People

Emma Laverty

Emma is a proud Boorooberongal Clanswoman of the Darug Tribe and has been living on Ngunnawal Country since 2014. Emma began dancing in 1989 and began teaching dance in 2003 after leaving high school in year 9, struggling with domestic violence and later being offered a job by her then dance teacher. It was this mentorship and early life experiences Emma bases her community practice on. Emma holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management, Certificate in Meditation & Human Development, Certificate in Chair Yoga, Certificate in Holistic Counselling, and is a Certified Keep Kids Safe in Dance Teacher. Emma has been an Independent Artist since 2008 working with the community and schools. Highlights include working with Australian Dance Party, Liz Lea &Tammi Gissel, acting as a Curatorial Advisor to the National Portrait Gallery (2021), ACT Public Education Awards Finalist (2020), Yilga by Emma Laverty - Belconnen Community Gallery "Respect" Series (2019), Rise Above Cancer Convoy - "Not so Full Monty" Choreographer (2019). Emma has contributed to numerous boards including being an AusDance ACT Board Member (2019 – May 2021). In early 2022 Emma established Project Dust, a community First Nations dance group which is slowly growing.