Today we’d like to introduce you to Ambre Emory-maier
Hi Ambre, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Life is a journey filled with unexpected turns, choices, and opportunities that shape us in profound ways. My own path has been rich and challenging, marked by moments of reinvention and discovery. In 2004, I relocated to Ohio due to a job opportunity for my spouse, leaving behind my life on the East Coast and in North Carolina. Dance and theatre have always been at the heart of my identity. Over the years, I’ve worked for ballet companies, universities, dance studios, K-12 schools, and as an independent dancer, choreographer, director, and teaching artist. My career has been a tapestry of diverse experiences, offering both incredible highs and formidable challenges, but my passion for the uplifting, communal power of dance, yoga and theatre has never wavered.
When I arrived in Columbus, Ohio, I found myself working part-time as our daughter transitioned into high school in a new environment. For the first time in years, I had the freedom to explore something I had always been curious about: yoga. This exploration quickly became a transformative journey, deepening my connection to the body-mind-spirit. This exploration eventually led me to certification as a yoga, mindfulness, and meditation teacher. I began teaching the practice of yoga in yoga studios, ballet schools, and community spaces, as well as contributing to yoga teacher training programs.
Today, I am honored to serve as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Kent State University, while continuing my work as an independent consultant, choreographer, stager, writer, director, and teacher. I also collaborate with The Emily Program, supporting individuals navigating eating disorders, and I passionately advocate for mental health awareness and reducing its stigma. Additionally, I teach yoga and dance to adults at Indigo Sun Wellness Studio and the Fran Ryan Center in Columbus, where I foster connections and celebrate the joy of movement within the community. Through it all, I remain deeply grateful for the ability to weave dance, theatre, and yoga into a life filled with meaning, connection, and growth.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When reflecting on the obstacles and challenges I have faced—and continue to face—the vulnerability of dance as an art form in the United States stands out as a persistent and multifaceted issue. The funding for dance organizations, higher education programs, and K-12 schools is an example of how dance is often relegated to the bottom of priority lists. It is disheartening that, in one of the wealthiest and most prolific nations in the world, we still grapple with where dance fits within education, healthcare, community, self-expression, and communication. This lack of support reflects a broader cultural undervaluing of dance and its contributions.
In our competitive culture, dance is frequently commodified and reduced to entertainment, exemplified by shows like Dance Moms and So You Think You Can Dance. (Don’t mis-understand-I am all for dance as a art form for performance and entertainment.) While these programs showcase talent, they also perpetuate a narrow view of dance, overshadowing its accessibility and transformative potential. Dance is participatory and is for everyone, yet the leadership within many dance and arts organizations—from boards to administrators to artistic directors—remains flawed, often characterized by exclusionary practices, rigid hierarchies, and tolerance of unethical behavior. This creates an environment where highly intelligent, motivated, talented, and compassionate individuals become casualties of poor management. Still, the resilience of the field is remarkable, as dance continues to offer joy, meaning, and connection despite these systemic challenges.
Personally, I have faced the compounded challenges of being a woman and a person of color in a field that often reflects society’s broader inequities. For a long time, I hesitated to confront these realities, both personally and professionally. Additionally, I live with a chronic condition—vestibular migraine disease—which, while currently well-managed, has added another layer to my life.
Despite these difficulties, I remain firm in my belief in the power of dance. It is an art form that nurtures, inspires, and heals. Challenges may persist, but so does the passion, dedication and belief of those in the dance field for pushing the field forward with courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to its potential for positive change. The future of dance is bright, as long as we continue to advocate for its place in our culture and champion its capacity to bring people together.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Ms. Emory-Maier is an Assistant Professor of Dance at Kent State University and completed her MFA in Choreography and Performance at The Ohio State University and MA in Dance Reconstruction and Directing from CUNY. She is a actress, writer, speaker and educator. Ambre is the former Director of Education, Equity and Community Engagement and BalletMet 2 Associate Director for BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio. She uses Labanotation to re-stage dances and examines questions of ownership, memory, and transference. Past performance credits include commercials on HGTV and work as a principal dancer with Polite Society. Her recent creative work in which she co-directed a play with New Herring Productions called, A View from A Small Planet premièred in February 2024. With a dedication to well-being, Ambre brings her acknowledged kinship and expertise with dance, yoga, meditation, eating disorders, and mental health care to her practices. Ms. Emory-Maier is a régisseur for Michael Uthoff’s choreographic works and a Fulbright Specialist.
Reflecting on what makes me stand out is both a curious and slightly awkward exercise—talking about yourself always feels a little strange. While versatility in the art of dance—teaching various styles, dance academics, staging works, conducting historical research, and choreographing—might seem like the norm, what sets me apart is how I interact with people. I genuinely support others and that comes from the integration of life experiences with simply being who I am: grounded, present, curious, and deeply invested in what and who I care about. I also have an insatiable love for learning and a wacky sense of humor and play that keeps life interesting. My personal and professional obstacles, from challenges I’ve overcome to those I still grapple with, shape me into the imperfect (but evolving) person I am today. Like everyone, I’m a work in progress—and honestly, isn’t that the best way to be?
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The most important lesson I have learned and have re-learned is that crisis will show you where you are weak and where you are strong. It brings out the best and worst. Very dualistic thinking I know!
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