

On April 29, 2025, Florida Southern College proudly announced that Erin LaSala Phillips has been awarded the esteemed Wynee Warden Fellowship in Dance. This fellowship recognizes her dedication to the field of dance and her numerous contributions as both an educator and choreographer.

Erin LaSala Phillips holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance Choreography from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education from the University of South Florida. Her education includes training with renowned instructors and guest artists, such as Gretchen Ward Warren and Madame Darvash. Over the years, Erin has showcased her performance skills in works choreographed by eminent figures like Liz Lerman and Dwayne Cyrus.

Her professional journey began in the vibrant dance scene of Tampa Bay and Central Florida, where she performed with numerous companies, including Asher Dance Eclectic and Revolutions Dance Company. Phillips’ creative explorations have been presented at various prestigious festivals across the eastern United States, including the American Dance Guild Festival and the Naples International Dance Festival.

Erin's academic contributions extend to her scholarly presentations on dance pedagogy at significant organizations like the National Dance Education Organization. Her work embodies a seamless blend of research and practical teaching methods, promoting the advancement of dance education.

Throughout her career, Phillips has held various faculty and leadership roles. Her previous positions include Dance Education Coordinator at Kent State University and Director of the Jacksonville University Summer Dance Intensive. Furthermore, she has mentored budding dancers as a guest artist and instructor at several institutions both domestically and internationally, including the University of Nicosia in Cyprus.

In acknowledgment of her contributions, she received the Dr. Sarah Dukes Distinguished Faculty Award for the Arts at Florida Southern College in 2023. Phillips expressed her gratitude upon receiving the fellowship, stating, "I am deeply honored to be selected for the Wynee Warden Fellowship in Dance and sincerely grateful for the college's continued support of the performing arts."

The Wynee Warden Dance Studio, dedicated to all dance classes at Florida Southern College, was funded by generous supporter Winifred Wynee Warden. Her philanthropic legacy includes enduring support for education and the arts, which this fellowship continues to honor.

Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College stands as the oldest private institution in Florida. Committed to academic excellence, the college offers more than 70 undergraduate programs and has received accolades for its innovative educational approach. Florida Southern is ranked #11 among "Best Regional Universities in the South" and features a beautiful campus, home to the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.

This award not only highlights Erin LaSala Phillips’ achievements but reflects Florida Southern College's dedication to fostering the arts and nurturing the next generation of dance artists. With her vision and passion, she continues to uplift the college's dance program and the performing arts community as a whole.