Emily Wilkes is a sophomore at Elon University, a private university located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Emily was classically trained at the Academy of Movement and Music in Oak Park, Illinois. As Emily ties her pointe shoes, she thinks back on all the different types of dance she has taken since she started dancing twelve years ago; ballet and pointe were always her favorite.
Growing up as a dancer meant Emily has always been busy. She rushes from school to dance rehearsal, often getting dressed in the car and quickly stretching before dance class starts. After class Emily drives straight home to finish her homework, with the little energy she has left.
“Although I was often too busy to spend time with friends or relax after school, I never minded because all I ever wanted to do was dance.” - Emily Wilkes
Emily came into college with enthusiasm, drive, and the dream of being a professional dancer. From the start, Emily struggles with the intensive program and the long hours that accompany it. Her class schedule consists of rehearsals, technique classes, additional practices after class, and Elon’s core curriculum classes.