Today we’d like to introduce you to Marshall Ellis.
Marshall, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my dance training at six years old, and when I turned 15, I enrolled in the Alabama School of Fine Arts. From there, I joined Ballet Austin and then, under full scholarship, danced with Images of Dance, London Studio Centre’s classical ballet company. Upon moving to Orlando and joining the Orlando Ballet, the late Fernando Bujones served as my mentor and inspired me to continue expanding the Orlando dance community. Following my time at Orlando Ballet, I worked as a principal dancer for Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba and as an Equity dancer and principal dance captain at Walt Disney World. I’ve also taught and choreographed for organizations including the Alabama School of Fine Arts, Orlando Ballet School, STEPS Program for at-risk children, Walt Disney World Resort and Dance Masters of America.
In 2011, I started my own professional company, Dance Theatre of Orlando, with the goal of introducing innovative ideas that would enrich the arts community and provide an outlet to feature artistic talent. Over the years, I’ve continued to expand, opening two dance schools, offering multiple pre-professional training programs for young dancers, opening the ME Performing Arts program and ME Theatre, producing the I Dance Orlando and Orlando Tap festivals and founding ME Dance, a charity that assists in supporting local dancers. Through all of this, my goal is always to cultivate artistic talent and provide positive spaces for creativity to blossom.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As a male dancer growing up in Alabama, it wasn’t always easy. The culture surrounding the arts wasn’t widely celebrated and I was bullied as a result of my passion for dance. However, when you’re passionate about something, you gain a resilience, and eventually, I met mentors and artists who shared my passions and inspired me to educate others on the importance of dance.
We’ve been impressed with Marshall Ellis Dance School, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Marshall Ellis Dance School currently has two locations: the Marshall Ellis Performing Arts Center and the Marshall Ellis Dance School at Dr. Phillips. We specializing in the well-balanced, elite, professional training of dancers, ages 4 to 18, in the styles of ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, musical theatre, hip-hop, lyrical, and aerial arts, providing them with the tools they need to become disciplined, hardworking, and passionate dancers and individuals. Our Marshall Ellis Performing Arts Center also serves as a space for professional dancers to train. We are the only dance school in Central Florida to remain open year-round and offer an in-house theatre venue for students and professionals. The ME Theatre is also utilized by our theatre program, which presents musical theatre productions. ME Dance is a positive and welcoming environment, free of judgment, available for performers of all skill levels to expand their passion for the arts. Our instructors are all working professionals who are able to provide students with the tools to succeed in the arts.
What matters most to you? Why?
My mission is to educate others on why dance is important. The arts are a part of everyone’s life; even if someone doesn’t actively train in dance or performance, they still consume art. The Orlando area has a strong appreciation for performance already, but there isn’t a threshold for how much we can value what dance can do for individuals and groups of people. When we’re happy, it’s natural to do a little happy dance—it’s instinct. Dance expresses personal joy, but it is also a way of communicating emotionally to others. Training future dancers so they’re able to technically, artistically, and emotionally communicate the importance of dance is my ultimate goal through all of my endeavors with ME Dance.
Pricing:
- Marshall Ellis Performing Arts Center Drop-in Rate: $20/class
- Marshall Ellis Performing Arts Center Unlimited Classes: $200/month
- Marshall Ellis Dance School At Dr. Phillips: $20/week
Contact Info:
- Email: marshallellisdance@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.marshallellisdanceschool.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallellisdanceschool/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marshallellisdanceschool/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/medancecompany
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/medancecompany
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/marshall-ellis-dance-school-orlando
Image Credits
Marshall Ellis
