Emmi Drennan is a ballet accompanist, pianist, educator, composer, and singer-songwriter with a lifelong passion for both music and movement. Drawing on her experience as a pianist, dancer, ballet teacher, composer, and accompanist, she brings a unique perspective to the studio, understanding ballet from both the musician’s and dancer’s point of view.

Emmi began studying classical piano at the age of five and has over 30 years of music experience. She has taught piano for more than 14 years, helping students of all ages develop strong musical foundations while fostering creativity, confidence, and artistry.

Emmi’s journey into dance began through competitive figure skating, where ballet was an essential part of her training. She first studied ballet with Desiree Bogan, quickly discovering a passion for dance that led her to devote herself to intensive ballet training after retiring from skating. She earned a minor in Dance at the University of California, San Diego while studying under Judith Sharp, headmistress of California Ballet Company. During her training, Emmi performed lead roles including Swanilda in Coppélia, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, and Wendy in Peter Pan, as well as principal roles in The Nutcracker, including Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, and Dew Drop Fairy, before joining the faculty at San Diego Danceworks, where she taught ballet for five years.

In addition to teaching and accompanying, Emmi is also a composer and singer-songwriter whose original works reflect her passion for expressive storytelling and musical artistry. As a ballet accompanist, she enjoys creating responsive, expressive accompaniment, improvising and adapting her playing to support each exercise while inspiring dancers and enhancing the artistic atmosphere of the classroom.