Penny Furgerson

🪔 About

Penny Furgerson, born Penny Rosemary Thomas in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1936, is a dancer, choreographer, and the co-founder of the Gateway Dance Theatre. She attended school in Bombay, India, where she received early training in South Indian classical dance, specifically Bharatanatyam. Furgerson also pursued academics, graduating from the University of Bombay with honors in chemistry. She later moved to Des Moines, Iowa, on a full tuition scholarship to study pharmacy at Drake University. In 1961, she married Lee B. Furgerson, Jr. About a decade later, in 1972, Penny and Lee Furgerson co-founded the Gateway Dance Theatre in Des Moines, Iowa. The theatre was established to provide accessible, non-western, multi-ethnic dance opportunities, particularly for underserved and high-risk community groups, often without fees. Furgerson's initial foray into choreography came in 1975 with her piece "Curried Soul," which blended classical Bharatanatyam steps with jazz music. Under her artistic direction, Gateway Dance Theatre expanded its offerings to include various dance forms, drumming, and other arts, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. The institution celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022. Penny Furgerson continues to serve as the Executive Artistic Director of Gateway Dance Theatre. Awards & Honours: Immigrant Entrepreneur Leadership Award (2019).