Celebrity Dancer: Neli Emert

Neli Emert:

Hi, I’m Neli, and I’ve proudly been part of the TTCU Federal Credit Union family for the past 15 years. I truly love what I do and feel grateful every day for the opportunity to serve our members and be part of an organization that genuinely cares about the communities we serve. I currently serve as the Branch Manager for our Quail Springs and Edmond locations, and it has been incredibly rewarding to build meaningful relationships with our members while also supporting and developing the amazing teams at both branches.

I’m originally from Puerto Rico, but I’ve called Oklahoma home since I was nine years old. Music has always been a huge part of who I am. Many of my siblings and family members who remained in Puerto Rico were immersed in dance and part of the local dance scene, while I was growing up here in Oklahoma. So, while I definitely inherited a deep love for music and rhythm, I didn’t quite receive the same formal dance “training” they did! Being part of Edmond’s Dancing with the Stars feels like such a fun and meaningful opportunity to reconnect with my Puerto Rican roots and finally put some moves to the music I’ve always loved.

In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to move from Tulsa to the Oklahoma City area to help open TTCU’s very first metro branch. It has been amazing to watch that initial location grow into three thriving branches, and we’re still growing. Being part of that journey, helping build relationships in a new market, and expanding TTCU’s presence in the metro area has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career.

When I’m not at TTCU, my world revolves around my family, especially my wonderful husband of 14 years, and my animals. I’m incredibly passionate about rescue work which includes fostering dogs. My home is always full of life. Between my Great Danes, Saint Bernard, Sheepdog, two macaws, and my flock of chickens and ducks, there’s never a dull moment. Somewhere along the way, I fully embraced the title of “crazy chicken lady,” and honestly… I wear it proudly.

I’m so excited to be part of this event, support an amazing cause, and celebrate my roots on the dance floor. I may not have grown up in Puerto Rico’s dance scene like most of my family, but I’m ready to bring the music, have fun, and make up for lost time.

QUESTIONS:

What’s your go-to hype song? I wouldn’t say I have just one go-to hype song because my music taste is honestly all over the place. It really depends on the mood I wake up in that day. Some days it’s Latin music, some days it’s throwback hits, and other days it’s something completely random. What stays consistent, though, is that I physically cannot sit still when the right song comes on. If it instantly makes me want to dance, sing at full volume, and suddenly believe I have professional-level choreography skills, that’s my hype song in that moment. Music is such an energy shift for me. It can turn an average day into a great one in seconds.

What famous celebrity would play your character in your life’s movie? I’d have to go with Gina Rodriguez. Not only is she Puerto Rican like me, which already makes it feel like a natural fit, but she just seems so genuine, relatable, and effortlessly funny. I absolutely loved her in Jane the Virgin, especially the dynamic she had with her abuela. It reminded me so much of my own family and the strong, loving, slightly chaotic energy we have. There’s something about the way she balances being driven, emotional, and a little all over the place while still keeping everything together that really resonates with me. It’s that mix of heart, humor, and a little bit of chaos that feels very “on brand” for my life.

Share one interesting fact with the public that they may not know about you? Over the past year and a half, I somehow, and I mean completely accidentally evolved into a full-blown, proud crazy chicken lady, and I regret absolutely nothing. But we’re not talking about your average backyard chickens. I went all in on fancy, exotic, boujee breeds such as, Silkies, Puerto Rican Kikiriki’s, giant Brahmas, and even these spotted chickens that literally look like little Dalmatians running around. What started as my husband wanting a few chickens for eggs, quickly turned into something so much bigger. I now breed, show, and sell them, which is something I never in a million years would have predicted for myself.

It’s honestly become such a fun and unexpected part of my life. I’ve met so many interesting people through it, and yes, I’m probably the only Puerto Rican girl pulling into small Oklahoma towns for chicken shows like it’s an Olympic sport. It’s a little unconventional, but that’s what makes it such a great story.

What is your “signature dance move?” I don’t know if I have one specific signature move, but I do know that the second Latin music starts playing something just clicks. It’s like muscle memory takes over and suddenly I’m completely in my element. Salsa, merengue, bachata, anything with rhythm, energy, and a good beat, I’m there for it.

Now, whether or not I’m doing the moves technically right is up for debate, but what I lack in precision, I absolutely make up for in confidence and enthusiasm. I’m a firm believer that if you commit fully, it looks like you know exactly what you’re doing.

If you had to describe your dancing style in one word, what would it be? Fun.

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about for me. I’m not stepping onto the dance floor trying to be perfect or impress anyone. I’m there to enjoy myself, feel the music, and have a good time. If I’m laughing, smiling, and maybe even a little out of breath by the end, then I’ve done it right. And if I don’t trip over my own feet in the process? Even better.

What are you most looking forward to about Edmond’s Dancing with the Stars and supporting the Edmond Chamber of Commerce? Honestly, I’m looking forward to the entire experience, even the parts that are extremely terrifying. It’s definitely a mix of excitement, nerves, and those “what did I sign myself up for?” moments, but I think that’s what makes it so special. It’s something completely outside of my comfort zone, and I love the idea of challenging myself in a fun and meaningful way.

I’m especially excited to be part of an event that supports such an important organization in the community. The Edmond Chamber of Commerce does so much to bring people and businesses together. Being able to contribute to that, while also going through this unique experience, is really rewarding. And honestly, I’m just curious to see what happens when you put an Okie Puerto Rican chicken lady on an “official” dance floor. I have a feeling that it’s going to be entertaining no matter what.