Elliana Poledica is a 9-year-old dancer from Ohio. She dances at Natalie’s Dance Company.
“I’m not the perfect dancer, and I might not have all the skills and tricks yet, but I know how much dance helps me to be disciplined to practice and take pride in getting better and better everyday both physically and mentally.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
My dance experience began at age 2 and a half. I joined the regional competition team around 3 and a half years old. I am now 8, about to turn 9 next week! Last year was my first official year being a soloist and part of a trio. I also dance in group dances such as jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical/contemporary, and production. When I was 5, I had a tap solo but only got to compete it once due to it being the year of COVID. Last year I did a jazz solo. This year I am also doing a jazz solo but what’s exciting about this year is that I am finally on our award-winning national competition team. I also take acro and finally have most of my tricks except I’m still trying to land my aerial. My mom and I spend a lot of time together because she was a dancer and she also is a teacher at my studio so we’re always doing something dance related. This year I get to help assist a class of minis.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance is my life. I say my studio is my home away from home and my dance family is really that. My FAMILY. Dance has brought me all of my best friendships and memories. I dance nonstop. I love making TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube videos dancing by myself or with my dance sisters. Dance has helped my social anxiety a lot. I still get nervous though about having to talk into the microphone at comps. Normally, one of my dance sisters will speak for me. Last year, when I won a hip hop improv, I was too scared to go up and get my trophy but one of my dance sisters got it for me and said my name. It made me so happy!
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I want to help dancers and anyone thinking of dancing to know that dance can help you find yourself and be yourself. If you are like me and have Selective Mutism you can use dance as your voice and to make friends. I want to be a role model to anyone who’s been afraid or felt they weren’t good enough. I’m not the perfect dancer and I might not have all the skills and tricks yet, but I know how much dance helps me to be disciplined to practice and take pride in getting better and better every day both physically and mentally.
