Dancer Spotlight: Emma Michaux on the Beauty of Connection and the Power of Live Art

For Emma Michaux, her first year as a company dancer with Ballet 5:8 has been marked by growth, community, and rediscovery of purpose through art.

“There’s a tremendous sense of community within the organization, and the relationships I’m developing with peers and students alike are truly special,” Emma shares. That spirit of connection extends beyond the stage, shaping her both as an artist and as a mentor.

In addition to performing, Emma helps co-direct Ballet 5:8’s Conservatory and Trainee programs alongside Sarah Clarke — a partnership that has become one of the most meaningful parts of her journey. “Co-directing the conservatory and trainees with Sarah Clarke has been incredibly special. As a dancer she’s so consistent and stunning, and getting to work closely with her and invest into the students together is incredibly fulfilling,” she says.

As Emma continues to immerse herself in Ballet 5:8’s mission — to spark discussion on life, faith, and human dignity — she finds particular inspiration in the company’s storytelling. “I’m excited to continue diving into 5:8’s universe. The stories being told are real and genuinely relatable,” she explains. “I really appreciate Julianna’s perspective as a female director and choreographer and find it very refreshing to perform works from a truly feminine viewpoint. Having stories and viewpoints being showcased that I can relate to as a performer is exciting and vulnerable and challenging in the best way.”

At the heart of Emma’s artistry is a deep conviction about why art matters — now more than ever. “Art is important. It’s uniquely human to create, to see beauty, to feel things deeply: good, bad or ugly. Art feeds the soul,” she says. “Live performance is called a dying art, but it demonstrates the best parts of being alive. Supporting art in today’s world is all the more important. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for giving to us, so that we can continue giving all that we can to this beautiful craft.”

Through her words and her work, Emma reminds us why dance endures — because it connects, challenges, and celebrates what it means to be human.