2011-12 Luvabulls: Meet Ellis

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What does being a member of the Luvabulls mean to you?

Being a member of the Luvabulls is nothing short of a dream come true. I had been counting down the days until I was able to try out for the Luvabulls. The experience so far will never be forgotten and it is more than I had ever expected. I feel so honored and humbled to be amongst a group of a women who are respected and looked up to nationwide. I have never been more proud.

What is your claim to fame—besides being a Luvabull?

Besides being on this amazing team, my claim to fame is being on many nationwide hair tool products' packaging.

How has your dancing experience led you to this point?

Without question the years of training in multiple styles of dance choreography that I learned from Gould Academy of Dance Arts and all the functions that came along with that have proven to give me a solid base in pursuing dance at the professional level. Since I attended a performing arts high school I got the chance to work with many different professional choreographers at a young age and that really contributed to learning the art of performing for all ages. My college dance career was not text book, but I believe the obstacles and choices I made got me here today. Sacrifice, discipline, and motivation are what dance has taught me and I am happy to be able to use what I have learned not only as a Luvabull but in many aspects of life.

Describe the feeling of hearing your number called at tryouts as you made the Luvabulls

Overwhelming emotions is all I can see fitting for describing how I felt after I heard my number. After my thoughts of “they did say 6 right?” were confirmed my chest tightened up so bad because I was holding in the tears! I just kept thinking “hold it together, you do not want to look like a crazy person on television”. I just remember looking around at everyone there telling myself to never forget this moment.

What do you do for a living?

I would like to call myself a full-time go getter. Whenever I have time I am continuously going on interviews for job opportunities in the Sports Marketing field in anticipation of my December 2011 graduation date. I am currently a full-time student and I travel to school (an hour and half drive) twice a week for class. Keeping up with 17 credits is a full-time job in itself. While I am at school I bartend at a school bar once a week to make gas money! I am also a sports intern in the Chicago media and I work there both days on the weekend. Then the Luvabulls get the rest of the days of the week!

What is your proudest accomplishment to date and where do you see yourself in 10 years?

My proudest accomplishment to date is right now! This has been a goal and dream of mine for years and it just feels amazing to have accomplished it; I hope this not the end. In ten years I see myself being a successful media relations director in the sports entertainment field, a happy contributor to society, and a healthy women! Whatever else comes along will be welcomed.

What people do you admire the most and how have they supported or inspired you as a dancer?

Obviously my family number one and the people really close to me I admire immensely. My family has sacrificed everything for my love of dance and they pushed me at all the right times and always made me feel I had people to fall back on. My dance teachers throughout the years, WOW, you all are amazing! I think in general this experience has taught me about motivation, doing more than what’s expected of you, and the true value of hard work. I admire and give shout outs to all the people out there making things happen for themselves even when circumstances say otherwise.