Emily “Lady Em” culbreath: From Underground Hip-Hop to National Dance Recognition
Table of Contents
- Emily “Lady Em” culbreath: From Underground Hip-Hop to National Dance Recognition
- Early Influences and Career Beginnings
- Choreographic Achievements and National Acclaim
- Academic Pursuits and Contributions
- Snack Break Movement Arts: A Collaborative Force
- “Plan A: Stories of Embodied Frontiers” and National Recognition
- The Future of Dance and Choreography
- From Hip-Hop Stages to National Recognition: Decoding Lady em Culbreath’s Revolutionary Dance Journey
- Decoding Dance Revolution: An Interview with dr. Anya sharma on Emily “Lady Em” Culbreath’s Impact
March 26,2025
Explore the inspiring journey of Emily “Lady Em” Culbreath,a rising star in the dance world,from her early days in hip-hop theater to her current status as an MFA candidate and nationally recognized choreographer. Discover how she’s revolutionizing dance education and performance.
Early Influences and Career Beginnings
Emily “Lady em” Culbreath’s journey into the world of dance began promptly after earning her BFA in Dance from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2015, marking the start of her rapid ascent in the dance scene.
Her early career was significantly shaped by touring with Rennie Harris’s Grassroots Project and later joining the renowned hip-hop theater company Rennie Harris puremovement in 2018. Her involvement with Rennie Harris Puremovement was pivotal, leading to roles as Rehearsal Director and Principal Dancer, providing invaluable insights into hip-hop theater and professional performance demands.
Rennie Harris, a prominent figure in hip-hop dance, profoundly influenced Culbreath’s artistic growth. Harris’s work often explores themes of community, identity, and social justice, reflecting hip-hop culture’s roots. This influence is evident in Culbreath’s choreography, which frequently addresses contemporary issues through movement.
Choreographic Achievements and National Acclaim
Culbreath’s choreographic work has garnered national and international recognition. her pieces have been showcased at prestigious events such as the “Illadelph” street dance festival, “The Come Together Festival” hosted by Koresh Dance, and “Here and Now vol. II” sponsored by W.O.R.X. She has also presented her work at The San Francisco International Hip Hop Dance Festival, Summer Dance Forever’s Theater Forever program in Amsterdam, Netherlands, RADFest in Kalamazoo, MI, and The open Air Media Festival in Iowa City, IA.These diverse platforms highlight the breadth and appeal of her artistic vision.
Along with festival appearances, culbreath has been invited as a guest choreographer at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania and Georgian Court University in New Jersey. These residencies provide her with opportunities to mentor young dancers and contribute to the development of dance programs at the collegiate level.
Her work extends beyond conventional performance spaces, engaging with communities and exploring social issues through movement. This commitment to using dance as a tool for dialog and change sets her apart as a choreographer.
Academic Pursuits and Contributions
Currently, Culbreath is pursuing an MFA in choreography at the University of Iowa, further honing her skills and expanding her artistic horizons. This advanced degree allows her to delve deeper into the theoretical and practical aspects of choreography, pushing the boundaries of her creative expression.
Her academic pursuits are complemented by her extensive teaching experience.Culbreath has taught and guest lectured at renowned institutions such as the Mark Morris Dance Group, New Visions for Public Schools, California State University, The Juilliard School, The Ailey School, and Princeton University.She has also contributed to Rennie Harris University’s street dance certification program, sharing her expertise with aspiring dancers.
In the Spring of 2023, Culbreath held an adjunct faculty position at Franklin and Marshall College, further solidifying her commitment to dance education. Her ability to bridge the gap between professional performance and academic instruction makes her a valuable asset to the dance community.
Snack Break Movement Arts: A Collaborative Force
In 2021, Culbreath co-founded Snack Break Movement Arts with her husband, Joshua culbreath. This award-winning Hip Hop Theater association serves as a platform for their collaborative artistic endeavors. Snack Break Movement Arts focuses on creating innovative performances that blend hip-hop dance with theatrical elements,exploring themes relevant to contemporary audiences.
The organization’s mission is to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the arts, providing opportunities for dancers and performers from diverse backgrounds. Snack Break Movement Arts also offers workshops and educational programs, fostering a love of dance and creative expression within the community.
Their collaborative approach to art-making reflects a growing trend in the dance world,where artists are increasingly working together to create innovative and impactful performances. This collaborative spirit is vital for pushing the boundaries of creativity and ensuring that diverse voices are heard within the arts.
