Ella Newman (she/her) is a dancer, artist, and creator from Falls Church, Virginia, and is a 2025 graduate from Shenandoah University (SU) where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance.
She began her dance journey in 2008 with Baileys Dance Company where she trained primarily in modern dance.
In 2017, she began training in numerous styles including contemporary, jazz, tap, acrobatics, partnering, and ballet at Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts. From 2019 to 2020, she received additional training in modern, ballet, and jazz from the Fairfax Dance Academy. She has participated as a featured dancer in the musical, A Chorus Line in 2019.
During her time at SU, Ella had the opportunity to work with artists Ehizoje Ezeke (Zojea), Mike Esperanza, and Danielle Sten-Guillermo, as well as train with faculty Tiffanie Carson, Daniel Padierna, Shylo Martinez, Mary Robare, Erica Helm, Lindsay Browning, Ruddy Frias, and Maurice Fraga. She performed at the American College Dance Association conferences in 2022 and 2023 where she performed work by Becca Hopkins and Tiffanie Carson.
Professionally, Ella has performed as a dancer at Kings Dominion’s Grand Carnival in 2023 and also attended Summer Study at Steps On Broadway in New York City in 2024.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Setbacks in other athletic pursuits ultimately led me to dance, and taking a year after high school guided me to the right university. I grew up in a modest two-bedroom apartment, sharing a room for most of my life—but many people share similar beginnings.
What I feel sets me apart is a deep sense of purpose and an unwavering passion. I believe that art belongs to everyone. While not everyone may seek out art, it always finds a way to reach people.
I dance because it speaks to my soul. I dance because it stirs something in others—something words often can’t capture. Art is expression in its purest form.
My hope is to inspire others through my art, just as I was once inspired, and to continue discovering new ways of seeing the world—inviting others to look with me.
