Peridance offers several instructor options for open house dance classes. Review the instructor methods and styles below and choose an instructor that best aligns with your needs and interests.
1) Ejoe Wilson
Ejoe Wilson is a House Dance pioneer who began his dance journey in Manhattan during the early 1980s, winning Amateur Night at the world-famous Apollo Theater four consecutive times. From there, he went on to dance in rap and pop music videos for notable 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 Elton John (Philadelphia Freedom Concert Video).
In 1988, Ejoe co-founded the first house dance classes alongside dance partners Voodoo Ray Ultarté and Sekou Heru in a converted flamenco studio called Fasiels. House dance is now taught in dance schools across the country and worldwide.
Ejoe later joined the Moptop dance crew and became a principal dancer for Mariah Carey for 11 years, from 1992 to 2003, completing five world tours and six music videos.
Class Description: An upbeat house dance class exploring three core elements of house dance: footwork, spins, and floor work. This smooth, upbeat class is designed for beginners looking to build and expand their foundational knowledge.
Schedule: Mondays, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
2) Sekou Heru
Sekou Heru's first love was B-boying. In high school, he attended Mercer County School of the Arts, where he studied modern dance. In 1993, Sekou began studying Capoeira Angola with Mestre Joa Grande at the Capoeira Academy in New York City. He has since fused his breaking and modern dance styles with hip hop and house dance. Sekou has worked with renowned choreographer Gwen Guthrey, toured with Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and can be seen in videos with Aretha Franklin, MC Lyte, Clubland, Pet Shop Boys, Foxy Brown, and Jay Z. Sekou was a featured dancer in the film Marcy X with Damon Wayans and appeared in the dance scenes of Spike Lee's The 25th Hour and the film Brown Sugar, starring Taye Diggs and Sanna Lathan. He has toured in Germany with rapper Tony Cottura and traveled to Japan multiple times for the annual Dance Delight event, where he served as both a guest judge and featured dancer with Dance Fusion, of which he is a founding member. Sekou performed in the opening act for Cece Peniston's Japan tour and opened for Cool C's Let Me Clear My Throat in his Japan performance. He was featured in Japan's Woofin' magazine as one of New York City's top dancers. Additionally, Sekou toured the United States with Fred Ho and The Afro Asian Ensemble in the martial arts stage show Voice of the Dragon.
In 2005, Sekou choreographed the Dance Dance music video for Fall Out Boy, which reached number one in the country and won a Best Video Award at the MTV VMAs.
Class Description: Sekou's teaching method focuses on developing stamina and high-energy movement. He teaches foundation drills designed to help students evolve and internalize the spirit and essence of house dance.
Schedule: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM; Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
