Ella Warren

What companies/classes are you currently in?

CATS, Tap Cats, and Hoofers 

When did you start at Center Stage?

Forever? Probably two

Do you remember your first dance routine?

It was Miss. Pam’s dance in a Disney LKS and we had pink dresses. I remember seeing the beast in the wings while I was on stage.

What was your Center Stage journey?

Basically grew up at Center Stage. I first started taking tap classes and at some point chose dance over soccer and got into tap company and cougars. Then I went into Junior Cats for four years and then got into Cats and Tap Cats. I got into Hoofers and Pre Professional when I was a freshman in 2019. As well as being in all the shows since I was 9. 

Why has it been worth all of the energy you’ve put into it and the sacrifices you’ve made?

My family is everyone at center stage, literally. It has taught me so much not only about performing and dance but practical life skills as well as things like friendships and interacting with different people. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

What other outside of school activities do you do?

I’m in the drama club at my school as the Thespian Liason. I did sports my freshman year but that was a one time thing (had to try it out I guess). 

Okay, let’s get to it.  What are the pros and cons of growing up as the daughter of the studio owners?

I will be the first to admit having your parents as your teachers is hard. Navigating that dynamic has been very difficult for me over the years, but I’ve found my way with it. Also having to stay late after every event was always annoying. However, the pros are huge. Like being able to put my input into the shows and especially not having to pay for competition earrings every time I lose them. 

How does being a performing artist make the world a better place?

I think art in general is a huge platform for change. It presents different perspectives which I believe is the best way to get people to support your cause. For example, I was in a production of Laramie Project at my school which I felt really touched people and made them reconsider some of their biased misconceptions and internalized hate.

Who currently has a career path that you could see yourself following?

I’d like to think if you combined Greta Gerwig and Emma Watson and put in some Jack Stauber you’d get Ella Warren

Which Hogwarts house would the Sorting Hat put you in?

I’ve always said Gryffindor. Recently I’ve resonated with Ravenclaw. One of the two.

If you were to write a self-help book right now based on your action-packed 17 years in the world, what would it be about?  Who would be the target audience you were trying to help?

It would be about staying present in the moment. I’m not sure I could write it now but if my future self could write it, I would be reading it now. And also letting to of trying to please everyone, it’s a waste of time. Not everyone is going to like you, but as long as you are kind that’s okay. 

If you were to have a Zoom meeting with people from 200 years in the future, what do you think you would struggle to make them understand about your time?

People of color, women, everyone that’s not a straight white male are still fighting for their rights. And a rapist businessman became president. Crazy!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Healing and teleportation. 

What’s next?

SCAD!!!! I’ll be majoring in performing arts and minoring in Film and Television. I’ve never been more excited. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Great question! Im not really sure, which is fine. I have a lot of interests within film and theater so I’ll definitely be in one of those fields. Hopefully I’ll have had some experience acting by then and be starting to get into directing. 

Will you come back to visit Center Stage, or are you gone for good when you’re out the door?

I will be back. I don’t think I have a choice :) #alwaysconnected I’ll miss it and everyone in it so much.