How Passion, Persistence, and Versatility Have Shaped Her Dance Career
Interview by Chris Duncan
Erin Gray’s journey from Australia to Los Angeles reads like a story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. Originally hailing from Australia, Erin has become an accomplished actress and professional dancer whose career spans various genres and mediums. With 12 years of professional experience in Los Angeles, she has established herself as a versatile and standout performer in the entertainment industry.
Erin’s love for performance began early. “Since I was a little girl watching Shirley Temple’s videos on repeat, I knew I wanted to move to Hollywood,” Erin recalls. After completing her Certificate IV in performing arts at Sydney’s Brent Street, opportunities abroad began to unfold. Dance first took her to Hong Kong, where she performed in a Disney show, and later to Singapore, where she worked with Universal Studios and performed in an all-girls pop group. But Los Angeles was always calling. When the timing was right, Erin made the bold move, and it immediately felt like home. “I knew I made the right choice,” she shares. Now, 12 years later, Erin’s career in LA has blossomed, and the city remains her home.
Throughout her career, Erin has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Ariana Grande, Marques Houston, Daddy Yankee, and Mila J. “Being one of Ariana’s dancers for the ‘Bang Bang’ music video was an incredible experience,” Erin says. Though much of the choreography didn’t make it into the final cut, the energy on set and the chance to collaborate with the pop star left a lasting impression. Another highlight was performing with Daddy Yankee at the Latin American Music Awards. “It was a really fun time,” Erin recalls. “We rehearsed for two days before the performance, and I got to work with some of the most talented dancers.” 
Touring has been a significant part of Erin’s career, and performing alongside Dawn Richard of Danity Kane was a particularly memorable experience. “We shared a hotel room in Shanghai and really got to know each other,” Erin laughs. Performing each night and exploring the city during the day made it an unforgettable tour.
Erin’s career reached a new level when she became the main dancer for the rock/metal band In This Moment. Discovered by the band’s choreographer, Erin Bridges, after a burlesque show performance, Erin joined the band on three U.S. tours and starred in their music video for The Purge. “My most memorable moment was performing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado,” she says. “The crowd was full, and the rush of adrenaline I felt in front of that iconic venue was unforgettable.”
In addition to her work in the music industry, Erin is also expanding into the film world. She’s set to star as the lead dancer in an upcoming feature film, where she plays a robot in a horror film. Preparing for such a unique role required months of intense rehearsals to perfect robotic movements with the help of choreographer Robert Hoffman. “Luckily, my past popping classes helped me master the rigid movements needed for the role,” she shares.
For 12 years, Erin has also been a core performer with Eplus Entertainment, working on various dance jobs across the U.S., and a key member of the prestigious synchronized swimming group Aqualillies. Erin’s role with Aqualillies has taken her to performances at high-profile events like Jimmy Kimmel Live, Adele’s birthday party, and an H&M event in Sedona. “As a dancer in Aqualillies, I perform both on land and in the water, which has pushed me to grow in different ways as a performer,” she explains.
Erin’s versatility has been crucial to her success. From stage shows and music videos to award shows and tours, she’s adapted her style to fit a wide range of performances. “In LA, you must be diverse in your styles so that when a job or audition comes up, you’re prepared for whatever style is thrown at you,” she explains. This adaptability, along with years of consistent training, has been the foundation of her impressive career.
Now, Erin is focused on further expanding her career. She has applied for a USA Green Card, which will open more doors in the TV, film, and commercial industries. “Being a Green Card holder will give me access to more opportunities,” she says. This move is particularly important as new rules have made it harder for production companies to hire dancers on O-1 visas. Erin’s determination and resilience have helped her navigate the challenges of the industry, including the effects of the pandemic, which disrupted the live entertainment world. “Luckily, my connections and long-standing relationships with choreographers and companies like Eplus helped me stay afloat during the difficult times,” she reflects.
Looking to the future, Erin hopes to transition into choreography for TV and film, combining her love for dance with her passion for being on set. “Choreographing for the big screen would be a dream,” she says. She’s also excited to inspire the next generation of dancers by teaching workshops and sharing the lessons she’s learned from her journey.
Erin’s advice for aspiring dancers? “You have to really want this. Being a dancer isn’t just a career, it’s a way of life,” she says. Erin emphasizes the importance of persistence, resilience, and professionalism in an industry that can be filled with rejection. “There will be a lot of wins if you keep showing up and putting in the work.”
After 12 years in Los Angeles, Erin has grown both personally and professionally. Despite the city’s fast pace and competitive nature, she has found balance. “I’ve learned to allow myself time for mental health, to enjoy life, and to take care of myself. Dance is my job, but because I love it, it doesn’t even feel like work.”
With upcoming projects, including an indie feature film set in the 1930s where she’ll be one of the main dancers, Erin’s career continues to evolve. Her dedication, talent, and adaptability have earned her a place in the entertainment industry, and she shows no signs of slowing down. Erin Gray’s journey is an inspiring reminder that with passion, hard work, and persistence, dreams can be turned into reality.
