From a Nervous Five-Year-Old to Centre Stage: Ellen’s Dance Journey

One of the most special things about running a dance school is watching quiet, nervous children slowly grow into confident young performers and, just as importantly, confident young people. This is exactly why children’s dance classes can play such an important role in a young person’s development, especially when they are given time and space to grow at their own pace. That kind of growth does not happen overnight. It is built gently, over years, through trust, patience and countless small moments of courage. Ellen’s journey is a perfect example of that.

Ellen joined Lynden when she was around five years old. She was soft-spoken, shy and very reserved, often preferring to stay slightly in the background. But even at that age, it was clear she had something special. Her musicality, focus and natural movement stood out immediately. What she lacked was not ability, but confidence, particularly when it came to performing in front of others.

Her first experience of a large stage came at Danceforce at The Anvil in Basingstoke, a moment that many local children’s dance classes work towards each year. Despite rehearsing with her friends and knowing the choreography well, when the time came to step onto the stage, fear completely took over. Ellen stood in the wings watching the first performance, then the second, unable to move. No amount of encouragement could persuade her. It looked as though she might not perform at all that year.

Then, during the very last performance, something shifted. Ellen finally stepped out onto the stage. Once she did, she danced beautifully. The fear melted away and she moved with confidence and freedom. She came off stage beaming, filled with pride. That moment mattered. It showed her that fear did not have to win.

That did not mean the nerves disappeared. Some time later, Ellen was due to perform a solo for a medal test in front of a small audience. Once again, anxiety set in. This time, her dance teacher quietly took her hand and gently led her onto the stage. As soon as the music began, Ellen settled, focused and danced with the same calm assurance she always showed in class. It became clear that once she started, she trusted her body and her training.

From there, progress came gradually. Performance by performance, Ellen grew more confident. She began performing solos and duets at competitions, taking dance exams and consistently achieving high results. With determination, resilience and steady encouragement, she continued to move forward, building confidence alongside technique.

Ellen later successfully auditioned for Ballet Boost and earned a place performing with the English National Youth Ballet. These experiences broadened her training, strengthened her discipline and gave her valuable exposure to working within professional settings. At 18, she was offered a full-time place at Performers College, where she continues to train today.

Recently, Ellen took part in her third-year assessed performance in Birmingham. As part of the assessment, she and her fellow students were required to create an entire production from scratch. They chose their own storyline, choreographed the work, selected music, designed costumes, organised technical requirements, produced programmes, managed ticketing and brought everything together collaboratively as a group.

The piece explored the life of designer and activist Vivienne Westwood. In a moment that took her family completely by surprise, Ellen took on the lead role. With no curtain and no obvious reveal, the show began with her already on stage, turned away from the audience, preparing as part of the preset. Her parents did not even realise it was her until the performance was underway. Ellen sang solos, danced en pointe, performed group work and acted throughout the piece with confidence and presence. By the end, the audience was in tears. Not only because of pride, but because the message of the work came across so powerfully.

Ellen’s story matters because it shows something important. Dance does not have to be just a hobby, unless that is what a student wants it to be. For some, dance will always be something they love alongside other paths. But for others, with determination, commitment and the right support, it can become something much more.

Perhaps just as importantly, the qualities Ellen has developed along the way will stay with her for life. Confidence. Discipline. Creativity. Resilience. The ability to work as part of a team and to keep going even when things feel frightening or uncertain.

For parents and students reading this, particularly those considering children’s dance classes in Basingstoke, Ellen’s journey is a reminder that confidence is built, not born. Progress is rarely straightforward. And sometimes the bravest step a young dancer takes is simply walking onto the stage.

We are incredibly proud to have been part of Ellen’s journey and look forward to seeing where it leads next.