Emilee Newham is bringing her dance school to the Twin Towns from January 2022.

The 19-year-old learnt her craft from retired Cootamundra dance icon, Christine Edwards, and already has been teaching her ‘Dance with Miss Em’ classes in Coota.

But the prodigy is now expanding her school to Harden after receiving feedback and support from local families.

Dance with Miss Em will be operating in the studio rooms at the Hard Rock Gym Harden, commencing early in the new year.

“I was approached by one of my student’s parents who has been travelling from Harden to Coota for quite some time now and she asked whether I’d be interested in teaching classes in Harden,” Emilee said.

“I had a look at it, and I think it’s a great idea really.”

Emilee explained that there has been a lack of dance schools and opportunities for those of all ages for a substantial amount of time in Harden and it’s a void that she could fill and capitalise on.

“They haven’t had a dance school in Harden for about 10 years,” she said.

“My classes will cater for the ages from 2-years-old to adults.

“The studio launch will be in January, but it will go in line with the school terms.”

Residents of Harden should be excited with the diversity of classes taught by Miss Em, offering something to all abilities and ages.

“In Harden, I’ll be offering pretty much all dance styles. The RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary,” she boasted.

“We’re hoping to also offer a little bit of acrobatics and gymnastics.

“In Coota we’ll continue to have a RAD ballet focus, so I’ll be doing all the ballet classes.

“We have drama as well, and next year we’re going to offer some acrobatics as well as some other ideas which we have under our belt which we are excited about.”

Miss Em with a ballet student. Photo: Supplied.

While the announcement of Dance with Miss Em is relatively fresh, the teacher is still working through the logistics of when the classes will take place.

“The nights in Harden aren’t confirmed yet, there’s still a lot to work out.

“Although hopefully, I’ll still be teaching in Coota on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s.”

Miss Em has said the feedback and reception she has received from the community so far has been quite extraordinary.

“It’s actually been quite overwhelming. It’s been so good. My little dance family have been amazing and I’m so grateful for them. Everyone has been really good,” she said.

“I have had a lot of kids join up already.”

Despite taking over from the local legend that is Miss Chris, Emilee has risen to the occasion, filling the shoes of her predecessor who has been her mentor over the years.

“I’m loving it. Miss Chris has been so wonderful and I’m grateful for her and it’s actually been a dream come true really,” Emilee said.

“I’ve been helping her teach since the beginning of the year.”

Emilee started her ‘Dance with Miss Em’ school midway through this year, and it has already been a raging success.

If you would like to join her dance school in Harden starting in January, give Emilee a call on 0448 488 219 or register your interest at
https://forms.gle/2pdcVa2dPvHYmfBJA to attend a workshop day.

Tim Warren