“Plan A: Stories of Embodied Frontiers” and National Recognition
Culbreath’s work “Plan A: Stories of Embodied Frontiers” has achieved national recognition, being selected for presentation at the American College Dance Association National Conference in Washington, D.C. This prestigious event showcases the most innovative and compelling choreography from colleges and universities across the United States.
“Plan A: Stories of Embodied Frontiers” explores themes of identity, resilience, and the search for belonging. Through a fusion of hip-hop dance, contemporary movement, and theatrical storytelling, the piece invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences and connect with the shared human journey.
The selection of “Plan A” for the national conference underscores Culbreath’s talent and her ability to create work that resonates with audiences on a profound level. It also highlights the growing recognition of hip-hop dance as a legitimate and powerful art form within the academic dance community.
This recognition is particularly critically important in the United States, where hip-hop has historically been marginalized within mainstream arts institutions. Culbreath’s success helps to break down these barriers and pave the way for greater inclusion and appreciation of hip-hop dance.
The Future of Dance and Choreography
Emily “Lady Em” Culbreath represents a new generation of choreographers who are pushing the boundaries of dance and using their art to engage with the world around them. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and social justice makes her a rising star in the dance community.
As she continues her studies and develops her artistic vision, Culbreath is poised to make a significant contribution to the future of dance in the United States and beyond.Her work serves as an inspiration to aspiring dancers and choreographers, demonstrating the power of movement to transform lives and communities.
The dance world is constantly evolving, and choreographers like Culbreath are at the forefront of this evolution, shaping the future of the art form through their creativity, passion, and dedication.
Her influence extends beyond the stage, impacting dance education and community engagement. By fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the arts, Culbreath is helping to create a more vibrant and diverse dance landscape in the United States.
From Hip-Hop Stages to National Recognition: Decoding Lady em Culbreath’s Revolutionary Dance Journey
Senior Editor, World Today News (STN): Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into the story of Emily “Lady Em” Culbreath, a name rapidly becoming synonymous with groundbreaking choreography. We’re joined by dr. Anya Sharma, a leading scholar of modern dance and its intersection with hip-hop, who will provide insights into Lady Em’s remarkable career. Dr. Sharma, is it truly accurate to call Lady Em a revolutionary, or is it hyperbole?
Dr. Anya Sharma: “Absolutely, it’s not hyperbole. I’d say calling Emily ‘Lady Em’ Culbreath a revolutionary in dance is an understatement. What she’s doing is transforming the landscape of dance through her innovative blending of hip-hop with theatrical storytelling. Her unique approach, drawing on hip-hop culture to explore themes of identity, resilience, and community, has resonated deeply across the academic and performance worlds. The impact of her work is evident through her multiple prestigious choreographic achievements, and this impact is only beginning.”
STN: Lady Em’s journey began with the Rennie Harris Puremovement company. How notable was this influence in shaping her artistry?
Dr. Sharma: “Rennie Harris and Rennie Harris Puremovement were incredibly pivotal. Harris is a giant in hip-hop dance, and his company is a crucible for the creative process. Being aligned with Rennie Harris allowed Lady Em to absorb not just the technical proficiency of hip-hop, but also its storytelling power. Lady Em’s time there granted her vital insight into the intricate workings of hip-hop theater. She also gained a deep understanding of what it means to create socially conscious work.The company provided her with the foundation upon which she built her own unique choreographic voice, a fusion that distinguishes her work even today. This influence can be seen through her own choreography, which frequently addresses contemporary issues through movement, which reflects the roots of hip-hop culture.”
STN: Her resume includes festivals like “Illadelph” and residencies at universities. How does this diverse range of experiences contribute to her artistic growth?
Dr. Sharma: “These experiences are crucial. Presenting work at festivals offers exposure to a broad audience and diverse artistic perspectives. In addition, these opportunities allow her to engage in dance-focused conversations with artists of various backgrounds. The residencies at institutions like Franklin & Marshall College and Georgian Court University provide her with a platform for mentorship, allowing her to inspire and guide the next generation of dancers. They are vital to the growth of dance programs at the collegiate level, which is a win/win situation for both the artist and the students. This blend of performance and education ensures a holistic approach to her growth.”
STN: Let’s discuss “plan A: stories of Embodied Frontiers.” What makes this piece so noteworthy, and why has it garnered such significant recognition?
