DANCE IS AN ART FORM WHICH PLANTS ROOTS IN OUR CORE AND BLOSSOMS OUT OUR FINGERTIPS.

Erika Ryn has been invested in creative exploration of the world since she can remember. She first became inspired to "run away with the circus" at age five, when she saw a woman fly around a circus ring drinking tea - hung by her hair!

Erika began to study fusion bellydance in 2004 with Devon Ryan, developing a unique style focused on theatricality and creative movement. She draws heavily from tribal fusion bellydance, modern and contemporary dance, hip hop, yoga, and well as a multitude of other dance forms and circus arts. In 2008 she begain to explore adding the element of fire into her performances and has been lighting up the stage ever since. She enjoys challenging herself through new styles of movement, incorporating props, stilt walking, elaborate costuming, and working with groups to create dynamic works through both choreography and improvisation. 

Born to parents who both were working artists, she has had her hands in the paint can since birth. She studied intermedia arts at ASU and recieved her bachelor's degree in 2008. Erika has explored working as a painter, photographer, and graphic designer. In 2011 she began to dabble in henna body art. What began as an interesting hobby has evolved into a lifelong passionate practice. She has apprenticed with the incredibly talented Melanie Ooi of Blue Lotus Henna and currently works with her, continuing the ancient tradition of henna adornment.
Visit the Henna Page for more information!