Artistic Staff

Erica West

Stage Manager

Erica began dancing at the age of 3 at Backstage Dance Center in Killingworth, CT where she trained in jazz, hip hop, and acrobatics. At age 10 she began performing with Ekklesia (ESB) in Ahavah as an Acrobat. From 12-17 she trained with ESB in ballet, modern, contemporary, partnering, and pointe. While dancing with ESB Erica performed soloist roles in classical ballets including Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, and La Bayadere as well as the leading role in Ahavah. Erica has worked with world renowned choreographers such as, Steve Rooks (Martha Graham), Caleb Mitchell (Houston Ballet), Randall Flinn (Ad Deum Dance), Darren McIntyre (Louisville Ballet) and Juan Rodriguez of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Erica graduated with a degree in Industrial Systems Engineering from Ohio State University (OSU) and currently holds a position at an engineering consulting firm. During her time at OSU she continued her dance education taking courses in choreography and ballet in a top 10 ranked university dance program. Erica spent 4 summers working as a camp counselor at Valley Shore running a dance camp for elementary aged campers. In March 2025 Erica was certified in teaching contortion and flexibility through Acrobatic Arts. She is continuing her Acrobatic Arts education and will complete her full module one certification in June 2025. Erica has rejoined the Ekklesia family as a stage manager and choreographer for the past two years and now looks forward to joining the faculty team uniting her skills in acrobatics and jazz!