Has been involved in the field of dance for over 22 years. She opened the institute in 1997, as well as the pre-professional Co. The Mason Dance Project. Mrs. Mason has a BA in
dance through the University of Akron where she refined her teaching and choreography skills with the Repertory Dance Co. Her Continuing education in ballet, modern, and character dance with the Pittsburgh Conservatory lead her to a professional career as a modern dancer and choreographer with The Maude Baum Dance Company and the EBA Dance Theatre. Mrs. Mason has had the wonderful opportunity of preforming and teaching arts and education workshops both regionally, nationally, and internationally to students and dancers ages three to adult. Presently Mrs. Mason is the founder and choreographer of the “Mason Dance Project”, a pre-professional Modern/Jazz dance company based out of the Institute. The company helps supply the art of movement to the local community. Mrs. Mason is also a certified personal trainer and nutritian consultant, and hopes to continue using these benefits to keep students strong and healthy.

Educated at Suny Brockport and Dean College where she studied arts for children and dance. Her training is extensive, she has studied jazz and modern dance with the likes of Judith Jamison, Garth Fagan, and Gus Giordano. She has studied Tap with such luminaries as Mitzi Hamilton, Al Gilbert, Earl Scroggins, and Sean McCloud. Miss Bailey has also had the unique opportunity to study at The New York Institute of Dance Education and Dance educator’s of America. Erika has offered her talents and skills at the Franklin Magnet School with a year long residency in dance education. Erika has also had the opportunity to drect the CNS dance team for two years before deciding to take on more hours at the institute. Presently Erika is a special education teacher at Smyth Road Elementary, and a part time instructor at Rae’s Institute of Dance and Movement.