Dance – Erika Diane

The Tempest

Unfortunately, I already knew I wasn’t going to be able to participate in the production: I had already arranged to go study with the Moscow Art Theater School in Russia this past January, when performances were to take place. However, Director Colleen Stovall graciously made other plans for me. While I wouldn’t be available for production, she still chose toContinue reading “The Tempest”

Sugar Plum Fairy

Despite a prolonged hiatus from ballet (modern contemporary and circus don’t count), Erika has returned to her roots in recent years and has appeared as a guest artist in various dance school productions of The Nutcracker. While co-founding and helping build Florida Artistic Ballet into a company, she played everything from Arabian (Chocolate) to MirletonContinue reading “Sugar Plum Fairy”

German Dance

Erika dances traditional Schuhplattler and has choreographed numbers for her Schuhplattler Gruppe and other German festivals including the Spring festival of Fasching. She has appeared as the Funkenmariechen (or Tanzmariechen) and has choreographed a Funkengarde (or Prinzengarde) tanz for adults and high school students. She has also competed in the Einzelplattler competition at the bi-annualContinue reading “German Dance”

Momentum Dance Company

Erika spent a couple years as a company member with Momentum Dance Company in Miami, FL. Founded in 1982, and in continuous operation since, Momentum is one of the oldest and most established contemporary dance companies in the Southeastern U.S. Momentum’s activities include: the Miami Dance Festival (since 2002) concert seasons in South Florida; concertContinue reading “Momentum Dance Company”

Momentum Dance Company

Kevin and Caruso’s Magic Show

Erika spent a few years as a dancer/assistant for the Kevin and Caruso Magic Show when they were based at the Deauville Hotel in Miami Beach, FL. Starting out as a swing, she was initially called upon to perform when any of the 3 dancers had to miss a show. This turned into a 3-yearContinue reading “Kevin and Caruso’s Magic Show”

Fasching Karnival

For several years Erika has participated in German cultural events including the annual Spring celebration Fasching Karnival. Like a German “Mardi Gras,” Fasching is the last big blowout party before the 40 somber days of Lent. Different areas have different traditions and America has taken to adopting its own, but after starring as the Tanzmariechen orContinue reading “Fasching Karnival”

Miami Clubs

Erika performed cabaret for fashion shows and nightclubs – as the opening act, the closing act, an intermission… She served briefly as dance captain for a quartet choreographed by Alessandro Pellicani. They performed for various venues in Miami.

Oktoberfest

Erika’s been dancing Schuhplattler (traditional German dance) since she was 2. Schuhplattler was her first experience with dance and performing. When you grow up with Oktoberfest, it becomes part of you.

The Royal Ballet

When she was 9, Erika was asked to play an “extra” role in a visiting company’s ballet about endangered animals. “You’ll have to be okay with the fact that she’ll look like she’s naked on stage.” “WILL she be naked?” “No, she’ll be in a full body suit, but she’ll look like she’s naked…” TheContinue reading “The Royal Ballet”

Martha Mahr and Miami Ballet

Erika’s background centers heavily on classical ballet. She started her studies with Martha Mahr School of Ballet when she was 6: classes started right on time and students marched into the room with a polonaise, nobody spoke between exercises and you were expected to work your hardest from the first plies to the final fouettes.Continue reading “Martha Mahr and Miami Ballet”

Mar a Lago

Erika performed with a company at Mar a Lago, Palm Beach, FL for a private New Years Eve party for Donald Trump. They performed a variety of numbers from salsa to ballroom and then enjoyed a fireworks display. Costumes pictured are property of Dancesation Entertainment.