ROLE: Hip Hop Teacher
Dance Experience
I have been dancing since 2011. I started at Kulture Break and then moved to Dance Central in 2012 and I have been dancing here ever since. When I first came to DC I auditioned and was placed in the Varsity Development Crew and from there moved up to the competitive Varsity crew (used to be called DCV) before again moving up to the adult crew Mercy where I have stayed since 2016 and loved!
Teaching Experience
I have been teaching classes since 2016 and crew leading since 2018, first crew leading Creed in 2019 then Creed and Mayhem in 2020.
Q&A with Ellie
What got you into teaching?
As I have been dancing for half my life, it’s second nature to me and to be able to teach in something I love doing and get the amazing fulfilling feeling I get when seeing my kids improving and on stage is something I had always wanted! I started off assistant teaching and found that I loved it and kept to it ever since.
What styles of dance do you teach?
Hip Hop, Competitive Hip Hop and all the styles that fall under that umbrella!
What is your favourite group to teach?
I love teaching teens as they’re at an age where we can joke around and have fun in class and they are old enough for me to really mold and help grow as dancers!
What is your style of teaching?
In classes I am a very happy upbeat goofy teacher, always joking around and laughing with my class as I want to make it a safe and comfortable zone for the kids to want to look forward to coming to!
What inspires you when it comes to choreographing?
When I either hear a song that I really can jam to and feel a natural groove to or if I watch an amazing dancer or crew in a video or on instagram etc.
What do you love most about dance?
It creates a sense of community for everyone and brings together friendships whilst also establishing a safe and creative outlet for people to put their emotions into.
What do you love most about teaching?
I love watching my kids grow and improve into amazing dancers and people and knowing that I contributed to that!
What are your top tips for students to get the most out of class?
Pay attention in class and really listen to what you’re teacher is saying and doing. Don’t be scared to let go and enjoy the music even if you look a little silly sometimes! There’s no judgement coming from anyone we are all here to help!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I am a big movie buff so I love going to the cinema and watching the newest movies while eating some yummy popcorn!!
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
Definitely my first dance teachers! Although there were a lot they all individually helped me find my love and happiness for dance which I am forever grateful for.
Tell us about your personal fashion style.
You’ll pretty much only ever see me in trackies, baggy pants, baggy tee or a sweatshirt! It is a rare occasion if I’m ever in anything else!
What’s your favourite quote?
“Ogres are like onions” – Shrek from Shrek
Where would you go on your dream holiday?
I’d love to go somewhere tropical and rich in culture with amazing sights to explore and yummy food to eat!
