Emma Draves

Emma Draves (Chicago, IL) is a performer, choreographer, and teacher with a boundless interest in searching out what she does not yet understand. After obtaining Dance and Sociology/Anthropology degrees from Denison University, Emma lived for a short while in New York City – studying with Jacklyn Villamil and Oliver Steele and working as Archivist for the fabulous Ballets Trockadero. After a year, Draves moved to Chicago where she has been working ever since. Emma has danced with a variety of artists including Dwight Rhoden/Desmond Richardson, Sean Curran, Thodos/New Dances, and Hedwig Dances. She performed in Lookingglass Theatre's production of Sita Ram, and in Victory Gardens' production of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. Emma was honored to collaborate with acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma & the Silk Road Orchestra to celebrate the opening of Chicago's exquisite Millenium Park. Emma is entering her sixth year with Mordine & Company Dance Theatre and has recently been named Assistant Artistic Director. She also is continuing into her seventh year with Natya Dance Theatre with whom she studies and performs Bharata Natyam (classical South Indian dance). And, her eighth year as Head Instructor at the Dance Center of La Grange. Emma's recent choreographic works have included Duel With An Orchid as a Links Hall LinkUp Resident and Duet As One under the Chicago Cultural Center's DanceBridge program. In June, Emma will be presenting the As I, We project as a Chicago Dancemaker's Forum Greenhouse Grant recipient. Excerpts of these works can be seen on Emma's webite at: https://sites.google.com/site/emmadravesdancer/