Dance
In Emma Willard School's dance studio, students learn and rehearse in a variety of dance styles and perform in assemblies, the annual spring concert, on tour and in other special performance events.
![spring dance assembly]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779292598/emmawillardorg/wwaimx8rk7zb1xjynjmh/SpringDance_2026_KSR_2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779292598/emmawillardorg/wwaimx8rk7zb1xjynjmh/SpringDance_2026_KSR_2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779292598/emmawillardorg/wwaimx8rk7zb1xjynjmh/SpringDance_2026_KSR_2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1779292598/emmawillardorg/wwaimx8rk7zb1xjynjmh/SpringDance_2026_KSR_2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1779292598/emmawillardorg/wwaimx8rk7zb1xjynjmh/SpringDance_2026_KSR_2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1779292598/emmawillardorg/wwaimx8rk7zb1xjynjmh/SpringDance_2026_KSR_2.jpg","width":2200}])
Last Friday, the Spring Dance Assembly was held in Klingenstein Concert Hall—including ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and more! The seniors were honored with signed posters as a final send-off! For more pictures, click 'Read More' below.
![audience clapping]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778269766/emmawillardorg/twc8s2grlmxhmiijvhyg/IMG_6039.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778269766/emmawillardorg/twc8s2grlmxhmiijvhyg/IMG_6039.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778269766/emmawillardorg/twc8s2grlmxhmiijvhyg/IMG_6039.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778269766/emmawillardorg/twc8s2grlmxhmiijvhyg/IMG_6039.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1778269766/emmawillardorg/twc8s2grlmxhmiijvhyg/IMG_6039.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1778269766/emmawillardorg/twc8s2grlmxhmiijvhyg/IMG_6039.jpg","width":2200}])
Emma Willard School’s Spring Showcase returns to celebrate our students’ pursuits during 2025–2026 school year with an exhibition of Signature projects, Emma Artists performances, and a Jestermester retrospective.
![students with legs up dancing]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764785034/emmawillardorg/ieepplr5d2edfv4tb36i/IMG_0437.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764785034/emmawillardorg/ieepplr5d2edfv4tb36i/IMG_0437.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764785034/emmawillardorg/ieepplr5d2edfv4tb36i/IMG_0437.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764785034/emmawillardorg/ieepplr5d2edfv4tb36i/IMG_0437.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1764785034/emmawillardorg/ieepplr5d2edfv4tb36i/IMG_0437.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1764785034/emmawillardorg/ieepplr5d2edfv4tb36i/IMG_0437.jpg","width":2200}])
The Fall Dance Recital took place on the Friday before break, with performances in ballet, modern, hip hop, and more! For more photos, click ‘read more’ below.
![Spring Dancers Impress!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748453749/emmawillardorg/pcdkhomkka9ntud9obsp/dance_assemnly_noKM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748453749/emmawillardorg/pcdkhomkka9ntud9obsp/dance_assemnly_noKM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748453749/emmawillardorg/pcdkhomkka9ntud9obsp/dance_assemnly_noKM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748453749/emmawillardorg/pcdkhomkka9ntud9obsp/dance_assemnly_noKM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748453749/emmawillardorg/pcdkhomkka9ntud9obsp/dance_assemnly_noKM.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1748453749/emmawillardorg/pcdkhomkka9ntud9obsp/dance_assemnly_noKM.png","width":2200}])
The dancers at Emma are extremely talented, and that talent was put on full display at the Spring Dance Assembly this past Thursday. For more photos, read more below.
![Community members on stage dancing and playing drums wearing Ghanian clothing and led by instructors.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740170334/emmawillardorg/akjcx9kltuori2yphpzf/8G7A0456.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740170334/emmawillardorg/akjcx9kltuori2yphpzf/8G7A0456.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740170334/emmawillardorg/akjcx9kltuori2yphpzf/8G7A0456.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740170334/emmawillardorg/akjcx9kltuori2yphpzf/8G7A0456.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740170334/emmawillardorg/akjcx9kltuori2yphpzf/8G7A0456.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1740170334/emmawillardorg/akjcx9kltuori2yphpzf/8G7A0456.jpg","width":2200}])
The Emma Willard School campus community recently had the opportunity to participate in a week of instruction from guest artists Paschal Yao Younge and Zelma Badu-Younge. Culminating in performances at the end of the week, the classes were open to anyone on campus who was interested in attending!
Dance Curriculum
Dance offerings include three levels of ballet and contemporary dance, multilevel jazz, core fundamentals, and an advanced level performing group. All levels have the opportunity to participate in master classes by professional guest artists, view live professional dance companies, and experience the accomplishment of performing. Advanced students can explore composition and choreography through independent study.
Dance Studios
Our brand new dance spaces, Strong Dance Studio and Rao Dance Studio, are located in the new Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts. Strong Dance Studio was made possible through the inspiring generosity of The Strong Family: Alice 1917, Sigrid 1970, Barbara 1971, and Dana 1973. Rao Dance Studio was given with gratitude by the Board of Trustees for the inspiring leadership of 17th Head of School Jenny Rao. These beautiful spaces are bright and airy, featuring vaulted ceilings, wood sprung floors, and audio/visual equipment, providing the opportunity for students to critique their work as well as view historical and contemporary performances. The contemporary classes enjoy a live accompanist for many of their classes.
