Emma Matlock graduated from West High in 2016, before making her way to the big apple to study dance at the NYC American Musical & Dramatic Academy. There, Matlock decided to audition for the Knicks dance team, which selects 20 dancers for their season. With a four-day audition process, many women don’t make it to the final round, including Matlock. However, after graduation, she continued to train and better herself, and in 2021 she made the team!
“All 20 of us got to dance on opening night at Madison Square Garden,” said Matlock. “It was surreal.”
With over 40 home games, Matlock and her teammates spent their weeks on the court, performing next to celebrities such as Iggy Azalea along the way.
“Your dreams are something you should always pursue, even if it feels silly,” said Matlock. “Listen to yourself, and find the path that makes you happiest.”
Matlock said this achievement didn’t happen overnight. She moved to New York with the ambitions of dancing professionally, immediately following her graduation from West High. While her experience dancing in high school gave her a solid foundation, additional tumbling practice, and extra dance classes on nights and weekends are what helped her stand a part in her final audition.
“I have dreams of one day going on tour with a musical artist,” said Matlock. “I’d like to be able to own my own dance studio and teach the next generation of dancers.”
Wherever life takes Matlock next, she says she’ll continue dancing and chasing after her dreams.
