EMpowered Dance
& Wellness Center
Alumni Accomplishments
We will always be EMpowered
Katy Schwarzweller
Class of 2016
I was just recently offered a position in the Studio Company at Ballet Arizona after spending two years in the Second Company at Kansas City Ballet. In addition to that I have been doing online classes for about 3 years with Arizona State University, and plan to have a Bachelors degree in Nutrition. Now, how has dance affected my life after EMpowered? Well, dance still is my life! To be honest, I would not still be dancing if it weren’t for EMpowered. The encouraging environment, the kind families, and amazing dance education made me realize my love for dance when I felt like I was losing it. You approach teaching in a way that I have never seen before, and you can see just how much you care about every single one of your students. The success you’re reaching for is always in the student’s best interest and that itself is incredibly encouraging. You pushed me to grow and believe in myself when everyone else in the dance world pushed me down. Every time I walked into EMpowered, I walked out loving dance even more. I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today, and wouldn’t have made it as far I have if it weren’t for you Ms. Emily! Besides that dance has built such a foundation for work opportunities and towards success in school. Besides the terminology you have always pushed us to learn helping in dance, it ended up paying off when I took classes in anatomy and nutrition. The determination and passion for success that dance instills in ballet students, allows me to be extremely efficient in a work environment outside of dance.
Thank you so much for everything again Ms. Emily. EMpowered holds a special place in my heart. If I ever doubt myself, I just remember how much you have consistently believed in me, and that has always meant the world. Hopefully, I can see you all soon!
Katy Schwarzweller
Megan Sabo
Class of '20
EMpowered Dance Center was my second home for all my high school years and I could not be more thankful for my time there. The welcoming, caring, helpful, and professional nature of the staff not only provided me with a high-quality dance education but also made me a member of a family that I will always be a part of. As a sophomore at James Madison University, I am now teaching Cardio Dance Party at the gym there and a member of the Madison Dance Club. Reaching my goals of having a teaching position and making the dance team would not have been possible without the support of my amazing teachers and friends who have made me the dancer I am today. I owe so much of my success to EMpowered and it will always have a very special place in my heart.
Maddie Kramer
Class of '20
Maddie Kramer graduated from EMpowered Dance Center in 2020 as a member of their chapter of the National Honor Society of Dance Arts as well as the EMotions Dance Team. Her interest in anatomy and kinesiology was sparked by the Pilates courses at EMpowered, which has led her to pursue a doctorate degree in physical therapy at Ithaca College. She is a triple minor in dance, communication disorders, and health policy & management. At Ithaca, Maddie has found a passion for choreography and direction within the Ithaca College Unbound Dance Company where she serves as a dancer, choreographer, and treasurer of the company. Although she is loving navigating the choreography world, she is eternally grateful to EMpowered for providing her lifelong friendships, excellent dance education, unforgettable opportunity, and a second home.
