Emily Marrese (she/her, Assistant Choreographer) is making her proud debut at Music Theater Works! In spring of 2023, she graduated at Oklahoma City University where she received her Bachelor of Science in American dance pedagogy. Emily grew up training in Kenosha, Wisconsin and Chicago suburbs. While studying ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theater, she taught in the Community Dance Center at the Ann Lacy school of American Dance and Entertainment where she fell in love with the idea of storytelling through dance. It is with great honor that she has the privilege to do what she loves most each and every day. Emily’s philosophy will constantly evolve and blossom as she grows as an educator and choreographer: striving to be the educator that turns people’s interests into passions by guiding them to be more than just technical dancers but to uphold qualities of truth, honor, love, and passion in the studio and out. Her choreography credits include: THE NUTCRACKER 2023 (dir. Annette Lawniczak); TIME FLIES SHOWCASE 2023(dir. Tiffany Van der Mwere); and THE LITTLE MERMAID (dir. Annette Lawniczak). When not performing, she had the opportunity to work behind the scenes as the costume shop manager, wardrobe manager, and assistant to the costumer or as the choreographer’s assistant. Emily is honored to have many mentors along the way: Andrew Waters, Mitchell Haley, Annie Hackett, and Jessica Telfer. She is excited to share her love and passion for dance with CAROUSEL!