Emma Portner

Emma Portner is a groundbreaking Canadian dancer and choreographer known for her innovative work in the dance industry and high-profile collaborations with artists like Justin Bieber and Blood Orange. As a visionary Internet Chick, Portner has redefined contemporary dance through her unique style that blends multiple genres and challenges traditional boundaries. Her work extends beyond commercial projects to include prestigious ballet productions, television appearances, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Portner’s career exemplifies artistic fearlessness and versatility, making her a influential figure in both the dance world and popular culture 15.

Early Life

Emma Portner was born on November 26, 1994, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She began dancing at the age of three, training at a competitive studio in Ottawa before spending summers with The National Ballet of Canada. Portner attended Canterbury High School‘s specialized arts program, focusing on dance. At 17, she moved to New York City to train at The Ailey School but left after five months to pursue her professional career. Her early exposure to diverse dance styles and dedication to training laid the foundation for her future success 17.

Education

Portner graduated with honors from Canterbury High School’s dance program in 2012. She briefly studied at The Ailey School in New York City in 2013 before leaving to focus on her professional career. Her education also included summer programs at The National Ballet School of Canada and training with prestigious companies like RUBBERBANDance Group in Montreal. Portner’s learning continued through collaborations with renowned choreographers and dancers, which helped her develop a distinctive, multi-genre approach to dance 24.

Emma Portner’s Career

Emma Portner’s career took off in 2015 when she choreographed and starred in Justin Bieber’s music video for “Life is Worth Living,” which amassed over 33 million views. She also created choreography for Bieber’s Purpose World Tour 16. Portner became the youngest woman to choreograph a West End musical, working on Bat Out of Hell: The Musical in London 110. Her work spans commercial projects, television, and ballet, including collaborations with Blood Orange, Maggie Rogers, and the Norwegian National Ballet 59. Portner has also appeared in films like Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and founded her own dance company, Emma Portner & Artists 16.

Table: Emma Portner’s Career Milestones

Personal Life

Emma Portner married actor Elliot Page in 2018 after connecting on Instagram. The couple separated in 2020, and Page came out as a trans man later that year. Portner publicly supported Page’s transition, stating she was “so proud” of him. She has since identified as a lesbian and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Portner is also the lead vocalist of the indie music duo Bunk Buddy and continues to reside in New York City, focusing on her multifaceted career 1.

Artistic Style and Impact

Portner’s choreography is known for its gender fluidity, emotional depth, and blending of styles like contemporary, hip-hop, and ballet. She has been praised for her “ferocity” and ability to push artistic boundaries 56. Her work often explores themes of identity and storytelling, as seen in projects like her ballet “Islands” for the Norwegian National Ballet 1. Portner’s influence extends beyond dance into fashion, film, and advocacy, making her a transformative figure in the arts 35.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Emma Portner’s most famous work?

Portner is best known for choreographing Justin Bieber’s “Life is Worth Living” video and his Purpose World Tour 16.

2. How did Emma Portner meet Elliot Page?

They met through Instagram and married in 2018 before divorcing in 2021 1.

3. What awards has Emma Portner won?

She was nominated for Arena Dance Competition’s “Best Female Dancer” in 2019 and won the “Young Choreographer of the Year” award in 2012 14.

4. Is Emma Portner still choreographing?

Yes, she continues to work on various projects, including ballet, commercial choreography, and her dance company 56.

5. What is Emma Portner’s role in Ghostbusters: Afterlife?

She portrayed Gozer the Gozerian, a role shared with Olivia Wilde 1.

References

1. Emma Portner – Wikipedia
2. Emma Portner – Peridance Center
3. Raw Power: An Interview with Emma Portner
4. Emma Portner – Intrigue Dance
5. Emma Portner – National Arts Centre
6. Emma Portner’s Unstoppable Career
7. Emma Portner – IMDb
8. Blood Orange – Domino Music
9. Spotlight: Emma Portner – Dance Magazine

This profile highlights Emma Portner’s journey as a pioneering Internet Chick and influential artist, blending dance, activism, and innovation. For further details, refer to the cited references.