Miss Erika
Education
-
Cary-Grove High School, Class of 2015
-
University of Cincinnati, Class of 2019 – Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship & Small Family Business
Training & Performance Highlights
-
Erika began dancing at age 13 and quickly discovered a passion for competitive dance. Throughout high school, she competed in jazz, pom, and hip hop at NDTC, Jamfest, and the USASF Dance Worlds, where her team earned both national and world rankings.
-
While attending the University of Cincinnati, Erika was a member of the nationally acclaimed UC Dance Team, a 7-time National Champion and 10-time World Champion program. During her collegiate career, the team captured a National Championship title in 2017 and a World Championship title in 2016.
-
Following graduation, Erika continued her career professionally, performing for two seasons with the Chicago Bulls Luvabulls and one season with the Dallas Mavericks D-Town Crew.
-
Her commercial and entertainment experience includes performances with The O'Jays, John Legend, Emerald City, Sprite, and Dorrough Music.
Teaching Experience
-
10+ years of dance instruction, coaching, and choreography throughout the Chicagoland area, Cincinnati, OH, and Dallas, TX (2014–present)
-
Xavier University Dance Team Assistant Coach (2019–2020)
-
Miss Greater Des Moines Solo Choreographer (2021)
-
Central Connecticut State University Dance Team Co-Choreographer (2021–2024)
-
Rolling Meadows High School JV Dance Team Choreographer (2025–present)
Personal
Starting dance later than many of her peers taught Erika the value of hard work, resilience, and determination. She believes in giving 100% effort, 100% of the time, and strives to instill that same mindset in every student she teaches.
Outside of the studio, Erika is the founder of Elevate Beauty, her professional makeup artistry business. She loves helping clients experience the excitement performers know so well— energy, lights, cameras, and elevated confidence before stepping into the spotlight.