MEET ERIKA RAY
Founder, CEO, Artistic Director of Erika Kay Star Dance Academy
Founded in 2021
Erika Ray, formerly known as Erika Moton, was born, and raised in Miami, Florida. At the age of four Erika’s mom, Patricia Thompson knew that it was time to enroll her in dance lessons. Erika started dancing at Debra Dance Studio which later changed their name to the Children’s Dance Theater which was in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Erika took her love for dancing and was accepted in the magnet dance program at Norland Middle School and Miami Northwestern PAVAC dance program. During her junior year in high school, she joined the Coral Gables Senior High Gablettes Dance Team. While dancing in school she continued dancing with The Children Dance Theater and traveling nationally and internationally around the world competing in various dance competitions. After High School, Erika further her schooling and attended New World School of the Arts College program at Miami Dade College and majored in Dance. She was accepted into the Alvin Ailey program, traveled doing music videos, and organized the Dance Ministry program at her church Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. In addition, she continues to choreograph Sweet Sixteen events, and weddings. Erika continues to be involved in learning and practicing the current dance techniques via (Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Lyrical). At the age of 39, Erika is married to Daren Ray and they have four beautiful children. Her passion for teaching and dancing never waiver; therefore Erika decided to step out on faith and adhere to her dream of dancing and choreographing routines by opening Erika Kay Star Dance Academy in 2021. Erika is grateful to all the various artists and the famous choreographers who worked with her to become the great dancer and choreographer she is today. She is particularly thankful for her husband, children, family, and friends for their support.
MEET ZARIA SMITH
Dance Instructor
Zaria Smith a Miami, FL native is a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Dance Graduate from Alabama State University . Ms. Smith love for dance began at the young age of 4 from watching various music videos. Watching the dancers perform along with the artist sparked her love for dance. She then began trying to learn every music video that she watched. Ms. Smith received formal dance training at Young Contemporary Dance Theatre (YCDT) under the Artistic Direction of Mrs. Traci Young- Bryon. Training includes Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and African. Ms. Smith also trained at Alvin Ailey Summer Camp and African American Heritage Cultural Arts Center. Where she widens her talent not only to dance but to also music and acting. In her early school career, she attends Dance Magnet Schools Miami Norland Middle School and Miami Northwestern senior High School. Where she had the opportunity to perform in various shows and competitions. It was Ms. Smith’s early dance career that paved the way to a successful College dance career. While attending Alabama State she had the opportunity in Fall and Spring Dance Concerts choreographed by Faculty James Atkinson, Jerome Stigler, Lindsay Benton, and Lenard Foust. She also had the opportunity to perform at Montgomery Ballet and the Beasts at Montgomery Zoo and Senior Capstone Concerts. While attending Alabama State University she has received many master classes with artists like Anthony Burrell, Lauren smith, Jana B Thompkins, Stepp Steward. She had the amazing opportunity to perform in The Ron K Brown Exodus at Alabama State University. Additional Industry training with Yanis Marshall, Nicole Kirkland, Rennie Harris, and Anthony Marquis. Ms. Smith has performed at Rolling Loud with the artist Brianna Perry, Drama Series "Predestined" and Reality TV Show "Step It Up".