Erika's dance journey commenced at the age of 5, and by the age of 9, she had already recognized her passion for dance as her lifelong pursuit. Hailing from Bergen County, NJ, she underwent extensive training in theatre jazz (Fosse style), tap, and ballet. Following her high school graduation, Erika delved into training and auditions in Manhattan, thriving in the city's dynamic dance scene. She honed her skills in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and theatre jazz at renowned institutions like Broadway Dance Center and Steps On Broadway, complemented by voice and acting lessons.
At 19, Erika found her true calling in teaching dance, a role she has passionately fulfilled for over 25 years. Her teaching repertoire includes jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, technique, and conditioning for students of all ages.
Erika's dedication to teaching and her deep love for dance radiate in her classes, fostering an energetic and inspiring atmosphere for her students. Throughout her career, Erika has prepared students for diverse dance opportunities, from dance teams to theatre performances and competitions, including prestigious productions at Lincoln Center. Her commitment has also guided students to secure positions on college dance teams, including those at Division 1 (D1) schools. At her home studio, Erika assumed multiple roles, including Assistant Competition Director, where she gained valuable insights into the operational aspects of a dance studio, further enhancing her ability to motivate and assist her students and peers.
Despite initially contemplating retirement from dance and taking a two-year hiatus, Erika realized her enduring creative drive and desire to share her talents with the world. With a passion for fashion and event planning, Erika's meticulous nature and strong work ethic equip her well for these roles. Whitney's idea reignited Erika's spark, inspiring gratitude for her past mentoring and readiness for the new venture.