Emma Levene: Redefining dance for East London’s neurodiverse community

In an industry often defined by strict technique and elite institutions, Emma Levene has forged her own path, one rooted in artistry, inclusivity, and the belief that dance can belong to everyone. Based in East London, she is a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher whose work extends far beyond performance alone. As founder and director of Double Twist Dance School and Double Twist Dance Company, she has built a community where young people and adults of varied backgrounds can pursue the art of movement with confidence and purpose.

Emma’s journey into dance began with formal training in her youth. She studied classical ballet, modern, jazz, musical theatre, and tap at a local ballet school in Walthamstow before progressing to GCSE dance and a BTEC Diploma in dance. Her education continued at The Creative Academy in Slough, where she refined her skills in ballet, contemporary, choreography, and other styles. Supplementary training in North London further prepared her for a professional career on stage and screen.

Her professional credits are diverse and noteworthy. Emma performed at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, took part in productions such as The Addams Family musical, and appeared in ballet productions, circus tours, films including Fantastic Beasts, television programmes such as Made in Chelsea, music videos, and television advertisements. She has also delivered solo and ensemble performances at venues such as Hackney Empire and Millfield Theatre, as well as festivals and community events.

Yet it is not simply her résumé that distinguishes Emma, but her approach to teaching and community engagement. She began her teaching career as an assistant ballet instructor and has since taught in performing arts schools, primary schools, after‑school clubs, and her own academy. At Double Twist Dance, students as young as three and adults alike are introduced to ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and other dance forms in a supportive and expressive environment. The school’s programme emphasises not just technique, but the development of confidence, creative expression, and emotional connection through movement, qualities that have been described by participants as transformative.

The company’s mission is clear: to make dance accessible and meaningful for all, including those who might not find a place in traditional settings. Double Twist Dance’s classes and showcases offer opportunities for personal growth and performance, from local community shows to festival stages and gala events. Reviews from participants and audience members reflect an atmosphere of encouragement and artistic achievement, with many praising the professional standards of the company and the inclusive teaching style that allows students to explore dance in their own way.

One recent highlight in the company’s calendar was the RAINBOWLAND showcase, presented at Mornington Hall in Chingford. Choreographed by Emma and assisted by her colleague Emma Clandon, the show featured an array of pieces blending ballet, contemporary, tap, and jazz, performed by both academy students and company dancers. It was a testament to the company’s commitment to both artistic diversity and community involvement.

Emma’s work also resonates with broader movements within the dance world that advocate for inclusivity and accessibility. Research emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing talent among young dancers with disabilities and diverse neurological profiles (such as dyspraxia and other neurodiverse conditions), noting that inclusive teaching can enhance both technique and confidence among performers who may otherwise be marginalized in traditional settings.

In a city rich with dance institutions, Emma Levene’s contribution is unique in its fusion of professional artistry and heartfelt community engagement. Whether in the classroom, the rehearsal studio, or on stage, she continues to inspire dancers of all ages and abilities to pursue their potential, proving that the art of dance need not be confined by convention, but can flourish through passion, resilience, and inclusive opportunity.