Ember’s Dance Story

Ember's mother, an Arthur Murray dance instructor, was known as the “Queen.” Ember didn't dance, because she felt she could never meet her mother's expectations. As an adult, Ember had an intense dual career as a young state senator and attorney, and she didn't have time for relationships. She forgot how to have fun or relax. Finally, at age 35, she walked into an Arthur Murray dance studio for one reason - to find a husband.

Her first teacher, John Abrams, prepared Ember for her first dance showcase. Her mother would be watching. As Ember performed her waltz, she saw her mom with tears streaming down her face. She knew she had met her expectations. She was thrilled!

Ember began lessons with Nathan Daniels, who was then at a Fred Astaire studio. Nathan taught Ember to be herself, that it was okay to be vulnerable and to make mistakes, and to laugh when she didn't get it. She was in professions where she felt she had to be perfect. Nathan was a skillful teacher who knew how to build trust and lead a woman who was used to being in charge. Nathan transformed her through dance into a person she liked much better. With his help, she discovered her authentic self.

Three years later, she met her husband - not on the dance floor, but at the Minnesota State Bar Convention. He didn't dance a step. They fell in love and married the next year. Nathan, his professional partner Deanne Michael, and the USA Dance Formation Team all performed at their wedding.

For Ember, dance is all about community. Her experience, along with life changes she has witnessed in other dancers, inspired her to write The Dance of Resilience, a book to be released January 13, 2026. Ember wants others to know the healing powers of dance, and she advocates to have partner dance covered by insurance and public health care systems.

By Suzi Blumberg, originally featured in Minnesota Dancer