From: New York, New York
Appearances at The Dallas Opera
La traviata (2024/2025, debut)
Career highlights: Emily Cardea is a performing artist whose work is inspired by human connection and authentic storytelling. Cardea began studying dance at Studio Maestro/Manhattan Youth Ballet and then attended Professional Performing Arts School and School of American Ballet where she trained with teachers such as Peter Boal, Garielle Whittle, Katrina Killian and Darci Kistler. As a child performer, Cardea earned roles with The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. At age eighteen, she began dancing with Orlando Ballet, where her repertoire included featured roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Carmen, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Swan Lake. She has also performed and acted Off-Broadway, and in numerous dancing guest roles in both theater and television. Cardea has been a member of NYC-based dance companies such as MorDance and Woman inMotion, and is currently in her third year of dancing with The Metropolitan Opera. Her repertoire at The Met Opera includes La Traviata, Aida, Tannhäuser and Turandot. Most recently, she made her Santa Fe Opera debut as a principal dancer in the original cast of Louisa Muller’s La Traviata, as well as an actor in L’Elisir d’Amore.