It was a dream come true for Fellowes High School student and dancer Ella Grace Gardner this past Christmas after earning a partial scholarship that allowed her to train in New York City for one week.
The scholarship allowed the student to take part in an intensive week of training at a well-known dance program in New York City, where she worked alongside performers from across North America.
During the program, she participated in daily classes covering a range of dance styles and took part in workshops led by established professionals in the industry. The experience offered a firsthand look at the expectations and discipline required for professional-level training, giving her valuable insight as she continues to pursue a career in dance.
Ella says she has been dancing since she was about three years old, and both her mom and her dance teachers are largely responsible for recognizing her talent at an early age.
Ella Grace has a full schedule throughout the year, participating in as many as three or four competitions. Each focuses on varying styles of dance with different sponsors, with the “Be Discovered” program—an internationally recognized training experience for emerging dancers—being the latest.
Ella Grace says it’s difficult to say where her career is going to go, as there are so many variables along the way.
Nancy Sinclair is Ella’s mom, chauffeur and biggest fan, and she says it’s truly a family affair, as all of her children are involved in dance and there is never a dull moment.
The choices for the “Be Discovered” program were Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York, but Ella Grace chose New York immediately because she also leans toward acting as a possible career choice and wanted to see Broadway.
Nancy says supporting Ella Grace and all of her children in achieving their dreams is hard work, but a choice she couldn’t imagine not making, noting she detected talent at a very early age.
While the scholarship offset part of the cost of the program, additional expenses meant Ella Grace and her family had to raise funds to cover the balance. She joined family and friends in running a hot dog and hamburger stand this past Canada Day in Deep River.
(Written By: Richard Evans)