By Darlene Bowers
Photos by Bailey Bowers

Peek through the studio window on Main Street and you may see Erica Stoner perfecting her favorite calypso jump or leading a class of dance students at the Rhythm in Motion Dance Centre (RIMDC).

Erica has been studying dance with Darcey Schneider since 4th grade beginning at the Dancers Elite Studio in Bluffton. Erica’s first lessons were in tap and ballet and she then added hip hop lessons to her repertoire.

The study of dance continued when Erica followed her teacher as Darcey opened RIMDC  in Ada bringing Erica’s lessons closer to home. In 7th grade Erica began assisting Darcey with the classes for 2 through 5 year old students. In the past year upon graduation from Ada High School Erica has begun teaching 7-year-old students through high school age students in ballet, lyrical and hip hop dance.

Erica enjoys teaching ballet most. “It’s the standard,” Erica remarks, “Every dancer should have knowledge of ballet.”

This knowledge and a love of dancing fits Erica as expertly as her toe shoes. Her most indelible memories are of all of the dance recitals.

“I was always so sad when the recitals were over,” says Erica who looked upon the recitals as the best time of the year and felt this especially true during her high school years. 

“Tinkerbell was really fun,” says Erica of her favorite recital/dance role, but competing in general is what drives the dancer in Erica. “You can learn a ton watching other studios perform,” explains Erica.

The learning and watching evolved into the teaching. Erica’s favorite part of teaching dance is designing choreography and then seeing her students ‘get it’ and progress throughout the year in their skills and proficiency. 

“Anyone can learn to dance, it’s not too late. And once you start, stick to it, don’t quit, ask questions and practice and come to your lessons and you will succeed” encourages Erica. 

So what is a calypso jump? It is a jazz dance move that begins with a turn, and then the dancer leaps with her front or leading leg straight and her back leg bent as she gracefully slices through the air in seemingly effortless ease. It takes strength, skill and incredible balance.

Erica says, “It’s my favorite move because it looks really pretty and it’s fun to do.” 

Away from the dance studio Erica is currently studying business administration at Rhodes State College in Lima. Erica plans to ultimately transfer to a four-year school offering dance as a minor and someday lead her very own dance studio.

With that seemingly effortless ease that drives this dancer and with the support of her teacher and her parents, Bill and Jill Stoner, and sister, Madison, Erica will confidently hit her marks and gracefully pirouette through each step to reach her goals.