Advanced Beginner Heels classes at Peridance feature multiple instructor options. Review the teaching methods and styles below to select an instructor whose approach best matches your learning goals and preferences.
Option 1: Dan Lai
Dan was born and raised in New York and discovered his passion for dance as a teenager. Working with industry-leading choreographers, he studied contemporary, jazz, street jazz, and hip-hop styles, blending these influences into his distinctive movement vocabulary. Dan has presented his work in major productions, including Carnival and Jared Grimes' Run the Night at the Highline Ballroom, and APEX at the Salvatore Capezio Theater. He has taught in Sweden, Japan, and other international locations and appeared in Dance Teacher Magazine. Currently, Dan teaches heels choreography at Broadway Dance Center.
Class Focus: Dan's class synthesizes the different dance styles he has mastered throughout his career, creating a unique movement experience for heels dancers. Each session begins with cardio and core conditioning to energize the body, progresses to heels-specific technique work ranging from weight-shifting exercises to across-the-floor walks, and culminates in choreography instruction. The emphasis is on dancing, learning, and most importantly, enjoying yourself.
Schedule: Thursdays, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Option 2: Tomoko Ishikawa
Tomoko was born and raised in Tokyo, where she launched her dance career before relocating to New York to pursue new creative opportunities. She has collaborated with renowned choreographers throughout NYC and developed her reputation through teaching and performance work. Her performance credits include major artists such as Cardi B, Missy Elliott, French Montana, Remy Ma, Ciara, Madonna, Lil' Kim, and the Backstreet Boys. Additionally, Tomoko has been featured in Converse commercials and conducts specialized workshops throughout Asia. She continues to gain recognition as an innovative hip-hop dancer and choreographer in both NYC and Japan.
Class Focus: Tomoko's choreography instruction combines street-style hip-hop, jazz, and body conditioning elements into an intensive, high-energy 90-minute experience. Students develop performance quality through choreography and explore various rhythmic patterns and exercises.
Schedule: Fridays, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
