Shot by Audrey Brizic
Emma Simons is a dance artist and personal trainer originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. She began dancing at the age of three and spent her formative years training and competing nationally, serving as an assistant at various dance conventions across the country.
Emma received her BFA in Dance and Performance from George Mason University under the direction of Susan Shields, with a minor in Arts Management in Spring 2026. During her time at Mason, she had the opportunity to perform works by esteemed choreographers including Robert Battle, Robyn Mineko Williams, Doug Varone, Christopher D’Amboise, Kyle Abraham, Andrea Miller, Branndi Lewis, and Shaun D’Arcy, among others. Her training extends beyond the university, having attended intensives with Springboard Danse Pittsburgh, Ballets Jazz Montréal, BODYTRAFFIC, Doug Varone and Dancers, and Dance West Fest.
I am drawn to dance because it offers a profound sense of freedom within structure. Each time I move, I am presented with the opportunity to experiment, take risks, and uncover new dimensions of both the craft and myself. Dance is an endless practice– demanding, exacting, and beautifully unfinished– and it is precisely this rigor that sustains my commitment to it.
I am captivated by the physicality of the form. I feel the most like myself when I’m pushing the limits of my physical capacity. I am driven by the visceral experience of movement, and the sensations in the body when it’s near exhaustion. This philosophy was further developed during my time at George Mason University, within my experiences performing works by artists such as Robert Battle and Andrea Miller.
Through dance, I also engage in storytelling– expressing personal narratives as well as embodying perspectives beyond my own. It allows me to access a full spectrum of emotional and physical states, from softness and vulnerability to power and ferocity. My work ultimately invites viewers to feel deeply and connect authentically. For me, dance is the intersection of freedom, discipline, and expression– a living art form that continually challenges me to evolve while remaining deeply connected to myself as a human.
Artist Statement
SERVICES OFFERED
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Emma strives to create a safe, nurturing environment where dancers can explore movement freely and uniquely. She celebrates what makes each student different, creating a space where they inspire and motivate one another. Emma specializes in contemporary, modern, improvisation, jazz, and ballet. She has experience in all ages 3+ and is open for travel. Contact via email for rates and availability!
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Specializing in contemporary, Emma is available for solo, duo, trio, and group choreography. For choreography rates and availability, please contact via email!
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Private lessons are incredibly valuable to a student’s journey not only through advancing their skill levels, but also by increasing self-efficacy and fostering personal relationships. Emma offers privates and semi-privates for improving jazz, ballet, and/or modern technique, practicing pick-up skills, and cleaning solos. Contact via email for rates!
DANCE REEL:
Photos by: Audrey Brizic (1,3), Aidan Tooth (2)