Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmy Ham.
Hi Emmy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up right outside of Los Angeles gave me the opportunity to consume dance right in front of my eyes. I first discovered my love for this art through ballet. My mom, having grown up in dance, took my sisters and I to shows throughout our childhood. I remember being enthralled, specifically, by the dancers of The National Ballet of Canada. They were touring “Romeo and Juliet” and I just absolutely fell in love with how expressive and disciplined these dancers were.
Witnessing live art is what influenced me to start my dance journey, but it wasn’t until high school that I discovered what dance can truly be. Attending a performing arts magnet high school gave me the opportunity to study and workshop choreography. The teachers I met throughout this program, have heavily influenced the way I look at, and approach choreography. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized how powerful the relationship of a teacher to student is. As an educator now, I feel how large my role is even if I only work with a student once a week. I take my job very seriously.
My biggest influences today are my peers and the art I consume. I am inspired by the human experience. I feel everything deeply and have let this take hold in my art.
I am constantly on the search to learn something new. To learn something new about myself, about the world. I believe that curiosity is what drives my creativity. It is what makes me the artist I have come to be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say the only obstacle I’ve met has been within myself. Accepting myself for the person I’ve become. Allowing my queerness to shine through in all aspects of my life. Releasing myself of all expectations has been the hardest step yet.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a dancer, choreographer, and dance educator.
As of late, I have spent most of my time working one on one with actors in preparation for their upcoming roles. Movement coaching has brought me so much joy in letting out my inner child. I am such a big film nerd. Working in this industry, in any capacity, makes me feel like I am flying.
I would say that teaching has also given me an opportunity of play. I teach dancers of all ages, specializing in contemporary dance, ballet, and musical theatre. Teaching has taught me discipline and problem solving in ways I’ve never experienced before. I am a better dancer because of it.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice for any aspiring artists is to be yourself completely. Be kind. Allow yourself to be authentically you. The right people will find you.
Pricing:
- For bookings, contact [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femiemmymae/
Image Credits
First photo: shot by Chehon Wespi-Tschopp
Second photo: a still from “DEW”. Directed by Camryn Eakes, Cinematography by Tyler Wilcox
Third photo: Wiederhoeft, NYFW SS25
Fourth photo: stills from Cost n’ Mayor’s “Monster M.A.S.H.”
