Ringing the BELL: New Attitude Performing Arts Center

The Black Economic Leadership League (B.E.L.L.) of Rock Hill is committed to empowering Black entrepreneurs and fostering community-driven business development.

Meet Erika Hogan, founder and creative force behind New Attitude Performing Arts Center (NAPAC)—a dynamic dance and Cirque studio located at 115 Oakland Ave, Suite 103 in Rock Hill, SC. With over 16 years of experience and impact, Erika has built a vibrant hub where students of all ages (2 to adult) are trained not just in movement, but in life.

“We build champions on the stage of dance and life.”

That’s more than just a motto for Erika—it’s a mission. From dance and acrobatics to aerial and Cirque arts, New Attitude PAC provides age-appropriate instruction with intentional development, costumes, music, and choreography. The studio has grown from a one-room operation with fewer than 50 dancers to a three-room facility with 15 staff members, a performance team, and Rock Hill’s first youth aerial and Cirque team.

Dance has always been a part of Erika’s life, but the leap into entrepreneurship came early and with fierce passion. “I knew I wanted to teach dance my way,” she shares. “At the time, I didn’t fully understand the risks—I just knew I loved dance.” That leap, once scary and uncertain, has transformed into a business that’s empowered hundreds and built a thriving community of movement artists.

Despite her success, Erika acknowledges the challenges. “Being a Black business owner comes with its own set of hurdles—pre-judgment, questioned qualifications, and the need to work twice as hard for half the recognition. But we continue to educate ourselves and elevate our offerings.”

A turning point came when she found a mentor. “That changed everything. Once I started running my business like a business, the trajectory shifted,” she explains. Erika emphasizes the importance of mentorship, strategy, and education—especially for aspiring Black entrepreneurs.

Community is at the heart of everything New Attitude does. The studio has become a second home for many children in the Rock Hill area. Proceeds from ticketed shows are reinvested into the community, reinforcing a cycle of creativity and care.

B.E.L.L. has played a significant role in NAPAC’s growth. Erika was a participant in the inaugural BELL x Prize cohort and a recipient of an $18,000 award. “That support helped us get vital equipment and scale up. But just as valuable was finding a group of like-minded entrepreneurs walking similar paths.”

Looking ahead, Erika’s dream is to one day build or own a facility designed specifically for her dancers and aerialists. Her advice to future entrepreneurs? “Education, education, and more education.”

🖥️ Learn more or get involved: www.newattitudepac.com

📍 Stop by: 115 Oakland Ave, Suite 103, Rock Hill, SC

📧 Contact: admin@newattitudepac.com

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