Emma M.K. Cong - Yuma Ballet Academy Teacher / Artistic Assistant, Ballet Yuma

Emma M.K. Cong trained under the direction of Jon Cristofori and Kathleen Sinclair for eight years prior to majoring in dance at the University of Idaho.  She danced with Ballet San Joaquin in northern California, and upon moving back to Yuma in 1999, started Yuma Ballet Academy’s Contemporary program.  This is her 11th year teaching at YBA and she is currently the Artistic Assistant to Cristofori and Sinclair for Ballet Yuma.  Emma also works as a freelance choreographer and has set many contemporary ballets for Regional Dance America.  She has won RDA’s coveted Monticello award for choreography three times.  For Ballet Yuma, Emma has

choreographed several pieces as well as setting

                                  Jill's Fine Photography   variations in The Nutcracker, Ballet de                                                                           Seuss, Snow White, and The Fairy Doll.  She                                                                       credits Jon and Kathleen with igniting in her the                                                             spark of choreography, which has since become her                                                        greatest artistic joy.