Ella - The Dancer Behind The Portraits
Dance has been a part of Ella’s life since she was just three years old. One of her earliest memories is practicing for her Mr. Golden Sun performance, feeling pure excitement not only for the dance itself but for the costume and the chance to perform on a big stage. That early spark has since grown into a deep love for lyrical dance, where the music tells a story, and every movement allows Ella to become part of that narrative.
For Ella, her dream destination is clear—Broadway in New York. Which as a former resident of NYC, I totally love that destination!
The lights, the energy, and the magic of performing in such an iconic place have long been her ultimate goal. But no matter where she dances, whether it’s under the lights of Broadway in New York or in her own living room, the joy and peace she feels while moving to the music are always the same.
Her favorite dance memory is performing her first solo to the song Dancing in the Sky. This piece holds special meaning for Ella, as she felt a connection to her grandparents, watching her from Heaven. Wearing a beautiful sky-blue costume adorned with jewels that complemented the song, she felt the story come alive on stage. That performance was more than just a dance—it was an emotional tribute, and it earned her a judge’s choice award: The Immeasurable Potential Award.
Behind every great dancer, there is a hero, and for Ella, it’s her mom. Despite never having danced herself, her mom has been her rock—helping with hair, makeup, practicing routines, and making countless trips to classes and competitions. Their journey has been filled with laughter as her mom has embraced this “dance life” alongside her.
Ella’s favorite style of music to dance to is often sad, because it allows her to fully express emotions and tell a powerful story through movement. But in her everyday life, you’ll find her listening to country or pop, especially the sounds of Zach Bryan and Benson Boone. And for a fun twist, she enjoys Christmas music all year long.
Dance isn’t just something Ella does—it’s something she is. She finds herself breaking out into a dance no matter where she is, from Target to her own kitchen table. It’s something that makes her feel alive, happy, and at peace. It’s her escape when life gets overwhelming, but also her outlet when she’s joyful or even a little silly.
Getting to know Ella:
| When did you start dancing? |
| I started dancing when I was 3 years old. |
| What is your first memory of dancing? |
| My first memory of dance is practicing for my Mr. Golden Sun dance. I remember being so excited about dance, the costume and dancing on the big stage. |
| What is your favorite style of dance? Why? |
| My favorite style of dance is lyrical because I like how the music tells a story. I am able to help tell that story on stage by how I move my body. |
| If you could dance anywhere in the world, where would it be? |
| My dream has always been to dance on Broadway in New York. |
| What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? |
| My favorite flavor of ice cream is strawberry. |
| What is your favorite moment while dancing? |
| My favorite memory is performing my first solo on stage for the first time to the song, Dancing in the Sky. I really connected with the song because I felt my grandparents were watching me from heaven. My costume was my favorite costume so far because it was a sky blue with beautiful jewels. It went along with the song perfectly. I even got a judge's choice award for The Immeasurable Potential Award. |
| Who is your hero? Why? |
| My Mom because she helped me with my hair and make up, helped me practice my dances, and drove me to practices and competitions, even though she never danced a day in her life. There was a lot of laughter as she learned this new dance life. |
| What is your favorite style of music to dance to? |
| My favorite style is sad music because you can express your feelings and tell a story. |
| What is your favorite style of music while you are relaxing or driving in the car? |
| My favorite music is country music or pop. Zach Bryan and Benson Boone are two of my favorite artist. You can also find me listening to Christmas music all year long. |
| When you think of dancing, how do you feel? |
| When I think about dancing, I'm so happy because I love it so much. I have a huge smile on my face and then end up dancing no matter if I'm in target, on a gym floor, in the living room or even at the kitchen table. I use to get in trouble when I was little for not sitting still during dinner. |
| While dancing, how do you feel? |
| I feel at peace when I'm dancing. It's the one thing that I can always count on to get away from my troubles. However, I also like to dance when I'm happy, silly, delirious, sad, etc. |
| How many hours a week do you practice? |
| I try to do something everyday to make myself better at dance. |
| What is your go to after dance treat? |
| I love a good Mac and Cheese after I'm done dancing or performing. Panera has the best Mac and Cheese! |
| What was your experience like while having your photoshoot with Kate? |
| Kate is amazing and so much fun. We got to try new things out, like the fabric and did a lot of laughing. She made me feel relaxed and beautiful. |
Ella’s story is one of passion, connection, and storytelling through movement. Each step she takes is filled with heart, whether on stage, at practice, or during her photoshoots. I can’t wait to see where her journey leads next!
Inspired by Ella's story and want to be part of an incredible dance journey? Join 24 in 24: A Dance Project. For more information, click the button below and embark on your own dance adventure.
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