Member for
8 years 5 months
Richard Elszy is passionately dedicated to training the next generation of dancers through his technical expertise, and inspiring them with inventive and picturesque choreography. A teaching protégé of iconic dance educator, Paula Morgan, Richard fuses his wealth of knowledge and unique artistic vision to create a well rounded, technically innovative, and game changing training experience. Richard began his training at a small, single room dance studio in Central California. Eager to learn more about dance, he attended the University of California Irvine, where he danced for legendary choreographer, Donald McKayle, as a member of his company “Donald McKayle’s Etude Ensemble,” and trained under acclaimed Ballet Professor, David Allen. Richard has also trained with one of America’s 10 Ballet Masters, Larry Long, dancing with his “Civic Ballet Of Chicago,” and in Philadelphia at “Philadanco.” As a Los Angeles based instructor and choreographer, Richard is constantly gaining new experience and expertise. In his current endeavors, Richard has created “Dance Technique On The Edge” – his own YouTube mini series consisting of technique tip videos. These videos, however, are not the only online tool he has to offer. Richard has become a teaching sensation, offering online Lyrical Dance Classes, which are featured on DancePlug.com and available to dancers around the world. He was seen as a guest judge and featured interviewee on Teen Dance Challenge, gaining further online exposure for himself and allowing students from a variety of backgrounds to obtain some of the insight he has to offer. For local dancers, Richard’s classes at the esteemed Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles are a popular place for students to work toward formulating technique into artistry – a foundation that is thought to be fading in much of today’s dance industry trends. Richard’s ability to keep the art of technique alive in his work has led him to become a highly sought after choreographer. He recently presented choreography at Club Jeté – LA’s Premier Dance Showcase, as well as coaching and choreographing a dance concept video featuring Nia Frazier of ‘Dance Moms’ titled “Young Love.” Richard’s choreography has earned several national awards, and other accreditations including the 2011 Rainbow Elite ‘Video of the Year’ for “Step Sisters” and nomination for Best Novelty/Character Musical Theater at the 2012 KARTV Dance Awards for “500 Miles.” Richard was recently awarded the Star Award in the Best Ballet/Open Category for his piece “Tornado” at 2014 Industry Dance Awards in Hollywood, as well as receiving a 2015 Industry Dance Awards nomination for his work entitled, “All I Could Do.” Richard combines his extensive understanding of technique with an innovative choreographic style to create a unique class and coaching experience for dancers of all levels across America and abroad. With his endless yearning for knowledge, Richard is eager to see what journeys he will embark on next, and is enthused by the opportunity to continue inspiring future generations of artists.
