Emily Cortez is from Southern New Jersey and received a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in Dance from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. She moved to Rhode Island on a full scholarship to study Organizational Behavior at The University of Rhode Island and worked as the Fitness and Wellness Graduate Assistant throughout Campus Recreation. Emily started dancing Ballroom, Hip-hop, and Jazz at a young age. She was a part of Rowan University’s Dance Team and Modern Dance Extensions Company. Emily was first runner-up in the Miss Rhode Island Pageant through the Miss America Organization in 2014. She managed a Kickboxing studio for two years before she transitioned back to her passion Dance. She joined Team Warwick in 2016 and became Co– Studio Owner in 2021.
She created the nonprofit organization IChoosedance in 2019. This nonprofit promotes free ballroom dance lessons within the community High schools. Teaching ballroom dance allows her to promote her passion, and expression through the arts, health, and wellness. In 2021, Emily won the Top Executive Award in the New England Region. In 2022 she won the Top Studio and the leadership award in the Rhode Island Region.
