PROFESSIONAL BIO

National and International Performance Career

Emily has danced professionally throughout the United States and internationally, performing in the United States, Puerto Rico, Chile, and France in roles ranging from corps de ballet to soloist, principal ballerina, and guest artist.

Emily continues to appear regularly in productions with the Florida Grand Opera. Past ballet roles include Pagliacci, The Magic Flute, Die Fledermaus, and Turandot under the direction of Jeffrey Buchman with choreography by Rosa Mercedes.

She has performed in productions ranging from classical ballet to musical theatre, including a principal dancer role in Mary Poppin' It with the Miami-based company Live in Color Hip Hop Dance.

Cast of Pagliacci opera production on stage with large Pagliaccio banner, colorful costumes, string lights, and painted sky backdrop, featuring ballet dancer Emily Ricca in blue dress
Ballet dancer Emily Ricca with Pagliacci cast in full clown and Commedia dell'arte costumes posing on stage set with harlequin backdrop and red curtains
Black and white photo of ballet dancer Emily Ricca in a tutu performing a dramatic pas de deux with male partner, both in ornate costumes under stage lighting
Ballet dancer Emily Ricca performing in Turandot opera, wearing a white flowing costume posed dramatically on a massive dragon stage prop beneath a glowing moon orb
Ballet dancer Emily Ricca as Columbina in Pagliacci wearing a flowing blue dress, white theatrical makeup, and pink flower in hair on a dark dramatic stage
Ballet dancer Emily Ricca and male partner posing in pink and magenta Nutcracker costumes outside theater with FADC The Nutcracker marquee sign
Ballet dancer Emily Ricca smiling on stage wearing a pink sequined tutu and crystal tiara during a solo performance under purple stage lighting
Ballet dancer Emily Ricca taking a bow on stage with male partner during curtain call, surrounded by live musicians including cellist, double bassist, and harpist under purple stage lighting with floral projection backdrop

In Paris, Emily served as guest principal ballerina with Ballet Marais, where she also taught masterclasses for advanced ballet students. During this time she worked with legendary Paris Opera Ballet étoile Michael Denard, performing excerpts from classical repertoire including Swan Lake, Giselle, and Raymonda.

Her career has also included collaborations across film and theater, including work with acclaimed film director Harmony Korine, who cast her as a ballerina in one of his films.

She has performed with companies and organizations including:

  • Ballet de San Juan

  • Florida Dance Theatre 

  • Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami 

  • Albany Berkshire Ballet 

  • Boca Ballet Theatre

  • Stuart Dance

  • Vero Ballet

  • Wellington Dance Theatre

  • Springfield Ballet

  • Key West Ballet

Original Choreography and Artistic Voice

In addition to classical repertoire, Emily creates original choreographic works inspired by literature, history, and sacred narrative.

One notable example is a ballet based on the story of Deborah, the warrior and prophetess described in the Old Testament Book of Judges. Her choreography blends classical ballet technique with narrative storytelling, creating works that invite audiences to encounter dance as both artistic expression and cultural dialogue.

Emily's choreography has also been featured in several performances at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Miami, where she has created and presented multiple works for dancers and community audiences.

Emily has also collaborated with choreographers and directors on newly created works, including classical pas de deux created specifically for her and others in theatrical productions.