behind the curtain

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OWNER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Miss Erika was born and raised in Hamilton, NJ where she danced at the prestigious Princeton Ballet School.

Her professional credits include opening the stage for Colbie Caillat, Andy Grammar, The Cab, and Hinder; performing at large corporate events with clients including G105, First Citizens Bank and Go Red Campaign; and dancing at the famed Dance with Me Studios USA/NYC connected to Dancing with the Stars.

Erika is certified in Alixa Flexibility, Progressing Ballet Technique, and has passed her DVIDA Ballroom and Latin dance examinations. She has studied ballet, jazz, and lyrical extensively at programs, including Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Steps on Broadway in NYC, Duke University, Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase; and competed at Youth America Grand Prix.

Although she enjoyed her performance career, her true passion lies in training the next generation. Over the past 14 years of teaching and directing, her choreography has consistently won Best Choreography and Highest Scoring. Additionally, her students have gone on to attend the top college programs and receive national titles. 

As a member of the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, Erika plays an active role in the local business community, championing youth programs and small business collaboration. She also serves as a member of the Youth Protection Association for Dance (YPAD), demonstrating her commitment to safe, healthy, and empowering environments for young dancers. Through these affiliations, Erika brings together her passion for the arts, advocacy, and community growth to create a studio culture rooted in integrity, connection, and impact.

As the new Owner, her goal is to keep the magic that makes The Dance Collective so special, while thoughtfully enhancing the training experience, strengthening programs, and supporting every dancer’s growth- both on and off the stage.

BALLET MISTRESS/CO-FOUNDER

Elizabeth started her dance training with John Lehman in Raleigh. She joined Ballet Theater Company of Raleigh at age 8 performing in shows all around the triangle. One of her favorite company activities was performing at local elementary schools. She continued training and performing with BTCR through high school. Elizabeth attended East Carolina University studying with Joe Carrow in the Dance Education program. After college she moved to South Carolina to perform with Hilton Head Dance Theater, under the direction of John and Karena Brock Carlyle while also teaching at the adjoining school. There, Elizabeth performed in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and numerous other ballets. She helped choreograph new ballets like The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Eloise while also choreographing jazz numbers for HHDT’s Terpsichore. After five years with the company, Elizabeth relocated to Savannah, GA where she performed with several local companies and taught all over the area. In 2008, Elizabeth moved back to Raleigh with her family and taught at Dance Dynamics for twelve years. While at DDI she created a modern version of The Nutcracker that incorporated not only ballet but also tap, jazz and hip hop. Elizabeth has shared her love for dance for over thirty years and looks forward to teaching your kids at The Dance Collective. 

INSTRUCTOR/CO-FOUNDER

Tori graduated Cum Laude from Elon University earning a B.S. in Exercise Science and Dance Science with a minor in Psychology. As a former competitive dancer, she's trained in a variety of styles, but specializes in jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip hop. At Elon, she trained under Gene Medler and Nina Wheeler, as well as danced and choreographed for Elon's DanceWorks. She also trained in West African dance under Jason Aryeh and toured alongside his professional dance company in Ghana. Tori has been teaching dance for over 9 years to students of all ages, levels, and abilities. She is also a certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine and has completed her 500+ hour Comprehensive Pilates Certification through Balanced Body. Tori utilizes her knowledge of strength and conditioning to create science-based dance programs that help her students reach their goals safely and efficiently. Although her classes are challenging, she manages a supportive classroom and encourages her dancers' creativity and self-expression. Tori is thrilled to be teaching at The Dance Collective and sharing her love of dance with her students.