EMpowered Center
for Arts & Wellness
Faculty and Staff
Setting the Barre for Excellence
Emily Norris
Artistic Director
Emily is the owner and artistic director of the EMpowered Dance Center. Emily has professional dance experience as well as education to create a strong, technically sound program. Professionally, Emily worked as a trainee with the elite Joffrey Ballet under the direction of Edith d'Addario and performed as a soloist with the Baltimore Ballet Company under the direction of Cem Catbas. Contemporary professional experience with Surge, under the direction of Ken Skrzesz. Beginning her dance education at Peabody Conservatory, she was awarded a full scholarship to the Arts for Talented Youth Program. Emily performed with the Washington Ballet as a student, under the direction of Rudolph Kharatian, and as a soloist in the Pas de Trois in Kharatian's original ballet, Into the Light. Receiving scholarships to and attending summer programs, including Virginia School for the Arts, American Ballet Theatre, Burklyn Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and Hartford Ballet. Emily graduated from the Carver Center for Arts and Technology and holds an AAS in both Massage Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant. Completing her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and ultimately her Master of Science in Kinesiology and Wellness Management from SUNY Plattsburgh. Emily holds certifications as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Brain Injury and Neuromuscular Developmental Techniques and is LSVT BIG certified for Parkinson's Disease. She is also certified in Pilates, Adaptive Dance, Progressive Ballet Technique, Pregnancy Massage, Yoga, and CPR. Emily always looks for ways to introduce dance to everyone and has created a wheelchair dancing program at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute (formerly Kernan). Emily manages both Chapters of Dance Honor Society for the studio, through the National Dance Education Organization, and is a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. Emily is a full-time teacher of Health Sciences for Baltimore County Public Schools.
Proudly, Emily's students have attended Alvin Ailey School, Kirov Academy, Burklyn Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Washington Ballet, The Rock School, Ballet West, and Kaatsbaan Summer Intensive Programs. Professionally, students are working as trainees and corps de ballet members in Kansas City Ballet, Ballet Tucson, Rochester City Ballet, Ballet West, and Ballet Theatre of Maryland. Sharing a love of anatomy and kinesiology in the classroom, many students are pursuing degrees in the medical field and often choose to work specifically in sports medicine.
Emily's pedagogy is that every student in the classroom is the best student in the classroom.
Caitlin Varipatis
Studio Manager and
Director of Modern Dance
Caitlin received her B.A. degree in Dance Education from Goucher College, graduating Cum Laude. While there, she performed in numerous student, faculty, and guest artist pieces. As a senior, she produced and choreographed her own concert. She followed that with a Master's in Education degree (also from Goucher) and has work experience in many aspects of the developing dancer/student. For seven years, she worked as an Integrated Arts Specialist with Cecil County Public Schools, where she also headed an after-school dance program to further dance experience and performance opportunities for students. She was also involved in dance curriculum writing and development for the school system. Ms. Varipatis has been involved with Goucher's Moving Classroom Project, which educates students and teachers on techniques for incorporating movement and the arts within the classroom setting. She has also taught at the Baltimore Actors' Conservatory, The Park School, Carver Center for the Arts, Parkville High School, Cecil Dance Center, and the Moving Company Dance Center.
Ava Lerew
Social Media Coordinator and Instructor
Ava Correlli has been performing for nine years in both dance and theatre. Ava performed for Disney World as a character performer, showcasing both her technique in dance and vocal performance. Ava holds a B.S. in Dance Education from the renowned Goucher College. Ava performs professionally with Urban Pirates as your favorite pirate friend, Judy Doubloon, and Falling Star Parties LLC. Ava has taught for the Jewish Community Center dance and theater programs and choreographed for local music videos. A firm believer in positive reinforcement and sharing experiences with her students, Ava has fallen in love with the core values of EMpowered and is thrilled to be a part of the team!
Elizabeth (Liz) Lashley
Elizabeth (Liz) Lashley is a Dance Performance & Choreography major studying ballet and modern dance at Towson University. With over a decade of performance and teaching experience, she has taught dancers of all ages. Liz is also a member of the TU Dance Department’s K-12 program and has two minors in Applied Adult Disability Studies and Special Education. With experience in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, musical theater, pointe, and heels, Liz aims to blend these styles in her choreography. Liz is committed to inspiring creativity and confidence in her students, combining technical skill with artistic expression in every class and performance
Olivia (Liv) Caraballo
Olivia Caraballo, a Delaware native, began her dance journey at the age of four. She honed her skills at Tatiana Akinfeva Dance Academy, where she trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap. Currently, Olivia is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography at Towson University, where she continues her training in ballet and modern dance.
In addition to her academic studies, Olivia is a member of Towson University's Pom Squad, competing at UDA Nationals and training in hip hop, jazz, and pom. Throughout her career, she has choreographed for competitions and has created works for events like Miss Delaware and Miss Teen Delaware.
Grace Snyder
Grace brings over 16 years of classical ballet training and a strong passion for dance education to EMpowered. Her extensive training led her to pursue dance at Goucher College, where she continued to develop her artistry and technical expertise. While tap is one of her favorite styles to teach, Grace enjoys sharing her love of all forms of dance with her students.
With five years of teaching experience, Grace is dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment where every dancer feels valued, encouraged, and empowered to grow. Her positive energy, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for her students help inspire confidence both in and out of the studio.
Business Staff
Dr. Jenn Norris, PA-C, PhD
Patti Norris
Patti is the reason behind EDWC as Emily's FAVORITE mom and major supporter. Patti is ready to help with bumps and bruises as well as give an encouraging word to all the students. Patti is also an account services manager and looks forward to bringing her grandchildren to the studio.
Dr. Jenn is Emily's FAVORITE sister, the office manager, organizer and resident medical staff for EDWC. Jenn is the assistant stage manager and professional 'quick change' guru helping students get on-stage, on time. Dr. Jenn can't wait for her new edition, Elliana to join the dance team!!