Dancer who overcame physical challenges is now staging her own show
The Land of Musicals is a semi-autobiographical contemporary ballet
Dancer Emma Levene has a story to tell, and she is doing it the way she knows best, by creating a ballet performance to inspire and motivate people who face challenges in their life .
“For me, becoming a ballet dancer has been a tale of struggles and issues. It has not been an easy journey. When I was three years old, I woke up one day, unable to walk. It was a terrible time, and no-one knew what had happened.
“The doctors treated me by encasing my legs in plaster casts and, when these were removed, I managed to regain the use of my legs,” explained Emma, 36, who, in her 20s, was diagnosed with the developmental co-ordination disorder Dyspraxia (DCD).
“Then more recently I was at an audition and met another dancer, Emma Clandon, and we discovered how we both had had to overcome issues and difficulties to achieve our goals of becoming professional dancers.
“I wanted to share this with people and to inspire them, so I decided to write a ballet about both our journeys to success.”
Emma has appeared in films and ballet productions, and danced at the Olympics opening ceremony. As well as dancing professionally, she runs a dance school and dance company.
The Land of Musicals is a contemporary ballet with musical theatre influences and is performed by eight professional dancers accompanied by 20 younger ballet dancers from Emma’s ballet school.
It tells the story of two young girls who share an immense passion for ballet, contemporary dance and musical theatre. However, their journey is filled with struggles, obstacles, and challenges. Along the way, they meet inspiring talented individuals who guide them toward their ultimate dream: becoming professional dancers and performers on grand stages. It is the first full-length performance that Emma has written, choreographed and directed.
The Land of Musicals is at Mornington Hall, Chingford on July 12 and then Emma is hoping to tour the show. To book click here.
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