Photo by Emily Cheng
Hi! I am Emily Cheng, a student at The Ohio State University; continuing my education in dance as a first-year dance BFA and in wellness focusing on the pre-occupational therapy track. I have done many styles of dance including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical/contemporary, modern, flamenco, African, and musical theater since beginning dance at the age of 3½. After moving to Ohio, years later became a lead friend in “Polar Express” at Dancexcel and performed in several nursing homes. I also had the chance to experience summer dance intensives, master classes, convention classes, competitions, and guest choreographers.
I have always loved serving others, so in middle school and high school, I was involved in the National Honor Society of Dance Arts, where we promoted dance arts, and conducted fundraisers for charity, and I served as vice president my last two years of high school. I also began to re-institute our high school color guard with some friends, and I was captain my senior year. Throughout all these years of dancing, I have won many different awards including Dancer of the Year at my local studio (for being more than just an outstanding dancer, but also for showing leadership skills, kindness, fairness, and hard work) and awards at competitions like Miss Applause, Dancer of the Year (Rainbow Dance Competition), and 10th overall at Showstopper. I am an avid learner and cannot wait to see further growth.
I am so grateful for all I have learned from experience, and I am excited for the growth opportunities my future holds. It is important to continue learning throughout a lifetime because it helps you to become the best version of yourself. I hope to dance professionally before becoming an Occupational Therapist and owner of a dance studio or dance coach.
Emily Cheng 