Jo Emery Ballet School

If you have been taught by Jo Emery, then you can consider yourself lucky. Jo is a one of a kind teacher. She cares about her students, and has this passion to help them succeed and be the best they can be. When you learn how to meet your goals in dance, you'll be able meet them in real life, and succeed in other personal goals. Out of all the great things i could say about Jo and her company, i"ll sum it up with this. Jo Emery is the best place to be.

Posted 09/09/08 | Report Abuse

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Jo Emery is a great teacher, and pushes everyone to achieve their best. She was able to make me reach deep down to find that extra ounce of talent when I thought I was giving it my all. Few people in my life have been able to do that, and that is saying much...I did not pursue a career in dance after high school, but ended up going on to Stanford and Harvard Business School. I learned a lot from Jo, not just about dance but about aspiring to be the best you can be.

Posted 08/28/08 | Report Abuse

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First of all if you want to dance anywhere, you should know that know that no dancer always gets there way. When you come to Jo Emery you have to work for what you want. Show respect and loyalty, and in the end you will be rewarded. By not showing up for class, or maybe rehearsal the only person your cheating is yourself and you'll never get anywhere.
Of course there are politics, this is a dance company, and I agree that some people get special exeptions because of there family, or talent, but Jo knows what she is doing and always tries to do whats best for her dancers and the company.
I have been dancing with Jo for many years and I know if I always got all the roles, or solos I wanted I would have nothing to work for. I dont enjoy being criticized, but if our teachers never told us what we're doing wrong, or what we could do better we'd all suck.
Dancing is my passion, and Jo has always pushed her dancers to their full potentials so they can improve and progress. I hope if you dance, its really what you want to do. If its not, your only wasting yours, and our time. But if dancing is that dream you need to pursue, Jo Emery is definetly the right place to go.

Posted 11/27/07 | Report Abuse

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I have been a ballroom dancer for some years now.My dance teacher suggested I try ballet to improve my balance and flexibility.This is not easy for a guy at 60. My wife, who is a much better dancer (she thinks) had her doubts.It''s been great. I got over my fear of being the new guy in a few lessons. It's become great fun and exercise.About a year ago I was 25 lbs heavier and told I was diabetic. Now with a new diet and more exercise, my blood sugar is normal.Ballroom and Ballet have become a passion.Jo Emery's studio is a magic place.She makes you feel welcome. The other students, be they new or accomplished are friendly and helpful.Jo's studio also features two of the finest ballroom teachers in the Northwest, for groups or individual lessons.It's affordable and healthy for your body and your mind!Art Ward

Posted 09/20/07 | Report Abuse

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I would like to start by saying that no one has the right to question how Jo runs her business. She is the artistic director and can put anyone on stage she decides - regardless of age, weight, talent, attendance, or who their parents are. Fairness is really not an issue...because life's not fair and these girls should realize that now.
It is a privilege to dance with the company, not a right, and all the dancers should recognize that. Jo is one of the best teachers in the area and anyone under her instruction should feel lucky. I have known Jo for several years and she has always put her students before anything else. She pushes them to their highest potential and encourages them to explore other avenues of dance and performance, even if that means losing them.
When she had disagreements with her landlord, she chose to relocate her business instead of retiring because she couldn't leave her students without a place to dance. She kept a positive attitude and didn't let it stop her from doing what she loves to do.
I would recommend every person and their cousin dance at the Jo Emery Ballet School. It is the only school in the area where students can feel comfortable no matter what their level. When you're at Jo's you feel like you're at home.

Posted 06/27/07 | Report Abuse

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you have an incorrect address for my business:

It should be: Jo Emery Ballet School
5212 D South Washington Street
Tacoma, Washington 98409

