Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Ray. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Erika Ray Founder, CEO, Artistic Director of Erika Kay Star Dance Academy
Founded in 2021
Erika Ray, formerly known as Erika Moton, was born and raised in Miami, Florida. At the age of 4 Erika’s mom, Patricia Thompson knew that it was time to put her in some dance lessons. Erika started dancing at Debra Dance Studio which later changed their name to Children’s Dance Theater which was located in Pembroke Pines Florida. Erika took it further and was accepted in every magnet dance program which she attended Norland Middle School, Miami Northwestern Pavac Dance Program, and Coral Gables Senior High with the Gablettes Dance Team. Along with dancing in school she still continued dancing with Children’s Dance Theater where she traveled nationally and internationally around the world competing in various dance competitions. After High School Erika further her schooling and attended New World school of the arts College program and made Dance her Major. She was accepted into the Alvin Ailey program, traveled doing music videos, she was over the dance ministry at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, and choreographed sweet sixteen and weddings all at the same time. As the years gone by Erika made sure that she kept up her techniques and dance lessons such as Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, jazz, and lyrical. At the age of 40, Erika is currently married to Daren Ray with 4 beautiful children. Her passion for teaching dance has never stopped and she couldn’t stay still so she decided it was time to step out on faith and do what she always dreamed of. Erika is grateful to all the artists she has worked with and famous choreographers that shine their light and guidance. She is particularly thankful for her husband, children, family, and friends for their support.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all with challenges as working a full-time job, full-time mother and wife, and my full-time Dance Studio owner and teacher things most of the time gets overwhelming. That why I have given lots of thoughts of really perusing my dance career fulltime at the stage in my life. Also, earlier this year my studio was located in Doral, Florida and when I got the news that I had to relocate my dance studio because of inspections issues they told me I had leave everything that I had put in my studio there and God knows that I put over 20, 000 into that studio. I was so devastated I felt like I being used and abused and giving up because all the money we saved had went to the first dance studio. I had nothing to move with, but with the help of my family they said we can’t let your talent go to waste, so they all got together including my husband and we relocated to Miramar Florida with nothing but the grace of God. As I look back on over my the situation and disappointments that’s when I convert to Philippians 4:13 ” I can do all things through Christ with strengtheneth Me.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Dancer a choreographer, an educator, a scholar, and an advocate for my love through dance. I Dance to bring meaning, to bring beauty, to bring possibility, and to bring inspiration to a concrete world of dance. I dance for clarity and for charity. I dance because it makes me whole and when I am whole through my choreography, I am a better wife, mother, daughter, and most of all a better Dance teacher. I love kids and with my love for them it makes my dreams come true. With me being open for these past 2 years my girls have traveled around the world to many various dance competitions. We have won over 15 trophies thus far and is so proud and is looking forward for the years to come.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
By me being a fairly new studio I would love to collaborate and with choreographers and dancers. Me as choreographer must have a thorough knowledge of dance steps, style, and routines. And multiple chorographers can create awesome productions. I one day would want to have my own dance show to the world isn’t all pretty and glam but only the strong survive. I also have a lot of kids that reach out and would love to dance at my studio but is unable to attend because parents can’t afford for them to attend. I also have a non-profit that people can donate to help sponsor these kids. It’s called the Erika Ray Dance Foundation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erikakaystarsdance.com
- Instagram: erika_kay_star and erikadanceacademy
- Facebook: Erika Ray and Erika Kay Star Dance Academy
- Youtube: Erika Kay Star Dance Academy
