Born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1960, Pugh entered the National Ballet School at the age of twelve after studying briefly in Stuttgart.
As a professional dancer, he studied periodically with Stanley Williams in New York.
[2] He was known for his remarkable athleticism and extraordinary jumps in roles including the Bluebird in The Sleeping Beauty, the Prince in The Nutcracker, the Rose in Le Spectre de la rose and Colas in La fille mal gardée.
[1] Following an injury to his foot in November, 1985, he took two years to recover before performing again with the company.
[5][6] He was named Best New Male Dancer of 1979 by Dance and Dancers (England), and in 1981 he won the Silver Medal at the Fourth Moscow International Ballet Competition along with pas de deux partner Kimberly Glasco.