Emma Jean Cotton began her dance training at a local dance school in New Jersey at the age of five. After her first recital, her mother knew she was destined to dance when a routine call to the studio turned into “we hope you will continue here, Emma caught my attention with her presence and musicality.”

Emma attended several dance intensives in her youth training including: New York City Dance Alliance’s summer intensive, getting to work with choreographers Joe Lanteri, Rhonda Miller, Joey Dowling and Suzi Taylor. She has also had the opportunity to train under Kenny Warmald and Misha Gabriel.

Throughout her high school years, Emma volunteered to teach dance classes, was captain of the dance team, and worked as a student choreographer. Emma's choreography was selected for the student choreography portion of Project Dance, a local program whose mission is to raise awareness of the importance of art education in schools.

Following her dreams, Emma continued her training at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) New York and Los Angeles. Studying under industry professionals Stephanie Landwehr, Michelle Elkin, Kyle McHargh, Gheremi Clay, Ramon Galindo, and many more. During her time at AMDA she was a part of numerous dance concerts and productions. Committing to her craft, Emma received a BFA in Dance Theatre.