How Emry Wride danced her way from Cougarette to Rockette

Emry Wride, 26, is living any dancer's dream.

As a member of the famous Radio City Rockettes based in New York City, Wride's path in finding her current career is one she, and the BYU Cougarettes, can certainly be proud of.

Before her invitation to be a member of the Rockettes, the native of Pleasant Grove was a student-athlete at BYU and danced for the Cougarettes.

"My time as a Cougarette was one of the most formative and rewarding experiences of my college career," Wride said.

Throughout her time on Cougarettes, Wride gained an immense amount of experience physically, mentally and spiritually.

"My first year on the team came with challenges ... but those experiences helped me grow emotionally and socially," Wride said.

In 2016, Wride experienced her first major injury while dancing for BYU. A torn Labrum in her shoulder required surgery and recovery time.

Through a tough setback, Wride learned resilience, patience and how to listen to her body in a new way.

Though her final year was cut short during the pandemic, Wride was able to help her team collect three national titles and a silver medal during her time with the Cougarettes.

After graduating from BYU in 2021, Wride continued to train and pursue her passion for dance with Odyssey Dance Theater in Utah.

But in 2023, Wride set out on a new journey to chase a new dream.

"I took a leap and moved to New York City to immerse myself in the industry," Wride said.

She was accepted into Broadway Dance Center's Professional Semester where she was pushed creatively and technically for four months.

Wride then auditioned for the Radio City Rockettes and was offered a spot on their iconic roster.

In regards to how her time at BYU and on Cougarettes helped prepare her for Rockettes, Wride said, "My experience instilled in me a deep sense of professionalism and personal responsibility. The precision dance style is incredibly distinct and I would not have been able to adapt to it so quickly without my foundation as a Cougarette. I also learned what it means to be a true teammate and collaborate within a professional setting."

Now, Wride is thrilled to be immersed in this new season of dance.

"It is undeniably demanding, but within that challenge lies something deeply rewarding," Wride said about performing with the Rockettes. "I've discovered tremendous joy in the discipline, the teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that it takes to bring this show to life."

What would like to tell the world about her passion?

"For much of my life, fear held me back," Wride said. "It was through movement, expression, and especially my time as a Cougarette, that I began to build the confidence I never thought possible."

That confidence and courage has carried her from the Cougarettes in Provo to the Radio City Rockettes in New York City.