Richard Elszy is passionately dedicated to training the next generation of dancers through his technical expertise, and inspiring them with inventive and picturesque choreography. We talk about starting late as a dancer, how he had to work through alignment and his body type that wasn’t technically ideal, the power of using imagery, the nerves that come with sharing his work on social media and online platforms, and Building Blocks of Dance!
“Building Blocks of Dance” is an online dance technique program for teachers. BBD provides strategies and tips on how to make complex concepts relatable to young dancers. This program has successfully inspired teachers throughout the US and across the globe. However these are not the only online tools he has to offer. Richard has become a teaching sensation, offering online Lyrical Dance Classes, which are featured on DancePlug.com and as well has his own “Dance Technique on the Edge” videos available to dancers around the world.
As a Los Angeles bases choreographer, 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. He has presented numerous works of choreography at Club Jeté – LA’s Premier Dance Showcase, as well as coaching and choreographing dance concept videos featuring Nia Frazier of ‘Dance Moms’ titled “Young Love”, Chelsie Hill and the Rollettes “Be Boundless” and “We Can Together” campaigns and choreographing a TV pilot for TV star and Emmy nominated actress Shanti Lowry of ‘Family Time.’ Richard also travels throughout the US, Canada and Australia teaching master classes and choreography for studios and conventions such as “Immerse Artists Experience” “Movement Dance” “Dance Masters Of Michigan" “Chicago National Association of Dance Masters” and the “Rollettes Experience”. He was also recently awarded the “Believer Award” at the 2019 “Be Boundless Summit” for his choreography work with the” Rollettes”.
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 “Swim Good” at 2019 Industry Dance Awards in Hollywood. This was Richard’s second time receiving this honor as he was the 2014 winner for his piece “Tornado”. He also received a 2015 Industry Dance Award 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.