A local dancer is taking part in the World Dance Challenge in April.
Ellie Jones, 16, from Northfield, has been asked to represent England after sending a video of herself performing a set contemporary solo to the organisation.
The competition itself is in Portugal so funding is a huge issue for Ellie as she and her family have to fund it themselves.
Ellie said: “I knew there were so many expenses which is what worried me the moment I was told I qualified. The competition itself has been amazing, they’ve helped by making packages for all supporters and dancers with so much included like the room, an England jacket, vip passes, breakfast, there’s loads, but along side this there are the flights, transport, luggage, to consider.
“My mom has set up a page on Facebook to help with the extras that are needed and so many people have donated and have been so generous, even those supporting me by just sharing the page, it all means a lot.
“It’s still hard as when I think that’s all the expenses sorted there is something else that needs to be sorted. You just get excited about the whole experience, going to another country to compete and meeting new people you forget about the little details.”
She has been competing with MDA, formally MYDC, for four and a half years and dancing with them for six years. This is also her second year as dance captain at the dance school.
When asked who inspires her, Ellie said: “My dance teacher because she set up the dance school so young. I admire the fact she grows with us through her studies and she teaches us all so much not just in dance but situations outside of dance. She always makes sure we have the right mind set.”
Off the back of this opportunity, Ellie was asked to model for Shine Dance wear, which is a clothing brand. She says how they helped her with her insecurities and how they are all so kind and made her feel really welcome.
Ellie will be travelling to London in March to represent Shine Dance wear and MDA at Move it Dance Convention. The costume she will be wearing was designed and made by Rocea Greenway.
Different to many dancers, Ellie didn’t start dancing at a young age but has made the most of the opportunities that have come her way and learnt a lot in a small amount of time.
When asked about the challenge itself, Ellie said: “From what I have been told the way the challenge will work is we all compete in our style/division depending on which division you qualified for. Each division has different rankings so the main division ranks 1-6th and the upper ranks 1-3rd.
“The highest scoring move on to the semi final on the last two days and the final the day before the last. However, I am not concentrating on the trophy. I am focusing on representing my country as much as I can and making everyone at home proud. The trophy was just being asked to represent and I can’t wait to meet other dancers and make a memory of a lifetime.”
If you would like to help Ellie raise her money to be able to attend, please click here.
