Celebration of Music - Talent Search

Hi! My name is Emily Jade Goodwin. I am thrilled to be a participant in Celebration of Music - Hartford ! I am a sixteen year old from Farmington, Connecticut. From an early age, I was committed to the performing arts, specifically dance. I performed in my first dance recital at the age of three, but have been moving and jumping in gymnastics studios since I was two years old. As I started so young, movement has always been a part of me. Around the age of five and a half, I saw my first Broadway show, The Little Mermaid, and decided I had to be on stage. Soon after, my parents threw me into every available community theatre production.

I have been a competitive dancer since the age of five. Competing in a variety of styles, such as, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary and musical theatre, has allowed me to diversify as a dancer. I have the opportunities to experience the differences between performing as a soloist, being a partner in a duet, working in a trio and operating in a full ensemble. Through my high school, I have had the pleasure of self choreographing a solo and a large group jazz piece for our Dance Concert. These opportunities provided a behind the scenes look of what tasks a choreographer needs to undertake as compared to the performer. As a current junior in high school, I continue pursuing my competitive dance team and training more classically in my high school dance program.

I began formal vocal lessons when I was ten years old, training to grow my range and flexibility as a singer. Currently, I am a part of a variety of vocal opportunities: Festival Chorus, a cappella, and continue my vocal lessons for musical theatre opportunities. I take acting classes through my school and master classes in dance whenever possible. I also try to see and absorb as many performances as I can, from dance to theatre to song.

I have had the pleasure of performing in a variety shows which include, but are not limited to: Pippin (Leading Player), RENT (Maureen), Bring it On(Eva), School of Rock(Summer Hathaway), James and the Giant Peach Jr. (Auntie Spiker), and Shrek Jr. (Little Pig, Tapping Rat). My love of performance has not left since my first Broadway show, and I hope to continue as time goes on!

Performing and my desire to grow as a person through my art has always stuck with me and gotten me through more difficult times in my life. The emotion one can express through dance, song or story is unlike any other, and I am so blessed that I was graced with the good fortune and ability to perform.

I am so excited to be a part of this amazing opportunity and appreciate your support.