In Step With DC
Getting to Know You: Miss Emily!
Written by Joe Naftal on January 11, 2019

Today we are featuring Miss Emily in our latest edition of “Getting to Know You”!  The “Getting to Know You” series helps us get to know each of the Dance Connection teachers and staff we get to see at the studio every week and learn a little bit more about them.

What is your hometown? My hometown is Deer Park

What’s the story of how you became a dancer? My mom is Miss Melinda, so I was practically born into dance and Dance Connection. I began dance at 2 and have danced ever since. I began teaching through the Teacher Training Program, and I went through all the levels to get to teacher this year.

What impact has dance had on your life? Dance means the world to me and has always been apart of my life. It has taught me so many life lessons, a few being independence and responsibility because when you are at a show you can’t always rely on someone to be there to get you into the next costume. 

Why did you start teaching dance? When I was younger and dancing I always looked up to the teachers on the teacher training program. So when I was old enough I put my name on the waiting list and became a student helper. I am very happy to have become a teacher this year!

What are you passionate about outside dance? Outside of dance I love to bake. I bake with my grandma when I get the chance because it has been our thing since I was young. We always get together to make chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies. To see all the ingredients come together to make your end product makes you feel accomplished.

What question do you wish students would ask sooner rather than later? I wish that if a student didn’t understand something, that they’d let me know sooner rather than later, for if they wait a while to make it known they didn’t understand they can form bad habits and it can be harder to fix.

In your opinion, what makes dance such a great activity and art form? Dance is a great activity and art form because it lets you truly express yourself. With your movement you can show how you feel and express the ideas you cannot always put into words.

College and Major? I am currently in the process of applying to colleges and I will be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.

Favorite Color? My favorite color is purple.

Favorite Dance Movie? My favorite movies about dance are White Christmas and High Strung

Secret Talent?  My secret talent is that I can do 20 turn in tap shoes.

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Joe Naftal

Joe Naftal is the Marketing Director for Dance Connection. When not working at Dance Connection, Joe has a career as a theatrical lighting designer, assistant designer, and production manager. His experience spans the worlds of classical and contemporary theatre, musicals, ballet, modern dance, and opera. In addition to his work at Dance Connection, Joe collaborates with Dance Studio Owners across the country, is a member of the DanceStudioOwner.com Panel of Experts, has been featured in the business section of Dance Teacher Magazine, and was on the seminar faculty for the 2016 Dance Teacher Summit in New York City. Joe holds a BFA from UNC School of the Arts and is a proud member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

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