In a world brimming with countless pursuits, the dedication and artistry of dancers often remain uncelebrated. Countless individuals pour their heart and soul into mastering this demanding art form, yet their commitment frequently goes unnoticed. Among these dedicated dancers is Emma Stein, a senior whose story exemplifies the unwavering passion that fuels a life dedicated to dance. From a young age, Emma has been captivated by movement and rhythm, a love affair that began at the tender age of three. “I started dancing when I was 3 years old,” Emma recounts, “My mom put me in dance because I would always dance around, and my older cousin did it, and I always looked up to her.” This early introduction sparked a lifelong devotion, and for Emma, All She Wants To Do Is Dance.
From those first steps in the studio, dance became more than just an activity; it evolved into a driving force in Emma’s life. The multifaceted nature of dance captivated her, drawing her in with its diverse appeals. “I enjoy competing, going on trips, and the friends I made from it,” Emma shares, highlighting the rich tapestry of experiences woven into her dance journey. “The people are what make it so much fun and why I want to continue and better myself,” she emphasizes, underscoring the powerful community and personal growth fostered within the dance world. This camaraderie and shared passion are integral to why Emma continues to dedicate herself to honing her skills and pushing her boundaries as a dancer.
The global pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to dancers worldwide, forcing studios to temporarily close their doors and disrupting established routines. Emma’s studio, The Dance Alley, was no exception. “While in quarantine, we continued to practice on Zoom with hope that we would get to a competition hopefully in the summer,” Emma explains, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of the dance community. “The competitions worked very hard to try to arrange virtual events.” However, the shift to virtual classes couldn’t fully replicate the energy and collaborative spirit of the studio environment. “Once we were finally allowed back into the studio following COVID guidelines, it definitely took an adjustment from being online to being back full,” Emma admits. “All of us had lost our energy and endurance, so getting back in the studio and getting back into routine was crucial.” Reclaiming their physical and mental stamina after a period of isolation was a significant hurdle, but the shared determination of Emma and her fellow dancers propelled them forward. “All of us did have a push of motivation since we were back, so it was definitely good for our drive and determination going into a new season,” she notes, highlighting the renewed vigor and focus that emerged from overcoming adversity. The studio adapted its schedule to mitigate risks, with Emma noting, “With COVID we tried to eliminate the amount of days dancers are in the studio, so I am there two days a week. On Mondays I have dance from 3:30-5:00 come home then head back from 6-9:15. On Thursdays I have dance 3:30-4:00, have a break and then classes again from 5:30-8:15 each class is around 45 minutes.”
Years of dedicated training have exposed Emma to a wide spectrum of dance styles and techniques, enriching her skills and broadening her artistic horizons. Her repertoire of classes is extensive, encompassing a variety of disciplines designed to cultivate well-rounded dancers. These classes include “tap duet, group tap, group lyrical, technique, lyrical trio ballet, pointe, stretching/conditioning, group jazz, and large group lyrical.” Among this diverse curriculum, one style stands out as Emma’s personal favorite. “My favorite class is tap because there are always new steps and combinations,” she reveals, expressing her enthusiasm for the rhythmic complexity and constant innovation within tap dance.
These classes are not merely for skill enhancement; they are essential preparations for the competitive dance circuit, a significant aspect of Emma’s dance life. The Dance Alley participates in multiple competitions annually, culminating in a year-end showcase. “Our competitions range, but usually they are in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, or even in Ohio,” Emma mentions, outlining the regional scope of their competitive engagements. “Most are pretty local, usually 2 hours away maximum.” With 14 years of dance experience under her belt, having started at age three, Emma has achieved notable milestones, including solo performances in competitions. “Each season you get one solo. This year I will be competing my fifth solo,” she proudly states, reflecting on her growth and accomplishments as a soloist.
For Emma, dance is not solely about personal achievement; it’s also a deeply social and collaborative endeavor. It provides a space for friendship, teamwork, and shared passion. As competitions approach, meticulous preparation becomes paramount. “Before competition, it is super important to attend all the classes, private, extra rehearsals to have all the people there so we could run everything full out in a space that will represent where we will perform,” Emma emphasizes, highlighting the collective effort required for competitive success. This rigorous preparation is crucial for building confidence and muscle memory, essential elements for stage performance. “It is important to prepare before a competition because the adrenaline and nerves definitely kick in, so you have to use that muscle memory and have confidence in yourself and go out onto stage and with a positive attitude and push yourself to make it your best,” she advises, revealing the mental fortitude and positive mindset needed to excel under pressure.
Beyond the technique and competition, dance serves as a vital emotional outlet for Emma, a way to express herself and connect with her emotions through movement. “Dance is definitely an outlet, but the girls that I dance with are definitely what makes it so special,” Emma reflects, emphasizing the dual role of dance as both personal expression and community building. “The friendships and bonds I have formed are unlike anything else. Being with each other so often so many hours per week you get really close and form a different kind of friendship.” These deep connections, forged through shared passion and countless hours in the studio, are an invaluable aspect of Emma’s dance experience. Dance is a sanctuary, a place of release, and a powerful bonding experience all in one. Emma’s story, and the stories of countless dancers like her, deserve recognition. Their dedication, discipline, and artistry contribute significantly to the cultural landscape and enrich our communities. Emma Stein’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of dance and a reminder that sometimes, all she wants to do is dance, and in that simple desire lies a world of passion, dedication, and artistry.
