Emily Rice (she/her) grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where she received her early dance training, competing in Youth American Grand Prix ballet competitions and performing throughout Florida. From 2018-2020, she danced with Ballet Chicago’s studio company, performing throughout Chicago. Since 2021, Emily has worked and performed with Chicago-based choreographers, including Mariah Eastman and Lin Kahn. In 2024, Emily completed her masters in Community Psychology, where she studied arts as a community engagement tool, working closely with Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble and Joffrey Chicago as a Community Outreach Teaching Artist. Emily has a strong interest in the impact of dance in communities and has seen the profound impact dance has on psychological well-being. As a teacher, she aims to develop frameworks of dance education that provide a healthy foundation in movement while encouraging artistic expression. Currently, Emily is completing a doctorate in clinical psychology at Adler University, aiming to integrate principles of dance/movement therapy into both her clinical work and teaching style.