Emily

Meet Emily!  Emily is 14 years old and has been dancing for 12 years.  Dance has been a part of Emily’s  life for as long as she can remember; It’s where she feels most alive. She is entering her 9th year competing at Sheila Rosanio’s School of Dance and Gymnastics, performing in 9 routines that challenge her to grow and tell a story on stage. In 2025, she performed in her first professional production, Tony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker, and also earned multiple regional and national titles, including several 1st place national championships. What makes dance even more special is the support she receives from her studio director, who has been like a second mom; guiding her, encouraging her, and making every moment in the studio meaningful. While dreaming big and pushing boundaries on the dance floor, she also maintains a high level of excellence in the classroom. Dance has shaped who Emily is; teaching her discipline, confidence, and the courage to keep reaching higher, both on and off the stage. Emily’s favorite style of dance is lyrical.  

When we asked Emily what she loves most about dance, she told us that she loves being able to tell a story through dance using movement and expression to communicate what words can’t.  Dance makes her feel alive because it makes her feel like she’s exactly where I’m meant to be, moving with her heart.  

Emily’s favorite part of The Alive Experience was just being there, even though conventions usually push her out of her comfort zone. Emily loved how every choreographer was real and fun, not just teaching moves like a robot. It made learning exciting and enjoyable even when she messed up a step!  She is super excited to meet new dancers and choreographers, help out at the convention, and just let loose and feel completely free on the dance floor!

Fun fact - Emily hates running, but she does it competitively at her school!  Emily says that she doesn’t know what the future holds, but she wants to live in the moment and keep becoming a better dancer than she was yesterday; feeling every step, every turn, and every beat along the way.