EMMARENTIA THOMAS
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Dynamic ballet educator and founder of The Ballet Barre, specializing in classical ballet and inclusive dance education. Proven success in curriculum development and community outreach, mentoring aspiring teachers, and enhancing student performance. Expertise in Progressing Ballet Technique and choreography, fostering confidence and creativity in diverse learners.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Artistic Director
The Ballet Barre
Chicago, Illinois
2026 - Current
- Founded and direct a ballet and wellness studio offering classical ballet, Barre Fitness, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), Silver Swans, and private instruction.
- Develop programming and curriculum for children, youth, adults, and active-aging students, with an emphasis on technique, musicality, strength, flexibility, confidence, and community.
- Lead teaching, artistic programming, student communication, community outreach, and studio development.
Ballet Instructor, Director of RAD Studies, Company Director, Community Engagement/Outreach Dance Instructor
Hyde Park School of Dance
Chicago, Illinois
2017 - Current
- Teach ballet at all levels, including pointe technique and Progressing Ballet Technique conditioning.
- Lead the Silver Swans program for dancers over 55.
- Directed Royal Academy of Dance studies (2017–2024).
- Directed pre-professional companies: TNG 3 (2017–2024) and Junior Company (2024–2025).
- Mentor aspiring dance teachers and pre-professional students.
- Teach dance through Chicago Public Schools outreach programs, including ballet, creative movement, and African Dance.
Mentor
Royal Academy of Dance
CHICAGO, IL
2017 - 01.2024
- Mentored students in the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) program.
- Guided, observed, and evaluated teaching sessions; provided feedback and support for certification.
Studio Owner & Director
Chicago School of Ballet
Chicago, Illinois
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Owned and directed a private ballet school offering the full RAD syllabus through advanced levels.
- Taught ballet and pointe; prepared students for examinations and performances.
- Directed choreography, productions, marketing, community events, and parent communications.
- Oversaw studio operations, scheduling, and registration.
Ballet Instructor
Chicago School of Ballet
Chicago, Illinois
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Taught RAD syllabus and prepared students for examinations.
- Choreographed and directed annual productions.
Ballet Instructor
Western Cape Education Department
, South Africa
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Taught ballet to public elementary school students; prepared students for examinations and choreographed performances.
- Conducted dance workshops for teachers.
Freelance Ballet Instructor
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
01.1996
- Taught the full RAD syllabus across multiple studios and choreographed for festivals and shows.
Ballet Instructor
To The Pointe Dance Studio & Lenasia Ballet School
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.1995
- Taught classical ballet syllabus, prepared students for recitals/showcases, and provided individualized technique feedback.
Education
Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) - Ballet
Royal Academy of Dance
01.1998
Diploma in Ballet - Ballet, Contemporary, African Dance, Flamenco, Jazz, European Dance, Choreography, Anatomy, Music, Dance History, and Dance Notation
University of Cape Town
South Africa01.1994
Skills
- Classical Ballet
- Pointe Technique
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Ballet Conditioning
- Barre Fitness
- Silver Swans
- Choreography
- Pre-Professional Training
- Teacher Mentoring
- Inclusive Dance Education
- Community Outreach
- Student Assessment
- Curriculum Development
Continuing Professional Development
- Comprehensive Syllabus and Q&A
- Focus on Class Awards
- Examination Feedback Seminar
- Insights into Inclusive Dance
- An Introduction to the Adolescent Dancer
- Creative Approaches in Teaching Dance
- Promoting Equality and Tackling Racism in Schools
- Improving Racial Equity
- Introduction to Mentoring
- Resilience and Wellbeing: Finding Your Balance
- Stress Management and Prevention
- Pointe Work: From Beginners and Beyond
- Silver Swans Workshop – Dance for Older Adults
- Dancing with Dementia: Fostering Social Inclusion and Challenging Stigma
- Special Population Training (injury recovery, chronic illness, reduced mobility)
- Body Conditioning Training Workshop
Certification
- Registered Teacher, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD RTS), Royal Academy of Dance, 01/01/98
- Silver Swans Licensee, Royal Academy of Dance, 01/01/19
- Barre Fitness Instructor Certification (Level 1), IBBFA, 01/01/19
- Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Certification, 01/01/20
- Special Populations Personal Trainer Certificate, IBBFA, 01/01/25
Skills And Specialties
- Classical Ballet
- Pointe Technique
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Ballet Conditioning
- Barre Fitness
- Silver Swans
- Choreography
- Pre-Professional Training
- Teacher Mentoring
- Inclusive Dance Education
- Community Outreach
- Student Assessment
- Curriculum Development
Resume Summary - Professional Profile
Ballet educator, artistic director, choreographer, and mentor with 30 years of teaching experience working with dancers of all ages and levels. Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher (RAD RTS) with experience in classical ballet, pointe, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), ballet conditioning, barre fitness, Silver Swans, choreography, pre-professional training, teacher mentoring, and community outreach. Committed to developing technically grounded, artistically expressive, confident dancers through supportive, inclusive, and purposeful instruction.
Timeline
Studio Owner & Director
Chicago School of Ballet
01.2005 - 01.2007
Ballet Instructor
Chicago School of Ballet
01.2003 - 01.2005
Ballet Instructor
Western Cape Education Department
01.1997 - 01.1999
Freelance Ballet Instructor
01.1996
Ballet Instructor
To The Pointe Dance Studio & Lenasia Ballet School
01.1995
Founder & Artistic Director
The Ballet Barre
2026 - Current
Ballet Instructor, Director of RAD Studies, Company Director, Community Engagement/Outreach Dance Instructor
Hyde Park School of Dance
2017 - Current
Mentor
Royal Academy of Dance
2017 - 01.2024
Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) - Ballet
Royal Academy of Dance
Diploma in Ballet - Ballet, Contemporary, African Dance, Flamenco, Jazz, European Dance, Choreography, Anatomy, Music, Dance History, and Dance Notation
University of Cape Town