Beginner House Dance classes at Peridance have several instructor options. Please see instructor methods & styles below and choose an instructor that best aligns with your needs and wants:
1) Ejoe Wilsonbegan is a House Dance pioneer who began his journey through movement in Manhattan in the early 80's winning Amateur night at the world's famous Apollo Theater 4 consecutive times, from there he would go on to dance in both Rap & Pop music videos for... Nikki D, (Wasted), Monie Love, (Born 2 Breed) (In a word or 2), Heavy D, (Now That We Found Love), MC Lyte, (Ice Cream Dream), Pet Shop Boys (So boring), The Real Mccoy (Automatic Lover), Deelite (Groove is in the Heart) (Big Beat), Will Smith (Men in Black) (Gettin' Jiggy wit it). My latest video was for Elton John (Philadelphia Freedom concert video).
In 1988 along with dance partners Voodoo Ray Ultarté (rip)and Sekou Heru, Ejoe would start the first house dance classes in a old run down flamenco studio called "Fasiels" House dance is now taught in dance schools across the country and world wide.
Ejoe then joined the Moptop dance crew and became a principle dancer for Mariah Carey for 11 years from 1992 to 2003 completing 5 world tours as well as 6 music videos.
Class Description: An upbeat house dance class exploring three elements of house dance (Footwork, Spins,Floor) Smooth form upbeat dance class for beginners to push their knowledge.
Schedules: Wednesdays 2:30-4:00PM
2) Huu Rock is a choreographer, dancer, instructor, DJ and the Co- Founder of MELLOW ANIMALS, a dancer crew comprising multiple styles of street dance.
Huu Rock started his journey in dance in his hometown of Kochi, Japan, B-boying as a member of the legendary Spin Crew. Arriving in New York City, Huu Rock was introduced to a wide array of dance styles, music, and the culture that surrounds these art forms, falling in love with all that dance in NYC has to offer.
Around this time he was introduced to his mentor Ejoe Wilson, and later joined his company Beyond Phenomenon. Huu Rock further developed his style by studying the moves of other pioneers such as Tone McGregor, Sekou Heru, Marjory Smarth, Buddha Stretch, Kim Holmes, Brian Green, Jazzy J, Mike Ufouria, Caleaf, Shan S, and many others by way of parties and other social dance events.
Class Description: House is a feeling. In this beginner House Dance class you will learn to feel the music, developing a connection between your movements, the melody and the rhythm. Following a brief warmup, we will break down the fundamentals of House dance: Chase, Tree, Triangle, Heel Toe Jack, Shuffle & Dodge, Skating, The Swirl, Lotus; basic steps that you can take right to the dance floor. Students will then be taught a short routine that stitches it all together. As I always say in my classes: the goal is to have fun, don’t worry about getting it right, just find yourself in the music.
Schedules: Fridays 11:30AM-1:00PM; Saturdays 12:00-1:30PM
3) Brooklyn Terry is a self-taught dancer who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is the son of Charles “Charlie Brown” Wright, who was known as the best skater at famous Empire Skating Rink. His mother, Denise Wright frequented the club scene at a young age and like Terry was discovered to be a dancer with exceptional talent. Terry attended Prospect Heights High School in Brooklyn and developed quite a reputation for his dancing. At age 21, he began his career as a professional dancer, and has gone on to travel the world. He gained more notoriety after becoming a member of “Elite Force,” one of the most influential dance crews of all time. They are recognized for pioneering the face of true hip hop dance. Brooklyn Terry is a phenomenal Hip-Hop and house dancer. Most people know him for his impeccable footwork as a house dancer. His rhythmic patterns exhibit skills like that of a foot musician. He has appeared on television and traveled nationally and internationally with celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Will Smith, Lil Kim, Da Brat, and the late Whitney Houston.
Schedules: Thursdays 8:30-10:00PM