Leslie Murphy
Artistic Staff

Leslie Murphy started dancing around 2001 in Springfield, IL.  Her first love is Tap, but she has grown to love and appreciate all styles of dance.  In 2006, she joined the Webster University Dance Department where she took her first aerial dance class.  In 2010, she graduated from Webster University on the Dean’s List with a BFA in dance and was awarded Departmental Honors.

Leslie has also trained at ADF in North Carolina during their 6-week summer intensive in 2009.  While at ADF she was selected to perform with Janis Brenner and Dancers for the Hollins University MFA Showcase.  At Webster, Leslie and other members of the University’s Dance Department were selected to perform award winning choreographies for the American College Dance Festival in New York City and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Following graduation, Leslie performed professionally with Diva La Tap under the direction of Robin Berger, and with En L’Air Aerial Dance Company under the direction of Monica Newsam. 

In 2015, Leslie formed Formations Dance Center, focusing on her love of the aerial arts and dance.  In 2022, Leslie stepped down as owner, but is proud to work for Ashley Claybrook (DPU & FDC’s Artistic Director & Owner) as the head of the Aerial Programs at DPU & FDC.

Leslie has enjoyed seeing the aerial programs build and grow over the years and is honored to work with such talented dancers and an amazing group of DPU & FDC staff.  

NEW for the 2026/2027 Season, Leslie will be teaching the Teen/Adult Yoga Class.