Emma Tollari is a 17-year-old dancer from Iowa. She dances at Pat barton Dance Studio.
“Dance has a huge impact on my life…I look up to many different dancers and they keep inspiring me to not only be the best dancer I can be, but the best person inside and out.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
I have been dancing since the age of 4. I started dancing competitively at 6 years old and have been working since. I’ve always known I’ve wanted to dance my whole life, and I am always working hard. I have won many awards and titles at dance competitions with my team and with my solos. I also love to attend dance conventions and was recently awarded to be a Titans Force Member at Titans Of Dance where I get to assist professionals all over the nation. I love to keep my socials updated with all of my dancing and everything I do.
I am also a part of the award-winning Southeast Polk RhythAMetteS Dance Team in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Last spring we traveled to Texas for nationals where we were crowned 5x National Champions. And this year, I was chosen by my teammates to be a captain of our team. I love to be a leader and help others as much as I can. I am one of the hardest workers I know and always make sure I am the best I can be. I’ve had dance schools and dance teams recruit or reach out to me over the past few months for once I graduate high school. I am unsure of what I am going to do yet but have many options on how to continue my dance career.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance has a huge impact on my life. While it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, I could not imagine my life without dance. Whenever I’m down or sad, I go to dance. Whether it’s going to the studio on my own time, going to practice, or just watching videos of me dancing, it lifts me up. I look up to many different dancers and they keep inspiring me to not only be the best dancer I can be, but the best person inside and out. Whenever I fail, I do everything I can to find a positive out of the situation. I will work until I feel I succeeded and have never had a passion for something more other than dance.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I want to use dance to show my community that you can find something you love and enjoy, and once you do your life will be turned around. Having a hobby, passion, or job you really love will help not only yourself physically, but also mentally. Dance has also shown me how to be a better person and how to treat others around me. I want to share all I’ve learned with my community so everyone can leave feeling inspired.