Erica Petro

Erica Zintek Pietro began dancing at the age of three in her hometown of Chicago and quickly discovered her love for the stage. By five, she was already competing, and by 18 she was teaching and choreographing. She went on to earn her B.F.A. in Acting from Wright State University, where she trained in musical theatre performance, improv, Shakespeare, stage combat, and various acting methods. Erica also continued her dance training under renowned instructors in jazz, ballet, and pointe.

For the past 18 years, Erica has taught dance, voice, and theatre throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond, sharing her expertise as a choreographer, guest artist, curriculum developer, and competition judge. Her career has taken her across more than 40 states in the U.S., as well as Canada and Europe.

Passionate about helping dancers grow both on and off the stage, Erica uses dance and the performing arts to encourage body positivity, self-care, confidence, and creative expression. In addition to her teaching, she is a certified yoga instructor, bringing mindfulness and movement together to support her students in achieving their goals.