Meet RA Stylez 2023 Choregraphers

Erik Perena

Instagram handle @erikperena

From the Philippines, Erik moved with his family to Canada where he was introduced to the hip hop dance culture in high school. He quickly fell in love with the scene and began training extensively. Erik then made it to the Sullivan Heights hip-hop program and continued his training, eventually becoming the coach for the school's Senior Team. He also led a team called ENTI (Express Not to Impress), which won multiple competitions throughout the Lower Mainland. After his highschool graduation, Erik auditioned and joined Praise Team Senior Showcase and Twofourseven Company, where he competed at the World Hip Hop International competition in Las Vegas and San Diego for five consecutive years.

Trained under Jerome Esplana, Erik was inspired to direct his own team and later went back to coach his highschool team for another three years. Now, Erik teaches weekly drop-in classes at A3 District and teaches multiple teams throughout Canada. He recently was at Canada's Got Talent showcasing his choreography and other stages like World Of Dance.

Fundamentally, Erik goes by the saying to his students and teams:

"family first before everything”

Roberta Bierman

Instagram handle @erobertabierman


Roberta Bierman is a passionate instructor, choreographer and performer based in Vancouver, Canada. Roberta has studied many different genres of dance but once introduced to Hip-Hop & Street styles, it quickly became her main focus. Roberta continues to train in multiple Street styles with a non-stop growing passion for the culture of Hip Hop.

Roberta is one of the most sought after choreographers and teachers in Western Canada however it doesn't stop there! Her crews and choreography are continually recognized at competitions and festivals on an international level.

Roberta is a member and choreographer for the elite, all female dance crew, Diamonds in the Rough and Director of RUFFNECKS crew. She also directs her new training program Ruff Ryderz out of A3 District.

From 2011 - 2021 she was the director and choreographer for the reputable Canadian mega crew, TwoFourSeven Company who are the Body Rock 2017 1st Place Champions, World of Dance 2018 Los Angeles 1st Place Champions, Release 2019 Champions; and the list goes on.

Roberta is known for teaching memorable classes filled with high energy and education that goes beyond just 'the steps'. She has had the opportunity to travel and teach around the world.

Aside from teaching, Roberta strives to find ways to give back and create opportunities for the dance community. Roberta is the Co-Founder of Canadian dance studio and production company, A3 District, as well as Co-Producer for Summer Knock-Out Street Dance Competition and Elements Dance Competition

Meet The Founders

Richard Andries

Instagram handle: @rfprichard

Richard Andries stands as a prominent force in Edmonton's Hip Hop dance scene and throughout Alberta. Infusing his classes with vibrant energy and unwavering passion, he remains committed to sharing his vision of the positive influence of hip hop culture in daily life. His personal dance style draws deeply from the foundations of hip hop, encompassing popping, locking, breaking, house, and newer forms like Krump and Street dance. This influence has driven him to seek guidance and training from distinguished figures such as Popin' Pete, Suga Pop, Mr. Wiggles, Caleaf Sellers, Bradley Rapier, and Duece, among others.

Credits:

In 2005, Richard was chosen to assist Bradley Rapier at the Dance Xtreme convention in Detroit. Co-leading "Rhythmic Flow Productions" with Urban Metropolis, he has orchestrated captivating shows featuring renowned groups like Jabbawockeez, Super Cr3w, Fanny Pak, and Supreme Soul from America's Best Dance Crew, where his crew, White Chocolate, mesmerized audiences. Richard has graced the stage alongside international acts including Chris Brown, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, and Ashanti, showcasing his versatility. Notably, White Chocolate performed at the Alberta centennial event in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II. Richard's star power extends to Kreesha Turner's "Bounce With Me" music video, directed by the esteemed Little X.

In a realm where he's honed his craft, Richard has also given back to the community. He's the owner and director of "Represent," one of Canada's premier street dance competitions in its 10th season, attracting the nation's top talents. Through his street dance company, RA Stylez, partnered with Josh Capulong he imparts his expertise. Additionally, they have established a comprehensive dance studio (RA Stylez Studio) where enthusiasts can receive training and master the fundamentals of hip hop. With extensive experience, Richard Andries continues to elevate the hip hop landscape while nurturing the next generation of dance talent.

Josh Capulong

Instagram handle: @joshcapss

Over the years, Josh has taught his craft in Canada, Korea, Singapore and the United States. As a dancer, Janet Jackson, Tsar B, Nelly, Sean Kingston, Ace Hood, and

Jabbawockeez are just a few of the artists in the industry that Josh has performed alongside.

Not only has Josh met many successes in his dance career, he has also utilized his skill of dancing to give back to the community at a local level.

Incorporating many aspects of his surroundings into his own, Josh's new age style, emphasizing on intricacy and musicality, gives him a unique touch as a dancer and choreographer.

About

Fun Facts:

  • RA Stylez founded by Richard Andries and Josh Capulong in 2022

  • RA Stylez very first day of classes was September 16, 2022

  • RA Stylez started with four company teams in its first year - The Key, The Order, Solei and RA

  • RA Stylez Studio opened its doors to the public on August 31, 2023

  • First day of classes in the new studio was September 15, 2023

Behind The Name, “RaStylez”

In Egyptian mythology, Ra was both the ruler of the gods and the father of all creation. He was associated with light and considered to be a physical manifestation of that element as well as time itself.

We chose the name RA (raw styles) to denote that we are inspired by many dancers who have a vision and lead like Egyptian god RA. We incorporated the 5 elements of hip hop into our logo to honor the street elements of dance culture, which is what makes all our creations possible!

The vision is to bring together a wide variety of talented dancers and instructors, creating an inspiring atmosphere that will push each participant's dancing to the next level. We want passionate dancers who lead by example both in and out of the classroom. Our focus is on foundational training, and getting back to the roots of hip hop culture.

A year after operating RA Stylez Company out of Dancefusion Academy of Dance, Richard and Josh opened RA Stylez Studio. They built the studio from the ground up within four short weeks and now have a place their dancers can call home. Their goal was to create a fun and safe learning environment for all their students and their families.