SERVING SAN JOSE FOR OVER 40 YEARS
About The Dance Affair
The Dance Affair is more than just a dance space; it is a community center where students and their families find a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment where all students can feel empowered, comfortable, and free to express themselves.
The Dance Affair has proudly provided dance lessons in San Jose for over 40 years.
Learn more about The Dance Affair and our team below.
AMAZING DANCE TRAINING
Our Story
Ms. Erica bought The Dance Affair in 1986 as a dance student and mother with very little business background. At that time, The Dance Affair was a failing business. Erica has since built it up with love and passion for dance and the want to make every child feel loved, strong, and confident through dance!
It’s important to us at The Dance Affair that all members of our team share our vision, our purpose and the philosophy that encompasses everything we do both in and outside of our classes. This is a vision that is shared and demonstrated by the directors, teachers and staff members at our studio and it is the driving force behind every interaction with our students and their families.
Each week, we welcome 300 students through our studio doors. The Dance Affair is a place where kids come to be inspired, learn new skills, and grow more confident. We are proud to provide the best dance lessons in San Jose.
Learn more about our team below.
Erica Fairfield
STUDIO OWNER & DIRECTOR | Erica is a native of San Jose. She started in Cecchetti Ballet classes at the age of 3 with Glenna Bell Moening on Second Street in San Jose. She continued her studies in the Cecchetti ballet method and reached her Grade III student certificate at the age of 10. She continued dance at San Jose City College and San Jose State University. While in college she married and when her daughter turned three, she put her in Dance classes at the Dance Affair, then located in Santa Clara.
When the owner sold the business, Erica took a chance, bought the studio, and the rest is a 35 yr history. She has her Cecchetti Ballet Grade IV teacher credentials and continues to teach the Cecchetti method to her ballet students. She also teaches tap, jazz and Starlight program classes. Erica is also a registered 500 hour Yoga instructor (500RYT) and loves to share all that yoga and dance can bring to one’s life. Erica teaches and directs the Dance affair daily and loves it!
Indie Ceseña
STUDIO MANAGER | Indie began dancing at The Dance Affair at just two and a half years old, after her mom saw an ad for discounted registrations. From that first class, dance has been a joyful and constant part of her life. She feels blessed to continue dancing, teaching, and helping run the studio—a place that has always felt like a second home and family.
As the lead teacher for The Dance Affair’s Pre-K Morning Program, Indie loves helping children become socially, emotionally, and academically ready for Kindergarten. A graduate of CSU Northridge, she earned her degree in Child Development and went on to work with at-risk youth through California’s Early Mental Health Initiative program in schools across Southern California and the Bay Area. She also worked at a private school as a Kindergarten Assistant and Substitute Teacher. Indie’s classroom is full of laughter, learning, and the joy of movement, and she delights in watching each young dancer grow in confidence and creativity.
Having grown up dancing at The Dance Affair, Indie has never stopped learning. She continues to take classes with the studio’s talented instructors and has traveled throughout California, Nevada, and Canada to further her training as a dancer and teacher. She has judged local pageants, performed professionally, and has participated in our local community theater groups including West Valley Light Opera, Sunnyvale Community Players, and Tabard Theater. A memorable highlight was performing as Sheila for one night in A Chorus Line!
One of Indie’s greatest joys is seeing her students continue their journey in dance and theater—some going on to perform on Broadway, join ballet companies, or return to teach at The Dance Affair. But nothing brings her more happiness than seeing alumni return with their own children to begin their dance journey, continuing the circle of creativity and community she loves so much.
Caitlyn Blumenthal
Caitlyn Blumenthal is thrilled to have found her way to The Dance Affair. She has been dancing since three years old, and training vocally since she was eleven. As an alum of Archbishop Mitty High School’s theater department and a veteran CMTSJ performer, Caitlyn is eager to share her love and passion with our dancers. Previously, Caitlyn graduated from Chapman University, where she received her degree in Education and was part of a nationally ranked A Capella group (they even competed on a Broadway stage!). She then pursued a Masters in Education and teaching credential at SJSU. Now a former elementary school educator, Caitlyn works to bring STEAM enrichment to schools across the South Bay. Caitlyn has choreographed multiple youth theater productions, and she is thrilled to be back in that space once again teaching two of our Musical Theater classes. When not teaching students, Caitlyn can be found diving into novels, trying out all types of arts and crafts, or making noise in our Adult Tap class.
Mandee Clark
Mandee Clark has been dancing at The Dance Affair since she was two years old. Throughout her time at the studio she trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Acro. She is also certified through Cecchetti Ballet Grade IV.
After obtaining her bachelor degree at Boise State University, she made the decision to move back to California to further her career.. She is currently pursuing her masters degree from Boston University while sharing her passion for dance at the studio she was raised in.
Jillian McAndrews
Jillian grew up in Los Angeles and began dancing at 6 years old in several styles of dance. Growing up, she performed with several competitive studios and was a member and captain of her high school dance team, choreographing for school performances like sports games and rallies.
