Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Langford.
Hi Emma, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2022 I was sitting in a marketing class at BYU when I got a call that would change my life forever. It was from the director of the studio where I grew up dancing. I hadn’t had contact with her in 5 years, and to say this caught me by surprise is an understatement. She said she was planning to retire and was looking for someone to take over the studio. She didn’t want to sell it, she wanted to give it to someone who she knew would continue the legacy and culture she spent 20 years building. I felt like I was in a dream.
I had been teaching dance for several years, but was pursuing a business experience design degree to work in the community events sector. Dance was never a part of my long term plans.
After a lot of thought and prayer, seeking divine direction, my husband and I decided this was something we couldn’t pass up.
For two years, I worked on the transition. I got my MBA, rebranded, relocated, and hired new staff. Despite the challenges that come with new ownership, we’ve retained about 60% of the original clientele and grown the business to now have 200 thriving students. I love my job and I’m so grateful it allows me to do what I love while still being a stay at home mom for my little one.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Taking over a preexisting business was more challenging than I anticipated. I faced a lot of skepticism, judgment, and backlash for my desire to grow the program into what I knew it could be.
Those who didn’t believe in the vision left, and those who stuck around have grown with us and been a part of all the wonderful things we’ve done, including winning several first place awards at dance competitions, performing in parades, at a Utah Jazz game, and more.
The challenges I was presented with helped me personally learn how to stand up for myself and my vision, set boundaries, and be confident in what me and my business have to offer.
We’ve been impressed with Encore Academy for the Performing Arts, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Encore Academy for the Performing Arts is a family-centered dance, theater, and music studio serving the South Salt Lake Valley. We offer high-quality training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, contemporary, musical theater, voice, and music for students of all ages and experience levels.
Our intentional balance of strong technical training and a healthy, uplifting studio culture is what sets us apart. We believe excellence and kindness go hand in hand. Our faculty emphasizes proper technique, artistry, and discipline while fostering confidence, emotional safety, and a genuine love for the arts. We are known for our organized, professional approach, clear communication with families, and age-appropriate, thoughtfully structured programs.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the environment I’ve built. Encore is a community where students feel seen, effort is valued, and character matters as much as talent. We want our dancers to leave not only as stronger performers but as confident, kind, disciplined, and resilient individuals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.encoreacademyut.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theemmalangford/
