New Director/Instructor at Dance Workshop 2

Emily Anton – Contributed photo

This Fall, Dance Workshop 2 welcomes Emily Anton as artistic director and ballet teacher. Owner and current director Lina Downes is so excited to be entrusting Emily with the future of the ballet program that she has run continuously since 2006.

Following a successful performing career as a professional ballet dancer in New York City and around the country, Emily Anton taught as a guest teacher at a number of dance schools up and down the west coast. After being at home amongst the craziness of NYC for years, Emily is quite ready to settle down in Friday Harbor to mentor, dance and teach the art form of ballet. She is thrilled to inherit the ballet program.

“I feel blessed by this opportunity to mold young minds, promote health and wellness in all ages, and celebrate the beautiful artistry of classical ballet. I love ballet with all my heart and soul and am deeply passionate about its continuing performance.” Emily is eager to share her knowledge of dance and movement with the next generation of dancers, boys and girls, to help them discover the joy, love, discipline, hard work and focus of ballet.

DW2 owner Lina Downes says, “I feel very fortunate to be able to ‘hand over the baton’ to a kind-hearted and gifted ballet teacher who has both a dance degree and extensive professional training en pointe. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time teaching at Dance Workshop 2. I love all my students and have cherished the creative journey we have shared.” Lina will continue to work in the arts, focusing primarily on her new film project.

Emily has spent her lifetime learning, creating and experimenting with the art form of ballet and finding its unique brilliance. With the support of the community, she plans to produce more and more elaborate story ballets in the future, “My performance career is far from over and I plan to bring my level of professionalism to the performances I produce in Friday Harbor. I don’t plan on taking off my pointe shoes any time soon!”

On December 16th, Emily Anton will present “An Evening of Holiday Spirit”, showcasing some of the best parts of the holiday season at the Isle Seat Theatre.

Please join us to audition for “An Evening of Holiday Spirit” on Sunday, September 16th, from 1:00 – 3:00PM at Dance Workshop 2. Ages 7 – adult are encouraged to audition, children ages 7 and under will be able to participate by enrolling in classes or contacting the studio directly.

Sunday classes on September 16th will be offered for a discounted rate to those who want to audition and for the general public. For information on auditions, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

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