The subconscious labels bodies. Movement shatters preconceptions. I dance as an embodied voice in society. I value process as my research and performance is my scholarly work. I create art that does not last but inspires audience discourse. I find my identity in the context of how I move. Choreography is a form of action with which I alter the contour of the world.

Erika Martin is a Minneapolis based dancer, choreographer, teacher and engaged citizen. Originally from North Carolina, Erika received a BA in Dance and American Studies at Connecticut College. Their research investigates identity performance and how experience is manifested in movement.

Erika has had the privilege to study abroad at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Dance in London and perform works by Kyle Abraham, Ronald K. Brown, David Dorfman, Elm City Dance Collective, Ori Floman, Ohad Naharin, Paula Mann, Doug Varone and Shen Wei. They are the 2015 recipient of the Martha Myers Prize and the 2017 recipient of the Joan Connell Memorial Award.

From 2012-2015, Erika taught Ballroom Dance at Carolina Ballroom of Cary (NC) and from 2017-2019 returned to ballroom as an instructor and then manager for Dance With Me USA (NJ/NY). To date, Erika’s professional works have been shown in museums, theaters, and public spaces in Connecticut, New York, Maine and Minnesota: notably at the Lyman Art Museum (CT), Schaefer Theatre Box, Bates Dance Festival (ME), Melrose Ballroom (NY), Praxis Gallery, the Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts, Barbara Barker Center for Dance, DanceBARN, Dances by the Lake Festival, The Southern Theater, and Soiled Dance Series (MN).

Erika is the Artistic Director of eMartin Dance, co-founder of Dance Projects by ME, a teaching artists with The Cowles Center and serves as School Coordinator for the Zenon Dance School and Co-Director of the Minnesota International Dance Festival.

Support eMartinDance