Emma Richmond

JUNIOR COMPANY INSTRUCTOR

With a lifelong passion for dance that began at the age of 3, Emma has dedicated herself to sharing her love of movement and expression with her students. Her journey in dance started early, driven by an innate curiosity and a desire to explore the artistry and discipline of various dance styles. Through her immersion in the dance community, Emma has cultivated a deep understanding of the transformative power of dance and its ability to inspire and connect people through unspoken language.

Emma  has had the privilege of taking master classes with esteemed dancers and choreographers such as Wendy Whelan, Joe Tremaine, Liz Imperio, Nan Giordano, and Autumn Eckman. These experiences have deeply influenced her artistic perspective and technical proficiency, enriching her approach to both teaching.

Her commitment to growth led her to participate in renowned dance intensives such as Jazz on Tap, Giordano Dance Summer Workshop, Jazz Dance World Congress, Louisville Ballet Summer Intensive, and SERBA (Southeastern Regional Ballet Association). At SERBA where she not only trained intensively, she had the distinct honor of performing in the prestigious closing gala, showcasing her talent and dedication to the dance community.

During her dance career, Emma was selected to join the Louisville Ballet's youth ensemble under the esteemed direction of Bruce Simpson, known for his work with the Scottish Opera and South Africa’s State Theatre Ballet companies. Her dedication and talent also led her to dance and choreograph for the Thompson Street Opera Company's production of "Intoxication," showcasing her versatility and creative flair beyond traditional dance forms. Among her favorite performance roles are the Dew Drop Fairy in "The Nutcracker" and the Lilac Fairy in "Sleeping Beauty," roles that allowed her to embody grace, precision, and storytelling through movement.

As an instructor, Emma is passionate about teaching Ballet and Jazz, focusing on refining students' technique while nurturing their artistic expression. Central to her teaching approach is the belief that dance is a form of self-expression and storytelling, where students learn to communicate emotions and narratives through movement. She is dedicated to providing individualized attention, understanding that each student learns differently and has unique strengths and challenges. By emphasizing strong technical foundations alongside opportunities for artistic exploration, she aims to empower students to discover their own voices as dancers. Ultimately, her goal is to instill a lifelong love for dance in her students, equipping them with skills and experiences that extend beyond the studio walls and enrich their lives in meaningful ways.