About Emerson
Emerson Liam Donohoe is a Portland-born dancer, choreographer, and instructor whose work spans concert dance, commercial entertainment, and live performance.
Emerson began dancing at a young age in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, competing in dance competitions and conventions. During high school, he trained and performed with both Portland’s nationally acclaimed Jefferson Dancers Company and BodyVox Junior Artist Generator Company, later returning to BodyVox Company as a performing apprentice. He went on to earn a BFA in Dance Performance from Chapman University, while continuing his training through programs including The School at Jacob’s Pillow and Perry-Mansfield Conservatory, where he had the opportunity to apprentice and perform alongside Limón Dance Company.
As a performer, Emerson has worked with companies including Éowyn Emerald & Dancers, SALT² Contemporary Dance, Emergent Dance Company, and BodyVox, performing works by choreographers such as Dwight Rhoden, Wayne McGregor, Ido Tadmor, Dante Puleio, and Rena Butler. His work in commercial entertainment includes performances with Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line, where he has performed as a dancer, stunt performer, vocalist, character performer, and puppeteer.
Alongside performing, Emerson creates original choreography for stage and film. His work often begins with stories, relationships, or shared human experiences and aims to create movement that is both physically dynamic and emotionally grounded. He has choreographed concert works, dance films, and collaborative projects with student and independent filmmakers.
Emerson also enjoys teaching dancers of all ages and experience levels, offering classes in ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Drawing from experiences in both concert and commercial dance, he strives to create classes that balance strong technique, musicality, performance quality, and room for individual expression.
He is grateful for the support of his family and is excited to continue creating, performing, and teaching wherever dance takes him.
“...A solo by Emerson Donohoe stood out, not because he was the only man in the group, but because if he wants a professional career in dancing, it is there waiting for him.”
My sister, Paris Donohoe, produced this shot documentary where I discuss my upbringing as a dancer and my views on how the dance industry can evolve.
