Emma Portner Dancer and choreographer Date of Birth: 26.11.1994 Country: Canada

1. Emma Portner: A Captivating Dancer and Choreographer
2. Early Life and Training
3. Professional Journey
4. Notable Accomplishments
5. Personal Life
6. Emma Portner Today

Emma Portner: A Captivating Dancer and Choreographer

Emma Portner, a renowned Canadian dancer and choreographer, embodies communication through movement. Her expressive gestures and fluid hands tell a story even when she's not performing.

Early Life and Training

Born on November 26, 1994, in Ottawa, Canada, Emma began dancing at the tender age of three. Her passion for the art remained unwavering throughout her childhood. She honed her skills at Leeming Danceworks in Ottawa before pursuing an intensive program at Canada's National Ballet School.

By the age of 16, Emma had developed a distinctive style: high-tech contemporary choreography characterized by intricate undulations and anguished jolts. That same year, she choreographed and performed "Dancing In the Dark" with American dancer Matt Luck. The viral video of their performance garnered international acclaim, thrusting her into the spotlight.

Professional Journey

Emma's unexpected success on social media fueled her already meticulous analysis of her dance technique. Since the age of 12, she had used videos to scrutinize her movements, improving her improvisation and refining her style.

After relocating to New York City, Emma attended the Ailey School and embarked on a thriving career as a dancer and choreographer. Her compact frame (5'3", 115 lbs) belied a fierce determination and tireless work ethic.

Notable Accomplishments

Emma's reputation as an exceptional choreographer and performer grew rapidly. She choreographed and starred in Justin Bieber's music video for "Life Is Worth Living," which amassed millions of views on YouTube. She also joined Bieber on his world tour.

In New York City, Emma founded her own dance company, initially named Flock'd but later renamed Emma Portner and Artists. Additionally, she conceptualized music videos for indie artists like Blood Orange, Maggie Rogers, and BANKS and taught master classes in New York, Los Angeles, and her native Canada.

Personal Life

Emma's highly publicized relationship with actress Ellen Page, star of films like "Juno," "Inception," and "X-Men," propelled her into the mainstream. They met on Instagram and discovered a shared connection beyond their Canadian roots: their sexual orientation.

Page, who had previously identified as heterosexual, came out as lesbian in 2014. Emma, who had always challenged gender norms in her work, embraced her own genderqueer identity. They began dating, sharing admiring posts and affirmations of love on social media. In January 2018, Page announced their wedding.

However, their marriage dissolved in January 2021 when Page filed for divorce. They expressed mutual respect and promised to remain friends. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, their paths continue to intersect.

Emma Portner Today

As of 2021, Emma teaches dance at the Broadway Dance Center. Her classes focus on contemporary choreography, emphasizing emotional movement and pushing physical boundaries. She also continues to lead her own dance company.

Emma's work graces various platforms, including Apple, Netflix, Vogue, and Sony Pictures. She performs on prestigious ballet stages like the Guggenheim Museum and the Oslo Opera House, showcasing her artistry and unwavering dedication to dance.