Founder & Owner

Emmarentia Thomas

RAD RT

Meet the Owner ~ My Story

Hello, I'm Emmarentia Thomas, founder of The Ballet Barre.

My love for dance began at the age of six when my grandparents introduced me to ballet in South Africa. I went on to study dance at the University of Cape Town, graduating in 1994, and have since dedicated more than 30 years to teaching and inspiring dancers of all ages and abilities.

Throughout my career, I have trained in and taught a variety of dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, African Dance, Spanish Dance, and European Dance. Teaching has taken me around the world and given me the opportunity to work with students at many different levels, from young children taking their first dance steps to adults and seniors discovering the joy of movement.

I am a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), a Certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Instructor, a Licensed Silver Swans Instructor, and a Certified Barre Fitness Instructor.

In 2000, I moved to Chicago to teach at the Chicago School of Ballet. Today, I am excited to bring my experience and passion to The Ballet Barre—a welcoming space where children, teens, adults, and seniors can develop strength, confidence, artistry, and a lifelong love of movement.

My goal is simple: to help every student discover the joy, discipline, and confidence that dance can bring to their lives.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to welcoming you to The Ballet Barre.