ABOUT

EMMA BLUE PALATSIDIS is a Dominican-American artist and certified educational professional born and raised in Union City, NJ. Growing up amongst a rich tapestry of latino cultural traditions. Emma began her formal dance training through the K-12 educational model which has also influenced her desire to make the arts  expressive and accessible to all. She values community expression across all of her work.

 

She is a graduate of Brown University, where she earned her BA in Performance Studies, and New York University, where she received her MA in Dance Education; receiving K-12 certification in NY and NJ. Emma previously worked as a dance educator at Union City High School in NJ for seven years, where she lead the dance company, dance team, and helped to direct departmental productions.

 

Currently, she is on staff as an adjunct professor at Wagner College in Staten Island, NJ and as a teaching artist with NJPAC's art education department. Emma is also a founding member of AND Formation, a professional bachata dance company under the direction of Desiree Godsell of Alex & Desiree. In addition, she freelance teaches and choreographs for dance programs, universities, intensives, private studios, and showcases across the tri-state area in various styles which include salsa, bachata, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and more.

 

As a choreographer, she has created a large body of work.  Her work has been showcased at various venues like Ailey Citigroup Theatre, Queens Theatre in the Park, Gibney Dance, Baruch Performing Arts Center, Symphony Space, Triskelion Arts, Salvatore Capezio Theater at Peridance, Thespis Theater Festival, and Highline Ballroom.