After dancing for more than ten years in New York City, I spent a year dancing with Eric at the Detroit Ballet.  Eric is a unique teacher with a keen corrective eye, commutment to teaching, and artistic flair-- a combination of traits that are rarely found in a single teacher, and foster every dancer's ability to maximize his or her potential.  Thanks to Eric's tutelage, I returned to New York a more precise, and polished dancer. 

I loved class at the Birmingham Dance Academy- It's not often in open classes in NY that you get any personal corrections at all and I got two in only one class.  Eric has a knack for being able to size up a dancer, and perhaps a person, very quickly: the corrections he gave me were not only subtle, but were both things I had been working on by myself for a long time now.  The fact that he was able to notice them within only one hour of seeing me dance was remarkable.  The correction he gave me about my fouettes was the more impressive of the two, because a fouette turn is so fast and complex that it takes a quick eye to diagnose the specific problem preventing the completion of the turn.  He could have very easily told me to get on my leg, but he told me to releve  on my way to second position rather than after, thereby balancing me on my standing leg- he taught me how to turn rather than simply expecting an outcome.  I really appreciate that.  

Eric,

Perhaps our paths crossed in the world of ballet...I was also a student of Norma Taynton and George Zoritch and danced with the Detroit City Ballet.  Congratulations on your success and sharing the love of dance with others! 

Yollanda Gonzales

 When i was little i chose ice skating as my activity a year or two after that choice i broke my chin open, i didn't skate again for 4 years running any chance of going somewhere with it. i should have chosen ballet i did now and i wish i had started ballet and not ice skating i would not have cracked my chin open and i love everything about ballet its my life now but i'm a little behind because of my choice.

My beloved family at the detroit ballet company, how i miss you so. As the holiday season approaches memories upon memories flood my mind of all the great time we shared; the seeming long rehersal days, the raw blistered toes, and aching muscles, but most of the the enjoyment i had while dancing with all of you. While being with the company for over ten years , my strength, endurance and love for ballet grew stronger as each year passed. Eric you have truly taught me all there is to know about ballet. After seeing the movie black swan...i think its time i take the stage yet once again, perhaps as black swan, sugar plumy fairy, or the yet sought out role as odette! Truly love and miss you all. I will stop by and take class very very soon. xoxo Natalie K,

 Although I have been dancing since I was seven years old, the first good teacher that I have had is Eric Johnson. I learned more in the two years that I took adult ballet lessons with Eric, than the 20 years of lessons previously. I loved classes and performances with Detroit Ballet, and will always look back at my time with fond memories. Eric is a wonderful teacher and any student would be lucky to learn from him. 

Eric Johnston is an accomplished and seasoned artist as well as an exceptionally gifted educator. Eric builds accomplished dancers through development of confidence, integrity, and artistic perspective, in addition to imparting the art of classical ballet through a systematic and thoughtful process. At this company, you are invited to explore and develop your artistry through seasonal performances in addition to the challenging and enjoyable dance classes available. Whether you're seeking a nurturing environment for your little one, or wish to explore the art of dance yourself, I highly recommend you visit the studio!