More recently, Jillian received her Bachelor of Science in Child Studies and Master of Arts in Teaching from Santa Clara University to pursue elementary education. There, she was a member and captain of the SCU Dance Team where she gained more experience choreographing and dancing at the collegiate level. Her true passion lies in fostering a positive space where young dancers can grow, smile, and most importantly, nurture a love for dancing.
Joni Cronin
An instructor at The Dance Affair for over 40 years, Joni teaches our adult tap classes and is an office assistant. She frequently volunteers in the community and has choreographed local elementary, middle, and high school shows for the past 20 years. When not at the studio, Joni works at the medical device company in Santa Clara, supporting the executive team and coordinating shows and meetings. Joni was involved with the Miss California Organization for over 30 years and has judged numerous dance competitions throughout California.
Kali Guidry
Ms. Kali is a San Jose native who loves sharing her passion for dance with her students. Growing up, she was an active member of her school cheer teams and performed with the Future Shock Hip Hop Dance Troupe.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies with a Minor in Dance from Sacramento State University. During and after college, Ms. Kali performed with SBAD (Sacramento Black Art and Dance) and cheered for the UFL Sacramento Mountain Lions.
Upon returning to the Bay Area, she became a member of Football’s Fabulous Females, better known as the Oakland Raiderettes.
In every class, Ms. Kali hopes to inspire her students to discover the joy of movement, express themselves freely, and always feel the groove!
Jen Hammar
Jennifer has been teaching for 34 years. She studied Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics and Lyrical. Her ballet training consists of Russian technique as well as Royal Academy of Dance technique. Jennifer continued her training with Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchet, Sam Fiorello and Ballet Mistress Herida May (RAD-UK) and attended Dance Masters of America teacher training program at Kent State University.
She directed the New England Children’s Dance Company for 1990-2001, where she received many awards for choreography and coached the Company to be dance world champions in 1999. Her choreography and dancers were presented at the Gus Giordano World Congress opening ceremonies in 1998. Many of her students have received scholarships to Joffrey Ballet, School of American Ballet, and have gone on to work with Prince, Madonna, Ricky Martin, Brandy and Mandy Moore.
Jennifer owned and operated her own dance studio and dance company from 2003-2009 before moving to California. As artistic director she wrote, directed and choreographed several children’s ballets as well as directed The Nutcracker.
Since Moving to California Jennifer has had the opportunity to choreograph for two independent short films.
Christine Maldonado
Christine Maldonado is a dance choreographer, performing arts educator, and yoga instructor from San Jose, Ca. She has been teaching with The Dance Affair since 2013. Her dance journey began at the age of 14 choreographing dances for her high school’s pep rallies, and special events for family and friends.
Christine holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Dance with a minor in musical theatre from San Jose State University. Her professional performing arts background includes working as an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, and director for live performances and musical theatre productions throughout the Bay Area. She is also well known for her role as a performing arts educator, mentor, and coach to children throughout the Silicon Valley.
In 2011, Christine started a dance coaching business dedicated to helping couples and families connect and celebrate major life milestone events thru movement and dance. Along with her extensive background in the performing arts, she is also a 500hr certified yoga teacher with a speciality in working with prenatal and postnatal mothers, couples and children. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys being with family and friends.
Jeanne Masad
Jeanne started in her childhood as a dance affair student taking tap, ballet, jazz, and Acro. After her college years as a competitive gymnast, she came back to teach acrobatics at the dance affair. Jeanne has been teaching Acro at the dance affair for over 30 years. She still teaches and takes tap as well. She enjoys her time with the children in her classes so much and looks forward to each one gaining confidence and reaching the accomplishments at each acrobatic level.
Darla DeCair
Bio Coming Soon!
Lorelei Van Fossen
Lorelei Van Fossen has been dancing at The Dance Affair since she was two years old! While growing up at the studio, Lorelei developed her passion for creating, performing, learning, and of course dancing! She is trained in multiple styles of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Musical Theater.
After having completed her associate’s degree at West Valley, Lorelei will further pursue her bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development at San Jose State University.
DAUGHTER LOVES HER CLASS
“My preschool-aged daughter loves her class at The Dance Affair! The teachers are so warm and positive with the kids. The songs are fun - my daughter loves it when they do songs she recognizes from preschool. She has learned a lot in only a few months. The price is great especially compared to other dance schools in the area. They offer a free trial class, so if you're looking for a new dance class, come explore your options here!”
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Ready to Join Us?
We are currently enrolling for the 2024-2025 dance year. Our students discover a love of dance while growing more confident week after week.
We’d love to welcome your family to the studio! Register for dance lessons in San Jose today!
Get In Touch
Phone: (408) 243-4834
Email: thedanceaffair@gmail.com
Address: 850 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128 view map
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9 AM - 7 PM & Saturdays 8 AM - 1 PM