Dr. Sharma: “”Plan A: Stories of Embodied Frontiers” is a powerful presentation of Lady Em’s artistic vision. It’s a compelling work becuase it explores global themes of identity, resilience, and belonging using hip-hop, contemporary movement, and theatrical elements. This fusion captivates audiences. The fact that it was selected for the american College Dance Association National Conference truly underscores its importance. It indicates that hip-hop dance is a legitimate and compelling aspect within the academic dance community. “Plan A” also challenges preconceived notions about what constitutes “high art,” proving hip-hop’s capacity for profound storytelling.”
STN: The co-founding of Snack break Movement Arts with her husband, Josh Culbreath, marks a pivotal moment. How has this collaborative institution shaped her artistic direction?
Dr. sharma: “Snack Break Movement Arts has been transformative. This collaborative surroundings fuels innovation. Together, Lady Em and Josh can experiment with innovative approaches and create works that fuse hip-hop with theatre. This collaborative spirit is increasingly common in the dance world, and it allows artists to push the boundaries of their creativity. The focus on accessibility and inclusivity within the arts, offered through workshops and community programs, amplifies the impact of their work, reaching diverse audiences and inspiring the future.”
STN: Lady Em’s work also extends beyond performance. How does her academic involvement and teaching experience enhance her artistry?
Dr. Sharma: “Her academic pursuits, evidenced by her MFA in choreography, deepen her understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of dance. Teaching at institutions like The Juilliard School and Princeton University allows her to refine her ability to articulate her artistic vision. She can also bridge the gap between academic instruction and professional artistry. Furthermore, her ability to dissect movement, teach, and mentor reinforces her artistic capabilities, creating a cyclical effect that continually enriches her creative process.”
STN: As you look ahead, what’s the future of hip-hop dance and choreography according to you? How will Lady Em shape it?
Dr. Sharma: “The future of hip-hop dance and choreography is incredibly bright. The art form is evolving, with choreographers like Lady Em leading the charge. I anticipate seeing more exploration of multi-disciplinary collaborations, more socially conscious work, and a greater emphasis on community engagement.Lady em’s commitment to innovation,collaboration,and social justice makes her a cornerstone of this evolution. Her legacy will rest on her ability to influence the dance world and encourage new possibilities. I can confidently say that her influence will be felt for years to come.”
STN: Thank you so much,Dr. Sharma. Your insights shed light on Lady Em Culbreath’s remarkable journey. Her story proves that dance can be a powerful tool for expression, community building, and social change. We hope that this is just the beginning of a long and brilliant career for Lady Em. What an inspirational journey!
Decoding Dance Revolution: An Interview with dr. Anya sharma on Emily “Lady Em” Culbreath’s Impact
Senior Editor, World Today News (STN): Welcome to World Today news. Today, we delve into the groundbreaking career of Emily “Lady Em” Culbreath, a choreographer rapidly reshaping the dance world. Her unique blend of hip-hop and theatrical storytelling is captivating audiences and critics alike. Joining us to provide expert insights is Dr.Anya Sharma, a leading scholar of modern dance and its intersection with hip-hop. Dr. Sharma, is it accurate to call Lady Em a revolutionary in dance, or is that an overstatement?
Dr.Anya Sharma: “Absolutely not an overstatement! Describing Emily ‘Lady Em’ Culbreath as a revolutionary in dance is, if anything, an understatement. She is actively transforming the very fabric of dance through her innovative fusion of hip-hop with theatrical storytelling.Her unique approach,which leverages hip-hop culture to explore themes of identity,resilience,and community,has resonated deeply across both the academic and performance worlds. The impact of her diverse choreographic achievements, while notable to date, is only just beginning.”
STN: Lady Em’s formative years saw her immersed in the world of rennie Harris Puremovement. How crucial was this experience in shaping her artistic vision?
Dr. Sharma: “The influence of Rennie Harris and rennie Harris Puremovement was paramount to her artistry. Harris, a luminary in the realm of hip-hop dance, and his company serve as a crucible for the creative process. Lady Em’s alignment with Rennie Harris allowed her to cultivate not just the technical precision inherent in hip-hop, but also its profound storytelling capabilities.Her time there provided her with invaluable insights into the intricate workings of hip-hop theater. She developed a complete understanding of how to create work that addresses social issues thoughtfully and meaningfully. The company provided her with the essential foundation upon which she built her
