Available at Equinox La Costa, the high-energy class is accessible to all levels.
To Ashley Erickson, nothing rivals the power of moving together.
As Group Fitness Manager of Equinox La Costa, Erickson teaches a mix of cycling, HIIT, and strength classes each week. But Studio Dance remains the highlight of her lineup. “The energy that comes from those particular people moving together and celebrating the movement, it really truly is just an unmatched energy that you don't feel in the other classes,” she says.
A lifelong dancer, Erickson fosters that energy in Studio Dance: Smash Choreo. Her exclusive 75-minute class brings beginner and seasoned dancers together for easy-to-digest — and easy-to-elevate — choreography.
The class begins with an old-school, jazz-style warm-up and stretch. The next 20 minutes are dedicated to repetitive cardio-style dance, à la Zumba. “I keep the same dances for a long time so that we can really focus on the expression and maximizing the movements and the transitions,” says Erickson.
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Then, the choreography begins. Every Studio Dance: Smash Choreo class throughout a given month features the same choreography, giving members the breathing room to pick up new skills and fine-tune their movement. A balance pose that feels wobbly on day one becomes stable and grounded just a few sessions later, says Erickson.
Just like the moves, the music’s vibe changes every month. Think: Black Eyed Peas’ “My Humps,” Rhianna’s “Desperado,” or Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet.” Rotating genres gives members the chance to explore a variety of expressions in the class, Erickson explains. The constant? The choreography remains strong, sexy, and accessible to all levels.
“I like to weave in freestyle moments, but I keep it guided so that people can learn,” she adds. “I don't feel like people just want to come to a dance class and do freestyle. But I'm always encouraging people to add their own flavor and style.”
Erickson says you can feel the class’ energy elevate within the first 10 minutes. By the end, “everybody walks out buzzing,” she says. “...Over time, I've absolutely had people share, ‘Wow, I've just never moved my body that way. I've never had a place where I could feel sexy and move in this way.’ So, just creating that space for people allows it to happen every single class.”
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Studio Dance: Smash Choreo also creates space for a community to grow. Erickson has a group of members who have danced with her since 2020, back when the pandemic forced the class into the Club parking lot. She sees the longtime regulars graciously give newbies advice and encouragement. “Dance classes can feel cliquey, but these women love sharing the studio space with newcomers,” she says.
Still, for the dance-curious who are anxious to move around strangers, Erickson has one piece of advice: “Just try anyway.”
“We're all a little nervous to put our bodies in these positions for the first time, but music and movement are truly the best medicine,” she says. “If you're not going to do it in a class with other people, find time to do it on your own in the comfort of your own home because just moving the body and moving the energy through is so powerful.”
Book your first Studio Dance: Smash Choreo class at Equinox La Costa.
Photographs courtesy of Ashley Erickson.