Emerson Gillispie
Emerson Gillispie dances the role of Clara in Bristol Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” this year and has looked forward to dancing it since her first year in ballet.
“All little girls want to play Clara in ‘The Nutcracker,’ and they look up to her. Collin White was cast as Clara my first year in ballet, and I loved how she would encourage all of us younger dancers.I looked up to past Claras. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the younger dancers and encourage them,” she says.
She began dancing at Bristol Ballet six years ago when her mother, who had danced with Bristol Ballet as a child, asked if she wanted to sign up for classes.
“I love the artistic aspects and how there is always something to work on and to make better. Ballet means the absolute world to me. I love and enjoy it with all my heart. It has helped me come out of my shell and become more confident. It has taught lifelong skills.
“My teachers are all a big influence. Every single teacher has influenced me in some way or another. But the biggest inspiration is Misty Copeland because she started late like I did and look where she is now. She is dancing with American Ballet Theatre,” Emerson says.
Emerson has danced in “The Nutcracker,” “Cinderella,” “Mulan,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Wizard of Oz” and “Once Upon A Time.” Some of her favorite roles have been Russian Corps in “The Nutcracker,” Goldilocks in “Once Upon a Time” and Party Girl in “The Nutcracker.”
Emerson is also this year’s Teresangela Schiano Memorial Scholarship recipient. The scholarship is awarded annually to dancers at the intermediate/advanced level of ballet who are also part of Bristol Ballet’s performing company. The chosen dancer must be active in performing and exhibit skill and dedication to excellence. He or she must possess a desire to progress and grow within the art form; aspirations to dance professionally are not a requirement. The scholarship provides for all fees for the 2021-2022 season. This includes tuition, registration, production fees, summer intensive, and an allowance for shoes and dancewear. The fund is capitalized by donations from private individuals or corporations who wish to perpetuate the art of ballet through Schiano’s memory.
Emerson is interested in teaching or a career in the psychology field. She says she would love to teach dance but is also interested in other fields.
She is a 15-year-old sophomore at John S Battle High School with a 4.0 GPA. She lives in Bristol, Virginia, with her parents, Brenna and Josh Gillispie.
