Beginner House Dance classes at Peridance feature multiple instructor options. Review the instructor methods and styles below and select the instructor who best fits your goals and interests:
1) Ejoe Wilson is a house dance pioneer who launched his movement journey in Manhattan in the early 1980s, winning Amateur Night at the world-famous Apollo Theater four consecutive times. From there, he went on to perform in both rap and pop music videos for artists including 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"), and most recently Elton John ("Philadelphia Freedom" concert video).
In 1988, along with dance partners Voodoo Ray Ultarte (RIP) and Sekou Heru, Ejoe started the first house dance classes in an old run-down flamenco studio called "Fasiels." House dance is now taught in dance studios across the country and around the world.
Ejoe then joined the Moptop dance crew and served as a principal dancer for Mariah Carey for 11 years, from 1992 to 2003, completing 5 world tours and 6 music videos.
Class Description: An upbeat house dance class exploring three core elements of house dance (footwork, spins, floor). A smooth, energetic class for beginners looking to expand their knowledge.
Schedule: Wednesdays 2:30-4:00 PM
2) Huu Rock is a choreographer, dancer, instructor, DJ, and co-founder of MELLOW ANIMALS, a dance crew spanning multiple styles of street dance.
Huu Rock began his dance journey in his hometown of Kochi, Japan, B-boying as a member of the legendary Spin Crew. After arriving in New York City, he was introduced to a wide spectrum of dance styles, music, and culture, falling in love with everything the NYC dance scene had to offer.
It was during this time that he connected with his mentor, Ejoe Wilson, eventually joining his company Beyond Phenomenon. Huu Rock further refined his style by studying the moves of other pioneers, including Tone McGregor, Sekou Heru, Marjory Smarth, Buddha Stretch, Kim Holmes, Brian Green, Jazzy J, Mike Ufouria, Caleaf, Shan S, and many others through parties and 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 and dodge, skating, the swirl, lotus - basic steps that you can take right to the dance floor. Students will then learn a short routine that ties everything together. As I always say in my classes: the goal is to have fun - do not worry about getting it right, just find yourself in the music.
Schedule: Fridays 11:30 AM-1:00 PM; Saturdays 12:00-1:30 PM
3) Brooklyn Terry is a self-taught dancer born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is the son of Charles "Charlie Brown" Wright, known as the best skater at the famous Empire Skating Rink, and his mother, Denise Wright, who frequented the club scene at a young age and was herself recognized as an exceptionally talented dancer. Terry attended Prospect Heights High School in Brooklyn, where he developed a strong reputation for his dancing. At age 21, he launched his professional career and has since traveled the world performing. He gained further recognition as a member of "Elite Force," one of the most influential dance crews of all time, widely credited with pioneering the face of true hip hop dance. Brooklyn Terry is a phenomenal hip-hop and house dancer, best known for his remarkable footwork. His rhythmic patterns showcase the skill of a foot musician. He has appeared on television and traveled nationally and internationally with artists including Mariah Carey, Will Smith, Lil Kim, Da Brat, and the late Whitney Houston.
Schedule: Thursdays 8:30-10:00 PM
