Long Island Dance Consortium to honor late ballerina Emily Finn

Annual performance to feature tribute to promising young dancer killed by domestic violence

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Long Island Dance Consortium will present its annual performance, Long Island Dances, on Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m. at the Jeanne Rimsky Landmark Theater, honoring the life and legacy of the late Emily Finn, an 18-year-old accomplished ballerina who was tragically killed by domestic violence. The performance will feature a mix of ballet, modern, contemporary, and tap dances, with all performers wearing small pink ribbons in Finn's memory. Funds will also be raised for the Emily Finn Foundation, established by her mother to support young women and raise awareness about gun and domestic violence.

Why it matters

The tribute to Emily Finn highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of supporting young women and raising awareness about these critical issues within the local community. The annual dance performance also showcases the vibrant arts scene on Long Island and the role of the performing arts in bringing people together.

The details

Emily Finn was an 18-year-old Sayville High School graduate who danced for more than six years at the American Ballet Studio in Bayport and performed with the American Dance Theatre of Long Island. She appeared in numerous productions, including 'The Nutcracker,' where she danced the lead role of the Dew Drop Fairy, and was known for her dedication to teaching young students. Her promising life was tragically cut short when she was killed by domestic violence while home from SUNY Oneonta for Thanksgiving.

  • The Long Island Dance Consortium will present its annual performance, Long Island Dances, on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2 p.m.
  • Emily Finn was killed by domestic violence while home from SUNY Oneonta for Thanksgiving.

The players

Long Island Dance Consortium

A local organization that presents an annual dance performance showcasing talent from various dance companies on Long Island.

Emily Finn

An 18-year-old accomplished ballerina who danced for more than six years at the American Ballet Studio in Bayport and performed with the American Dance Theatre of Long Island. She was tragically killed by domestic violence.

Kathleen Kairns-Scholz

The president of the Long Island Dance Consortium.

Emily Finn Foundation

A foundation established by Emily Finn's mother to support young women navigating relationships and to raise awareness about gun and domestic violence.

Joaquin Ruiz

A guest artist dancer with the Perry Dance Contemporary Company who will perform at the Long Island Dances event.

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What they’re saying

“Emily was a beautiful dancer. You couldn't miss her. She had a great stage presence.”

— Kathleen Kairns-Scholz, President, Long Island Dance Consortium (longislandpress.com)

“As a community, we were devastated by such a terrible loss. Dedicating this year's performance to her felt like the right way to honor her memory and continue her spirit of giving and teaching.”

— Kathleen Kairns-Scholz, President, Long Island Dance Consortium (longislandpress.com)

“We hope to help young women understand who they are and what they should accept and stand up for themselves. Emily was caring, compassionate, and academically and artistically gifted. Through this performance and fundraising, we can help educate and protect youth in our community.”

— Kathleen Kairns-Scholz, President, Long Island Dance Consortium (longislandpress.com)

What’s next

The Long Island Dance Consortium's annual performance, Long Island Dances, featuring the tribute to Emily Finn, will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Jeanne Rimsky Landmark Theater in Port Washington.

The takeaway

This tribute to the late Emily Finn highlights the importance of supporting young women, raising awareness about domestic violence, and the power of the performing arts to bring a community together and honor the memory of a promising life tragically cut short.