Ella first began dancing at the age of eight at A Step Above after training in gymnastics for multiple years. A Step Above is where Ella discovered her love for the arts and the reason she has chosen to continue to explore the world of dance. At ten, she earned a spot on the competition team, allowing her to broaden her experiences as a performer as well as engage in more intense training. Through this journey Ella learned the importance of a supportive and safe environment within the dance studio and is grateful to say that A Step Above has always provided that for her. Because of the encouragement she received, Ella is continuing her dance education at UW Madison in the dance program. She has also had the opportunity to dance as a company member with Madison Contemporary Dance for two years after years of shows and intensives with them. Through this she has also had the opportunity to collaborate with Hitterz Collective to continue her development in hip hop and street styles. 

 

Outside of her own education, Ella has always had a passion for teaching. Since the age of twelve she has been working with students in and out of A Step Above. She has taught summer classes and run summer camps in the studio, as well as led after school dance programs in elementary schools in Madison and Monona. She also volunteers with youth groups around the city and is working with Wisconsin Early Autism Project with the hopes of helping children in need. Ella is excited to share her passion for dance with students and help them find a community within the studio, just as she did.