Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Roy-Sayre.
Emily, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began dancing at three years old in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and never looked back. I always wanted to dance growing up and had a laser focus on ballet for most of my early years. After attending Belhaven University to receive my BFA in dance, I started teaching, choreographing and dancing professionally in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, California, and Texas. Hundreds of emails, calls, interviews, and meetings later I hit the tip of the iceberg doing what I love.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Every road has its bumps. I haven’t heard of anyone pursuing what they love without having to fight for it. I’ve had my share of rejection letters or just no response at all (which is sometimes harder). I could talk for hours about the different obstacles in a dance career but I’ll share my most recent challenge instead. I struggle(d) the most with learning how to properly market myself- talking about my abilities and endlessly pitching my talent in a respectful but confident way. I lost too many possible opportunities because I didn’t have the confidence or know how to talk about myself. I’m still learning how to do it gracefully and proficiently.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Most people know me as a ballet, modern, and contemporary dance teacher and a performer, though choreography is something I tremendously love as well. I teach dance all around Houston and am a freelance dancer with companies and choreographers such as Houston Grand Opera, Jennifer Mabus, and Uptown Dance Company. My choreography has been presented with Mind the Gap, Project Dance, Uptown Dance Company II, San Jacinto College, and more.
Because I grew up with such strict ballet standards, I incorporate a lot of old-school etiquettes and codified movement principles into my class and movement. I think that’s something not seen as much anymore; honest technique first, beautiful flourishing “feel-goods” second. I’m proud of my classical concert upbringing! It sets me apart from many contemporary teachers.
I was recently cast as Pauline in West Side Story with Houston Grand Opera, which was a great moment for me. I am so proud to have been a part of the production with such a talented cast. Working with HGO is always a rewarding experience and performing West Side Story is something I’ll treasure.
What were you like growing up?
I was a little shy growing up. I was always the one in the back of the dance class who never asked any questions and worked silently. I had few friends at the dance studio but it allowed me to stay focused and work towards my goals. I had to turn down a lot of social events due to my dance training but looking back, those extra hours paid off and I would do it again the same way.
Outside of dance, I was a tomboy through and through. When I had time, I was on the 4-wheeler, fishing, swimming in the Mississippi River, playing in hay bales, and all things country. Being outside kept my spirit alive and it still rings true for me today.
Pricing:
- Private Lessons $70-$80
- Guest Teaching $60-$70
- Choreography $600/solo
Contact Info:
- Website: emilyroysayre.com
- Email: emilyroy@att.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyroysayre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.roy.73
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-roy-sayre-a91b0772/
Image Credit:
Pin Lim, Frank McMains, Toriel Borst
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