Daily Inspiration: Meet Ariana Emnace

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Emnace

Hi Ariana, 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?
I started dancing at the age of 4. At the age of about 8 was when I decided I wanted to pursue it as a career. By the age of 14 I was an apprentice with a ballet company in Burbank. I continued to work with multiple ballet companies in the area as well as compete in various competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix, Spotlight and the Tanzolymp. I also attended ballet intensives with American Ballet Theater and San Francisco Ballet. At this time was when I strictly studied and danced classical ballet which became my specialty in the commercial industry. When I was 17 I joined Bloc Talent Agency. My first big booking with them was for The BET Awards performing as a ballerina for Chris Brown. I’ve been with Bloc for about 14 years now under commercial dance and print.. performing for such artists as Pharrell, Brent Faiyaz, John Mayer, Sabrina Carpenter, Maroon 5, Backstreet Boys, Lil Yachty and Logic to name a few. I’ve appeared in TV Shows such as CSI: NY, Gilmore Girls, The Mindy Project, The Spoils of Babylon, Glee and Loot. I’ve had the privilege of performing and touring the states with MAC Cosmetics for their Industry Events and I also had the opportunity to live abroad in China performing as a lead in a brand new stage production called “Illusions”. Since then I’ve spent my time here in Los Angeles dancing, modeling, acting, performing and now teaching children’s ballet at a dance studio in Temple City.

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?
Definitely not a smooth road. Pursuing ballet as a career especially at the time I did was difficult. There were so many things going against me. I don’t come from a wealthy family. And to be honest dance is expensive ESPECIALLY ballet. I never went to a name ballet school… I was studio trained from the start. I also am Mexican/Filipino which the ballet world was predominantly Caucasian. Another thing to add to my struggles was my height. I stand at a solid 5’10 without pointe shoes. Pointe shoes add about 3 inches or so…I was always too tall. I was blessed to have such incredible teachers at the time and amazing parents who supported me and my decision to follow my passion.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As stated in previous questions, I’m a professional dancer specializing in ballet. I model and act as well. I forgot to mention before, I am probably best know for my role as the deaf ballerina in The Script “Hall of Fame” music video featuring Will.I.Am or even my role as “Alexa Holdman” in CSI: NY. I’d say I’m most proud of myself for continuing to dance and work and perform after all of the trials, struggles, losses and obstacles I had been through especially the loss of my mother not too long ago. Proud I’ve continued to remain strong and open hearted.
I’d like to think what sets me apart, aside from my great vibes, is how genuine and authentic I am. I’m super down to earth and I get along with every and any type of person..

What’s next?
I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow in my relationships with my ballet students. They’re so important to me and I hope to gift them the knowledge I have been given from my incredible teachers and coaches so that I may help them thrive in this art and in life just as the people most important to me have helped me thrive in life and in my career. With the world how it is today I aim to encourage my students to love themselves fully and wholeheartedly and be confident in being their truest and most authentic selves.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: oh_nana143

Image Credits
Andy Flores – focus_la
Vinson SooHoo – vinsonography
Adotwhite – adotwhite21
Mark Peaced – markpeaced