Ella Simmens

What companies/classes are you currently in?

I am apart of the Sr. Cats Company, I am a Tap Cat 1 and apart of the tap selective Hoofers Company. I take acting and tap on Tuesday’s, ballet and Mickeys company class Wednesday, I have ballet and technique on Thursday and on Saturday is ballet, Michelle’s small group, Tori’s hybrid/Sr dance, and the Cats production class. 

 When did you start at Center Stage?

I first started Center Stage when I was 6 years old. 

 Do you remember your first dance routine?

My first routine was Please Don’t Stop The Music with Sue Garahan!

 What was your Center Stage journey?

I started Center Stage when I was 6 years old, and had Sue for jazz for a while. I had these classes with my best friends who are actually all a year older! We did Cops And Robbers, we were Pink Panthers and many more. I joined tap with Pam and did Dear Future Husband, Newsies, Umbrella and others. I really started to figure out I loved tap then. I joined Jr. Cats and was at Marlboro studio on Fridays, while being in EB the other days! I met so many great people there and became great friends with them. Eventually, I joined CATS company and after being a Jr. Tap Cat, was a regular Tap CAT!

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

I have made many friends and memories dancing at Center Stage, everyone has become my family and the studio is my second home. I always have somewhere to go after school to just have guaranteed fun!

 Do you do other outside of school activities?

Nope! I just dance outside of school. 

 Though you are certainly a well-rounded dancer, Tap seems to really push your buttons.  Why?

I feel Tap is a very unique type of dance. You don’t have to worry how you look as much, especially with your upper body. It is very easy for me to be able to hear music and find the rhythms needed. I feel like everyone has the ability to dance, tap however is very unique and is my own special thing I have going for me. Tap is also an easy way to really be able to express and feel yourself!

 When you started dance classes, did you ever imagine you were going to come out of it with training on stilts?

I definitely never imagined coming out of Center Stage with training on stilts. Ballet has never been my favorite style of dance, and being Mother Ginger in the Nutcracker just sounded like a once in a lifetime experience. I have a ballet dance this year and classes, but would never go on stilts again. 

 Have you considered tap dancing on stilts?

That definitely does not seem very safe, so no! That would be very funny though. 

 If you could snap your fingers and have all the skills and training necessary for any job in the world, what job would you choose?

I would chose to work on the set of a Netflix TV show or movie in Los Angeles. Ever since I was little, I love Los Angeles and going on tours of all the sets. 

 If someone were to write you a personalized self-help book that would make living your life a breeze and a joy, what would the book be called?

The Incredibly, Spectacular, Crazy, Wild Life of Ella Jane Simmens. 

 As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a surgeon like Meredith Grey from Greys Anatomy. 

 Did you have an imaginary friend?  Do you still?

Nope, I never did, but I did and still have my baby blanket i sleep with and bring everywhere!

 If you could hang out with any cartoon character, who would it be?

SpongeBob. He seems so friendly and fun to be around. 

 If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be?

Makeup. I really don’t like wearing it or taking it off. 

What’s next?

I’m going to Tulane University in New Orleans! I am currently undecided but was thinking about Marketing. 

 Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I see myself living somewhere most likely not in New Jersey, starting a family!

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

I will definitely be back at Center Stage, and will be visiting every time I am home! I still have my sister at Center Stage and so many friends to see!