Dance Artist

Emily is a Mexican-American performer, dance teacher, and choreographer from Lawrenceville, Georgia. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Dance with a minor in Business Administration at Brenau University under the direction of Madia Cooper-Ashirifi. She has trained in various technical styles such as classical ballet, contemporary, various forms of modern, vernacular jazz, and various Mexican social dance genres. During her time at Brenau, she has worked with guest artist Julio Medina, Larry Keigwin, Kevin Jenkins, Quaba Ernest, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Christopher Bloom, and faculty members Jessica Lynch-Oliver and George Wilson Berry. In September of 2024, she danced professionally alongside Julio Medina in a work inspired by Mexican Cosmology which included the blend of cumbia wepa, Mexican folklore, and contemporary dance. Her choreography revolves around her Mexican-American identity. Influenced by Mexican culture and Mexican-American historical events. Apart from performing and choreographing, she is an experienced theater technician trained in lighting design and stage management. She also focuses on pedagogical dance practices for young dance artists. Emphasizing the importance of exploring their own identity through the artform while improving their technical abilities, expanding their understanding of dance, and curating self discipline, humility, and appreciation. Alongside her pedagogical approaches she also currently serves as the chair of mentorship for the National Honor Society Dance Association for Brenau University.