Ballet · Jazz · Atlanta, GA

The He {ART} ist
Project

Dance with your whole heart.

Private lessons, mentoring and choreography with Emily Vanderkley, former Atlanta Ballet and Royal Caribbean Productions performer. Focused on technique, safety and the whole artist.

Book a free consultSee rates
Two ballet dancers in white dresses captured in motion
The HeARTist Project — AtlantaTechnique. Expression. Connection.

The project

Art made together

The HeARTist Project brings teaching, mentoring, directing and choreography to workshops, camps, masterclasses and private lessons. For larger projects, Emily brings together small teams of fellow artist instructors.

Dancers connecting after a studio rehearsal

Community first

Collaboration and cross-promotion with local studios and businesses.

A sunlit dance studio with ballet barres and mirrors

Studio partners

Classes are held in rented space at partner studios around Atlanta.

Adult ballet students practicing together

Growing with you

A home studio of our own is the next step, as the community grows.

Emily coaching dancers at the barre

Meet your teacher

Emily K Vanderkley

Emily has performed all over the world. Before more than a decade with Royal Caribbean Productions, she danced with Atlanta Ballet and Bacchus Productions. From 2003 to 2010 she toured Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Mexico and the whole Caribbean. Between contracts, she guest taught and choreographed in Atlanta. Today she teaches, choreographs and gives private lessons and workshops across the Atlanta area.

Four seasons with Atlanta Ballet, including

  • Alice in Wonderland (McFall)
  • Romeo and Juliet premiere (Pink)
  • Carmina Burana (Nault)
  • Madame Butterfly US debut (Welch)
  • Serenade (Balanchine)

Portfolio

Moments from the studio

Classes, coaching, choreography and the stage — a look at the work behind the HeARTist Project.

Emily with two of her dancers after class
With her dancers
Ballet dancer practicing an arabesque at the barre
Barre work
Young dancers in black leotards linked together in a group pose
Jazz class
Emily correcting a young student's arm position
Private coaching
Adult ballet students stretching in a sunlit studio
Adult ballet
Choreographer demonstrating a phrase to dancers in rehearsal
Choreography

Private lessons

Coaching for the whole artist

Anyone can book a private lesson. Emily also teaches children's and adult classes, including adult ballet, at select studios.

Technique

Ballet and jazz, built on clean, strong foundations.

Safety

Dance smart, with healthy alignment and habits.

Pain & injury care

Support for working through injury and managing pain.

Balanced motivation

A healthy mindset and lifestyle, on and off the floor.

Rates

Simple, clear pricing

In person

Private lessons

1 artist · 1 hour$85
2 artists · 1 hour (split it!)$100

Every new client gets a free 15-minute virtual consult before their first lesson.

Virtual

Online coaching

30 minutes$50
1 hour$75

Offered only when in-person lessons aren't possible due to special circumstances.

For standard teaching and choreography rates, email emilyvanderkley@gmail.com.

Kind words

What dancers say

“Emily is my hero. I would personally hire her so I could take class from her everyday. She made me love ballet again! Kids and adults love her!!!!”

Christina Venditti

Dance instructor and choreographer

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The HeARTist Project

Ready to dance?

Reach out to book your free 15-minute consult or your first private lesson.

Get in touch
emilyvanderkley@gmail.com (678) 591-3115
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