Emily Muscarella is a 12-year-old dancer from North Carolina. She dances at Darden Dance Company.
“I want to use dance to help others like me who have struggled with finding a place where I can truly be myself. ”
Tell us about your dance experience!
I started dancing at the age of 5 and competing at age 7. I compete in hip hop, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and tap. My solo this year will be in character/contemporary, and I expect it to be a surprise for the audience.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance gave me a place where I feel I could fit in. I am a quirky/sensitive person, and because I am small for my age, sometimes [I] struggle with fitting in. Dance gave me a safe place and an additional family where I feel I can be myself.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I want to use dance to help others like me who have struggled with finding a place where I can truly be myself.