I am so blessed to have found my passion for sharing God’s gift of dance with my students through dance technique, choreography, history and more. I was born in Australia, then my family and I moved to Massachusetts when I was six, and California at thirteen, where I was able to actively perform in all locations. Beyond my classical and musical theater vocal training, my dance training ranges from ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, contemporary jazz, musical theater jazz and more. I continued my performance journey and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy Los Angeles, earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Theater. Through my college experience, I was able to perform in musical theater productions, dance concert productions, improvisation acting shows, and experimental art workshops. Now, represented by Go2Talent agency, I've been able to perform at Warner Brother Studios, awards shows in Los Angeles, and multiple Regional Theater Productions.

Erik started dancing at age 4, receiving extensive training from many master teachers. He received his ballet training from Lisa Thorngren and Elizabeth Huebner, as well as contemporary instructions from Leona Morimune. He has been a member of notable Hip Hop crews such as Team Millenia under Kenny Jones, The IV League led by director Austin Fernandez and Academy of Swag under director Jay Chris Moore. During his career, Erik has performed at UCI, the LA Clippers halftime shows, as well as won many awards at various competitions such as: Fusion, World of Dance LA, Ultimate Brawl, and Body Rock with his crews. Erik was brought to Las Vegas during his auditions for the famous television show So You Think You Can Dance. Erik also recently taught as a guest choreographer at Hollywood Dance Conventions’ Nationals. In 2009 he created the Smurf Kids Dance Crew. Smurf Kids is a team consisting of young people that compete and perform across America, based out of Southern California.

I am thankful that I will be able to share the gifts that God has given me as I teach Dance 1, Dance 3 and Dance Ensemble this year. I have trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary throughout Orange County. In high school, I competed in various competitions locally and nationally at both my dance studio and on my high school's dance team. I continued my dance education at California State University, Long Beach where I focused on modern, ballet, dance composition, improvisation and dance performance. I had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Susan McLain, Lorin Johnson, Sophie Monat, Andy Vaca, Keith Johnson and many others. I also performed my own solo choreography in the Student Contemporary Concert and received my Bachelor of Arts in 2010. I have taught dance throughout Orange County for the past eight years and I am currently on staff at Pacific Ballet Conservatory in Aliso Viejo. I am so thankful to share my love of dance with my students.

I’m honored to serve as the director of performing arts and dance department chair at Crean Lutheran High School. It’s been a huge blessing to start the dance program and foster its growth over the past 9 years. I love watching our dancers develop to become confident in whom they are created to be, servants for His Kingdom, and continue a passion for dance whether it is a hobby or a profession. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by passionate educated dance teachers who are continuing to do such great work and understand the mission and vision for the dance department. Currently a member of the NDEO for dance educators, Arts schools network, and started a chapter at Crean Lutheran for National Honors Society Dance Arts. I was a performer at Disneyland in the Aladdin Musical, electronica, and special events. Other credits: Peter Pan (Tiger Lily), Maria (9 to 5) with 3D Theatricals, A Chorus line (Bebe) with the Lewis Family Playhouse, and TV credits for a children's show.