Posted 06/27/07 | Report Abuse

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My name is Vimala Jeffrey-Howe, I started dancing with Jo Emery at the age of nine. Since then Jo has fostered my career and love of ballet to the point where I am now in the graduating class at Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet in the Prefessional Division. I feel that I owe this all to Jo, if she had not told me how to pursue a ballet career and supported me, technically, professionally, and emotionally I would not have succeded.
I don't know very many people, of any age, who have the physical, emotional, and mental stamina to teach dance to all ages of people as well as Jo Emery does. She has never been a teacher that was afraid to get close enough to actually teach dancers to coordinate their bodies. It has never mattered to Jo how young or old her pupils are. Just their passion for dance guides her teaching. Dance is a very demanding career and Jo understands this from her own life time experience in the field. Jo is willing to put students on work scholarship if she sees the passion and determination in students who are unable to afford adequate dance training.
Because this is a local dance studio and not a professional training institute, Jo bases her casting decisions upon a child's love of dance and not their direct technical advancement. Students who have shown their dedication and respect to Jo and to the art form will be rewarded for their committment. I, personaly trained under the direction of Jo Emery for five years before moving to Winnipeg to further my career. When Jo asked me to return to Tacoma and my hometown studio to be a guest artist in the Nutcracker, I was delighted. Jo saw my techniqual advancement and my dedication to ballet. I spent what would have been my summer off, with Jo, rehearsing. I appreciate, very much Jo's invitation to perform with her talented school of dancers, despite the many extra hours of rehearsal put in on top of my professional schedule. I know that Jo finds it very valuable for young students and the audience to experience new and returning guest performers.
I believe that the Jo Emery Ballet School is an excellent training center for young students and adults alike. Whether you wish to pursue a professional career in dance (ballet, jazz or other) or just want an outlet for your movement based expression Jo provides a great place to meet these needs. Dance school is more than training it is a life experience!
(www.joemeryballet.com)

Posted 06/26/07 | Report Abuse

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Jo Emery trains the best dancers in Tacoma, period. My daughter has trained with her since she was three years old and has turned out to be an exquisite dancer! Jo not only trains her dancers well, she also supports and encourages them to attend auditions, local master classes and summer dance intensive programs at other schools. Not all ballet teachers are as supportive of their dancers, in fact I have heard of many who deny their dancers these opportunities.Jo has trained my daughter so well, she has been accepted at The Rock School of Ballet, Ballet Chicago, American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet and Alvin Ailey! And, my daughter is only 15.If you are looking for a truly great ballet teacher, who will support and encourage your young dancer, look no further.One more note...Jo has recently moved her studio to S. Washington Street.

Posted 06/18/07 | Report Abuse

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I first studied with Jo Emery over thirty years ago. She has always been supportive of my goals, whether they were to just have some fun or to pursue a professional career as a dancer. When I finally decided that I wanted to be a professional dancer, she was instrumental in enabling me to achieve my dreams. I am still dancing professionally, and now have students of my own.
Jo had close associations with Robert Joffrey while he was alive and placed several dancers in the Joffrey Ballet, as well as with Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Harkness, Dance Theater Harlem, and many other professional ballet companies in North America and Europe. Jo's choreography has been seen in the Opera Houses of the world as well as in the grand showrooms of Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Monte Carlo.
But more than anything, Jo loves to dance, and to see her students enjoying the dance as well. I'll never forget my experiences in her school, and I'll never forget the great dance education I received there.

PROS: Professional, yes, but fun is not only allowed, it is required.
CONS:

Posted 07/12/06 | Report Abuse

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If you Gotta Dance you Gotta come here. Jo Emery is a wonderful dance teacher. The school offers ballet, tap, and jazz. The classes range from budding ballerinas to adults who want a fun way to exercise. The studio offers a recital each year and they perform The Nutcracker at Christmas.

You are able to pay per class or monthly. The more classes you take the less you pay. If you are looking for a studio to send your children to this is the one. The students have fun while learning a lot and the parents are welcome to watch certain classes.

If you are looking for a studio that is fun, inexpensive, and dedicated then you have found your match.

PROS: Great teachers...Great classes...
CONS: No website

Posted 07/02/05 | Report Abuse

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Jo Emery has been around for quite a while. I have many friends from school as well friends that now have children in her classes that absolutely love it. I go to as many recitals and shows as I can - the kids do great and all the adults love it too! I've dropped in on classes before, very professional instructors and the kids appear to be having a wonderful time. If you are looking for an activity for your child or they are at all interested in dance, check this place out.

PROS: Professional
CONS:

Posted 06/10/05 | Report Abuse

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