The Frenship ISD’s Fine Arts department is known for its outstanding performances and prestigious accolades, and much of that success can be attributed to the incredible educators who guide and inspire students. Among these dedicated teachers is Courtney Ferguson, a dance teacher at Frenship High School, who was recently recognized with a BroadwayWorld award for Best Choreography in Legally Blonde the Musical.  

Ferguson has been a part of the Frenship family for 19 years, with 12 of those years dedicated to the dance department. She currently serves as the head of the dance department and coaches the JV Pom squad. Throughout her time at Frenship, Ferguson has taught a variety of dance and theatre classes.  

Notably, she also started the Frenship tap program, ensuring that students developed the necessary skills to incorporate tap dancing into the school’s musical productions. Her vision and dedication played a key role in expanding the department and elevating the performances. 

Ferguson shared that including tap in the musicals has always been a point of pride for her and the department at large. She explained that not every school can tap, and this helps set them apart when they compete in the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Awards. 

Since 2012 Ferguson has choreographed numerous shows for Frenship theatre shows including White Christmas, The Addams Family, Shrek, Tarzan, Beauty and The Beast, and Footloose. Additionally, she is involved in various dance and theatre events in the community. She has choreographed shows for local community theatres, Stella’s Restaurant short shows, and the Flatlands Dance Theatre. 

Ferguson first got involved with The Wallace Theatre when she was recommended by Flatlands Dance Theatre to the director to choreograph their production of Rent in February 2023. They were so impressed with her passion and creativity, that they asked her back for the 2024 run of Legally Blonde the Musical. 

During the month-long run of Legally Blonde the Musical, Ferguson was nominated for the BroadwayWorld Dallas Region Awards for Best Choreography of a Play or Musical. Competing against 40 other talented choreographers from Lubbock and Dallas, Ferguson emerged as the winner, earning well-deserved recognition for her exceptional work.  

Ferguson stated that working with the Wallace Theatre was a rejuvenating experience that allowed her to showcase her passion for musical theatre in the community. She explained that this award is extra special because she got to work with former students.  

“Creating art is so subjective, so winning this award means more to me than the patrons liked my work,” said Ferguson. “With the Wallace Theatre, I got to work with a lot of my former students. I got to see their growth as dancers and as humans.” 

She went on to express the support she felt from her current students made her win so much sweeter. She hopes that she can be an example to her students that hard work pays off.  

“Knowing my students see how hard I work to be good at what I do is a lesson I hope they take with them forever,” said Ferguson.  

Frenship Fine Arts continues to benefit from the passion Ferguson pours into each student and throughout her choreography. Her talent is showcased in Frenship musicals and across the community.  

Ferguson expressed her love for musical theatre and the creativity in telling a story through movement, combining her love for theatre and dance.  

“As my friend Travis once told me,” said Ferguson. “When you can’t say it, sing it. When you can’t sing it, dance it!” 

Congratulations Courtney Ferguson!