Emily Thompson, Director

Emily is from the Finger Lakes region, where she has spent the last sixteen years performing, choreographing, and teaching dance for all ages both in public and private schools. She returned to the area for good after living in Knoxville Tennessee for two years, where she taught upper level ballet at Maker’s Dance Collective as well for the City of Knoxville recreation programs.

Emily has a B.A. in Dance from SUNY Empire State College and A.A. in Liberal Arts/French from FLCC. She has studied and danced with Finis Jhung in NYC; at Hobart William-Smith College; Ballet Magnificat in Mississippi; at the Ithaca Ballet Guild; and with Rafael Grigorian. She is currently earning her certificate in choreographic essentials from Juilliard Extension.

Emily has choreographed numerous full-length ballet productions including the Nutcracker, as well as writing and staging original contemporary pieces.

She lives in Dundee with her husband and four children, where they are active in their local church and community. She is thrilled to have the privilege of another year directing Leap of Faith!

Cassandra Brundage-Wray, Assistant Director

Cassandra is also from the Finger Lakes Region, where she fell in love with dance at a young age. She has over twelve years of experience studying and performing with local companies including OFC Creations in Rochester; with Light of the World Ballet both at their summer dance workshops and intensive Emerging Artists program; and with Keuka Dance Ensemble. In 2024 Cassandra spent the summer studying and dancing with Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet in Middletown, Connecticut. Her multi-faceted dance education includes ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and musical theater.

Cassandra has taught and choreographed for several local institutions including Family Life Youth Ministries, for Palmyra-Macedon Conservatory of Dance’s after-school program; and for Side Porch Ballet in Almond.

We are so happy to have Miss Cassandra join us for another year!