Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emma Andres. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Emma, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I want to develop projects that leave a lasting impact on audiences. That is why I like to create works surrounding education, literature, history, math, and science.

I am currently the Artistic Director and Choreographer of Little Women Ballet, a project meant to inspire more stories about women/inspiring characters. This project is important to myself and the community, because it creates a creative environment that prompts collaboration amongst the artists, as well as develops a healthy environment for all involved.

I am also developing an environmental project that creates dances surrounding environmental issues. Much of the proceeds from this project will go to the certain environmental issue each dance covers. I feel like this project will allow audiences to see how dance can encapsulate important scientific issues and guide audiences to notice topics that desperately need our attention on a global scale.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a classically trained dancer and choreographer who has experience working in the techniques of jazz, contemporary, modern, and ballet. I earned my degree in Dance Choreography at UC Irvine where I was a recipient of the merit-based William Gillespie Scholarship for Ballet Studies. I have performed nationally and internationally, including in Shanghai, China, and Panama. I have created several new ballet works that combine technique and whimsy, including Little Women and American In Paris. I am currently the Studio Manager, a teacher, and resident choreographer for Pasadena Civic Ballet (PCB). I am a Ballet Teaching Artist for the Music Center in Los Angeles and the Co-Artistic Director of SCOPIXdance, a new dance organization emphasizing exciting choreography from up-in-coming choreographers. I am the artistic director and choreographer of Little Women Ballet, a ballet and interactive immersive experience that is pioneering more ballets about women and their stories.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Something society can do to help creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem is to come to performances and support local artists either through promotion or donations. The hardest part of being a creative is finding individuals to help fund and promote projects. You can have a dream, but without the proper funding, they can only remain dreams. Part of developing a healthy creative ecosystem is to make sure that everyone involved, dancers, staff, etc feel comfortable and supported, both emotionally and financially. To do this, we need audiences who not only will attend our shows, but who will spread the word about work we are doing as well as potentially financially support the project. We need the world to know about our work in order to help in continue existing.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the most rewarding process of being an artist/choreographer is watching how my projects affect people. For the dancers, I love how they bring the project to life and enjoy portraying different characters and feelings. Especially during the shows, it becomes clear how happy put on this show makes people. They come together in joy and support for each other, and light up on the stage. It is truly magical.

Watching audiences enjoy my work is also wonderful. Seeing people feel the Little Women story come alive is a true gift. When I am choreographing, I always hope that I am doing Louisa May Alcott justice and allowing her work to come off the page and come to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: littlewomenballet.com
• Instagram: @littlewomenballet
• Facebook: littlewomenballet
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-andres-88496915b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptz3HHRRSfk

Image Credits
Hannah Doerr, Edie Tyebkhan