WELCOME TO MY BLOGS
Bridging Cultures through Art and Movement
Hello, I’m Emily Heinen! I am on the right in a pink Lulu Lemon sports shirt. I have a twin named Ellen who is a crossfitter and gym coach. I am a professional dancer with Lafayette Ballet Theatre and currently, I’m pursuing my education at South Louisiana Community College & writing a trilogy that I hope to publish someday. I find peace in expressing myself and who I am as a person through my passions, like dance and art!
Join me on this artistic and cultural odyssey, where each step and brushstroke is a testament to the richness of human experience.
Artistic Journey & Cultural Roots
I have dedicated 15 years of my life to ballet. My ballet journey has provided me with many opportunities that I am blessed and honored to have experienced. Ballet to me is more than just dancing the movements, it expresses who I am. It transcends into a language of art and movement. “When I dance, I don’t think how I dance, it’s who I am. Ballet is just putting the restrictions on the dancing. You know like some, uh, directions to it. I dance just how, I, you know, how I feel. How my body moves. And when you…take off and you hover in the air and your body lets you do that, you just have a couple of seconds…it’s worth like dancing for.” ~ Sergei Polumin. Ballet is a breath of fresh air, especially after a tough day. Sometimes I feel like I am flying through the air. I feel in control. Ballet is magical. Every time I step into my studio, it is like I am walking into a mythical realm. Nonetheless, ballet is difficult and requires an incredible amount of discipline and focus. My Ballet Journey is a book that is still in the process of being written. I’ve experienced a few rough and hard chapters. Many times I have asked myself why I dance because of the amount of times I’ve failed and the pressure I place upon myself to be perfect. I have failed numerous times but I have risen every single time. I fought against myself and won. Ballet has taught me discipline, how to express myself, and how to dance. It is everything to me and more. Originally I am from Guatemala City. I was born and then adopted. I moved to the US and became a citizen. My cultural roots instilled in me a deep passion for learning about other diverse cultures and their history. I love to learn about Russian history, the Mayan culture, greek mythology, Egyptian history, true crime history, Chinese history, Japanese history, and various conspiracy theories. Someday I hope to travel to Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Ultrectch, New Zealand, South Korea, Israel, and Rome.
Hobbies
Outside of ballet and academics, I dive deep into my creative side. Running is a peaceful extracurricular curriculum that I pursue in my spare time. It provides both a physical and mental balance. Although half the time I am immersed in a good book. I find solace in the world of reading and art, especially drawing. Drawing often bestows moments of calmness and helps realign my energy. I am not easily inspired but when I am it’s like a blast of colors exploding in the atmosphere. Cringy, I know. Below is my recently finished project. I love to study other drawings of the eyes so that I can achieve a realistic drawing of the eye(s) myself. It is my favorite pastime along with working on my upcoming trilogy. I’m in the process of creating a sketch portfolio and a tattoo portfolio.
PHILOSOPHY
Adversity dislikes being challenged so challenge the adversity in your life. Be firm, steadfast, and determined to win. Conquer because the outcome will depend on you. You’re a warrior and a soldier who has fought many internal battles already. Take whatever path your life has forged for you, and march onwards with a smile of hope. Be kind and courageous.