Erika Best
Erika has been dancing for 12 years since the age of 3. Over the years she has learned a variety of dance styles: ballet, pointe, modern, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop, and aerial. In June 2020, Erika joined Sole City Dance (SCD) in Somersworth NH. SCD offers students a strong technical foundation in a non-competitive, nonjudgmental environment, for the encouragement of artistic expression. Erika’s abilities have been nurtured at Sole City Dance and enhanced her goal of becoming a professional dancer. She has had the opportunity to study under many professional dancers: Deborah Grammatic, Meghan McCoy Seedner, Moriah Bureau, Jacqui Young, Heidi Mitrushi, and Alexandra Poulis. Erika’s favorite dance form is dancing en pointe This form utilizes hardened shoes that allow a dancer to dance up on their toes. The highlight of her dance week is working as a teacher assistant in multiple classes: dance works with 4 & 5 year olds, intro to hip hop, and the Young Company. She is really looking forward to also participating in the Portland (Maine) Ballet’s Summer Intensive Program.
During Erika’s time at Sole City, she has performed in numerous productions in a variety of roles. During SCD’s annual Nutcracker performance, she has danced as: Party Girl and understudy for Clara (2020), Clara (2021), Shepherdess, Flower, and understudy for Snowflakes (2022). In April 2021, the studio offered a production called Moving Forward in recognition of the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on society. In it Erika danced in the following pieces: contemporary jazz, ballet, modern, and tap. In April 2022 and 2023, Sole City brought back their annual spring production, offering a ballet created by Deborah Grammatic from the book Treasure Island. Erika was a member of the Mermaid Corps and understudy for Billy Bones (2022), danced en pointe as Lead Mermaid and understudy for J. Hawkins (2023). As a member of the Solstice Dance Company, she has danced at the following community events: Dance Northeast, Dancing to Make A Difference, Somersworth National Night Out, Somersworth Pumpkin Festival, Dover Apple Harvest, and Lila Dance Festival.
Erika is a freshman at Dover High School in Dover, NH. With all the school has to offer, she has been able to pursue her many interests outside of dance. Erika has had the opportunity to take interior design this year with the possibility of becoming an interior designer and/or real estate agent after being a professional dancer. She has also started taking courses within the athletic training field and will start the rigorous two year Career Technical Center Sports Medicine program next year as she is interested the becoming a physical therapist or orthopedic doctor after being a professional dancer. Erika has been able to develop her artistic skills within the arts department and learn French with the hopes of studying ballet and pointe in France at some point in life. When Erika has free time, she enjoys drawing, reading, and hanging out with friends.
During this show, Erika will be dancing a traditional ballet variation from the ballet Paquita. She has also choreographed a contemporary modern piece. Both pieces will be danced in pointe shoes to show the tremendous versatility dancing en pointe has to offer.
Erika is excited to join the St. Mike’s Dance Team for their Spring Show and she is thrilled to share the stage again with her sister Lauren!