Biography

Erika is a contemporary artist of Middle Eastern dance, specializing in the Egyptian style. She continues her education by performing and studying with many famous oriental dancers, she has also studied with Egyptian dancers and coreographers such as Farida Fahmy, Mahmoud Reda, Abeer Will and Momo Kadous.

As a member of the Ward El Sahara Dance Company, she gained valuable experience in countless, sold-out performances throughout the Midwest. The company upheld the highest standards of artistry and was recognized by New City Magazine to be the "Best Belly Dance Troupe of Chicago."

Currently, Erika teaches throughout the Chicago area and Suburbs as a bi-lingual instructor, in Spanish and English. She has attracted local media attention, such as 560 AM Radio and Channel 66 Noticias Univision, where she was featured several times in a special segment entitled "Dancing like Shakira".

One of her recent contributions was to participate in the Play "José el Soñador" (Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Coat) Spanish version, asisting Javier Salas director of "El Teatro del Pueblo" (non-for profit org) creating two choreographies for the play, asisting actors with the Egyptian customs, promoting the play and dancing in benefit of the same organization.

Erika Ochoa in partnership with Karim Tonsy founded Baladina Dance Company.

Baladina is a professional dance company based in Chicago, with a dance repertoire encompassing a fusion of modern dance, latin rhythms, bellydancing in it's traditional Raks Sharqi format as well as Middle-Eastern Folklore.

Baladina strives to nurture students through weekly classes and special workshops, sharing our love of Middle Eastern culture.

Erika performs in cultural centers, educational venues and for not-for-profit organizations, promoting unity through the arts.

Erika is Owner-Designer of the only Belly Dance Unitards and Co-Producer of the Chicago Dance Calendar 2004 and 2005.

Dance resume by request: information@erikadance.com

Erika is currently working in several different projects. A new line of Unitards, Theatrical Oriental Dance and PURE Chicago Branch.