My Name Is Emma Anne Wedemeyer and I am a 2020 graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in Dance. I am about to be rushed “into the real world” in less than a month and I am absolutely terrified. With losing my job due to Covid, family health, and the days ticking by. It has been difficult to maintain positivity and at times keep track of my goals – not to mention entering into the industry and (more than ever) have no idea what to expect. I can summarize my emotions with my take of “Hue” as- The external show versus the internal struggle. I have been dealing with this juxtaposition for years. I have dealt with high anxiety and depression the past three years but the echoing studio phrase “Fake it till you make it” keeps me going. But let’s be real…when you are self-quarantining It’s hard to “leave it outside the room” when you never leave your door in the first place. Galen I have been an admirer for years. Throughout college it has been hard to find what “style” works for me. I have been told by professors in my past modern and composition classes that I “act too much with my face” and I need to learn how to channel that energy into my body. For so long I have separated my passions for acting and dance – that is until I witnessed river for the first time. I had never seen the blend of my two loves before. I have been chasing that ever since. I hope to cross paths one day. I have found during quarantine that my mind isn’t calm enough for a quiet focus to reflect in the way I want to, and, in result, I have been trying to keep busy on smaller tasks and have loved taking your digital class offerings Although it doesn’t compare to the studio - Home is such a safe space for trial and error, so I’m just trying to learn new skills, take new classes, and TRY to imagine what the industry will look after this. But To be honest In the past few weeks I’ve switched my focus from taking zoom classes to attending zoom meetings with dancers who are organizing for action. I have been creating space for equity and inclusion by organizing with other alumni of my university, demanding change from my past professors and I myself have committed to anti-racist work. As artists, we sort of prepare for these moments: rallying together, creating and sharing, uplifting, and informing. I understand that when times change, the space changes, the stage changes—but there is still that wanting to share and create. And I appreciate all that you are doing and providing classes and opportunity’s like these during this time. I am planning on moving to Atlanta for a year starting this august with small funds (and then perhaps to a larger city LA/NYC after??) I am unsure what the industry will be like in a post-Covid world…. but I am confident that it will be better that the way we left it. For everyone. learning your choreography has been a dream and has been the way I have been coping. This is the way I know.

Life to me: Shut your mouth and run me like a river In the fall of 2018 I had the absolutely joy being able to take Galen Hooks class a year ago in NYC and learn “River” from her first hand. If you know me you know I am OBSESSED with Galen. She is one of my biggest inspirations - so taking her class and meeting her in person meant the world to me. A good few months later and I finally got around to filming it! Choreography: @GalenHooks Film: @Lauren_Crandall Edit: Me! Song: River - @thatgirlbishop -I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS SONG -

Dancer: Emma Anne Wedemeyer Choreography: Galen Hooks Music: Billie Eilish: I Love You Film: Lauren Crandall Edit: Emma W. "Never been the type to Let someone see right through" There is a lot I could say but I’m having a little trouble finding the words right now. Galen hooks has been an enormous inspiration to me the past few years and this song has been on repeat for me the past few months. I found that I couldn’t just post one of my takes- this song shifts meanings so quickly for me with narratives I still have yet to unpack. Be gentle with me, was a bit of a vulnerable moment. Endless amounts of love to @galenhooks for her voice and changing the dance community. @thegalenhooksmethod" - I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC -

What's up you guys? This year I celebrated my birthday a little differently Because I graduated this year - I wanted to create a space where I could see all my "School of Theatre and Dance" peers & friends one last time in a collective place - where I could celebrate all of their talents. Therefore asked all zoom participants to prepare a TALENT TO SHARE (There WAS winners and there WAS be prizes) and the First Annual: Wedemeyer Zoom Talent Show was born Go follow these incredible people!! to my friends: It's hard to express how thankful I am for each and everyone of you for participating in my birthday talent show. Its difficult for me to fully express my feelings into words- but just know I had a cute afternoon sob thinking about the joy that was showcased last night and how lucky I am to have all of you in my life. Especially now. I recorded the ENTIRE zoom... so honestly I'm just sitting here in my living room laughing AND crying watching all of your talented acts over and over again. I'm just so great full (This video will be hilarious in 10 years when u all are famous) this was crazy right? I haven't had a chance to personally reach out to everyone individually yet - But I will. I'm really out here just trying to soak this all up ENJOY! DRINK WATER!

A Love Letter to The Cast MADE OUT OF LOVE I CAN'T THANK EVERYONE ENOUGH

Using Lord Huron's "The Night We Met" as inspiration- This piece explores the mind of two different characters reflecting on pivotal moments in their life hope, guilt, joy, curiosity, distrust, infatuation, worry, exhaustion, and youthfulness are words that come to mind *important to not that none of which have more weight than another. -this work includes originally choreography and structured improvisation- Location: Baughman Center at the University of Florida Music: "The Night We Met" - Lord Huron Film: Lauren Crandall Edit: Emma Anne Wedemeyer Dancer: Emma Anne Wedemeyer I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC

What is this about? a little bit of old a little bit of new I've been reflecting.. well trying. I've found that my mind isn’t calm enough for a quite focus to reflect in the way I want it to and in result I have been keeping busy (As I am sure you know) on smaller tasks and creative projects to keep my mind going and creative self satisfied WITH the resources I am privileged to have. these is me coping. This is the way I know how to. I've been reexamining my old habitual patterns: tossing out what doesn't work for me and trying to find strength in my new findings. (if you are wondering the paper is NEVER going away btw) #selfquarantinestudy #DONOTFORGETTHATWATER

Drink: A self-quarantine study . . . A gentle reminder to drink water, wash your hands, and stay safe . . . . I’ve seen the following post all over my instastory feed - that, “The Corona Virus before it reaches the lungs it remains in the throat for four days and at this time the person will begin to cough and have throat pains. If he drinks water a lot and gargling with warm water & salt or vinegar it could eliminate the virus”…. hence my anxiety progressed and the inspiration for this video was created. . . It’s easy to feel hopeless in this situation - and as a dancer being out of the studio for longer than a month sounds gut wrenching. I’ve been spending the past few days brainstorming ways to allow my creative spirit to feel challenged in these extraordinary times. I have decided to create a series of #selfquarantinestudies where I make small dance films in my apartment - with just my iPhone and laptop. . . . I ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO HOP IN ON THE FUN. (If anyone has creative hashtags lemme know) . . . Love you guys so much. Please, please, please BE SAFE