BA in Spanish and Minor in Dance History from the University of Oklahoma

Office: MCD 203
Email: emma.capen@utah.edu

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Emma studied Vaganova technique under German and Valentina Zamuel of the Maliy Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the Royal Ballet of London, as well as character dance from Marina Oreshkevich, formerly of the Moiseyev Dance Company. Emma has partnered with Ivan Putrov, former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet, in leading roles for select performances such as Swan Lake, Paquita, and The Nutcracker.

Emma graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Oklahoma with her B.A. in Spanish and a minor in Dance History, and she worked closely with the OU School of Dance. Emma is bilingual in Spanish. During her time at OU, Emma performed as a dancer in Oklahoma Festival Ballet’s I Rise and Storge, choreographed by OU School of Dance Alumnus and current Dance Theater of Harlem dancer Micah Bullard. Emma also had the opportunity to work as the Assistant to the Young Children’s Ballet Mistress for the University of Oklahoma’s production of Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker. She also premiered and performed in her first choreographic work, Chasing Joy.

Emma comes to the University of Utah from the Oklahoma City Ballet’s Yvonne Chouteau School where she was an instructor for ballet, pointe, variations, Progressing Ballet Technique®, and character dance while acting as the School Coordinator. She choreographed several original character dance ensembles, which were performed for large audiences. She was recognized at Youth America Grand Prix 2023 for the Outstanding Teacher Award as part of the Oklahoma City Ballet School’s Faculty. Currently, Emma is a Ballet MFA Candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant for the University of Utah’s School of Dance.