Biography

Emily Gaffga (she/her) is a multidisciplinary dance artist, educator, and arts administrator. Developed over the last 20 years, her dance style is at the intersection of fluid, full bodied sequentiality, and atypical pathways. Her training has fostered both bodily and historical knowledge within contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, and ballet dance forms. Emily holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, with a focus in Performance and Choreography from The Ohio State University. She has worked with Eddie Taketa, Bebe Miller, Ryan Daniel Beck, Cailin Manning, Karen Chuang, and Sam Lobel to name a few. 

 

Throughout her time in New York City, Emily has balanced training and performing with her passions of teaching and working administratively. Some teaching and work credits include Broadway Dance Center, New York Live Arts, New York City Dance Week, and MICHIYAYA Dance. As an educator, Emily fosters a class environment that values exploration, authenticity, and technical refinement. She encourages students to embrace their individuality while building strong foundational skills and developing a deeper awareness of the anatomical principles that support their movement.

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In January of 2024, Emily and her partner Gwen Potter created Chatterboxx Nails. A custom designed and handcrafted press-on nail business. Fulfilling her entrepreneurial dreams and expanding her knowledge of business has been a great joy for Emily as Chatterboxx continues to find success. 

 

Emily looks forward to pursuing a graduate degree in Performing Arts Administration at New York University this upcoming fall. Through this next chapter, she is eager to continue expanding her impact, advocating for artists, and contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of the dance world.