We love featuring burgeoning creators who have a passion for self-expression and creativity. Vancouver, Canada’s Ella Chan is making a name for herself in various artistic fields, showcasing her impressive range and versatility. After she started modeling, acting, and dancing around age five, she fell in love with it. Now, 12-year-old Ella has graced the runway with her striking presence, walking prestigious events — including Vancouver Kids Fashion Week — to showcase the latest fashion trends. Her acting skills have also been put to the test through two short films. Ella’s love for dance is evident in her fluid movements and precision. She’s competed in multiple events, ano earned top spots in The One Dance Experience and the Synergy Dance Competition. In addition to modeling, acting, and dance, Ella is an award-winning rhythmic gymnast, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing routines that blend athleticism, artistry, and music.
Ella’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious, making her a joy to watch and work with. She shares her creative endeavors, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal stories with her growing social media following across platforms. With her diverse talents and infectious charisma, Ella Chan is undoubtedly one to watch in the years to come.
How did it feel to walk Vancouver Kids Fashion Week?
Walking in Vancouver Kids Fashion Week was an exhilarating experience. The energy, the excitement, and the opportunity to showcase beautiful outfits was unforgettable. It felt amazing to be on stage representing the creativity of talented designers and being part of such a prestigious event.
What do you find fun and rewarding about modeling, and what’s not that fun and rewarding about it?
Sometimes you actually get to keep the dresses, which is my favorite part. I also love the photos the photographer takes for me. I don’t like the backstage because there’s so many people, and you have to wait for so long for hair and makeup sometimes. When there’s so many people and it’s crowded, you can’t really breathe — [there’s] too much going on!
What items in your closet can you not be without?
My baggy jeans and tank tops!
What is rhythmic gymnastics and how is it different to regular gymnastics?
It contains a lot of flexibility, like artistic gymnastics. Overstretching is most important in rhythmic gymnastics, and you use apparatuses such as ball, hoop, ribbon and clubs.
What’s it like preparing for a competition, and what actually happens the day of an event?
I wake up really early, like 6:30 a.m., and put on makeup, get my hair done, put on my costume, and go to practice. Then I stretch, do some warm-up exercises, go over the routine, and once I’m on deck, I just let it out!
What advice would you give to others who want to compete in either gymnastics or dance and win?
Some people, like me, get stage fright. You just start panicking and overthinking too much. But sometimes you just have to say to yourself, “Girl, I practiced so much for a really long time, so I just gotta do my best up there.”
Any other tips for handling stage fright?
Well, I always think everybody has the same feelings. Not exactly the same, but they also might feel nervous and overthink like you. Just think that no matter what happens, you’re still going to do well.
If you could only pick ONE art form to do for the next five years, what would you pick: acting, modeling, dance, playing instruments, or rhythmic gymnastics?
I would actually choose acting because I love showing my emotions. I love everything else, too, so it’s so hard to choose. But if I had to choose, it’s acting. I love auditioning. I’ve actually booked two short movies, and I’ve got two callbacks so far for other things, but I’m not sure what’s going to happen with them.
What do you love about auditions?
What I love about acting auditions is the chance to step into different characters and explore various emotions. Each audition is a new challenge and an opportunity to grow as an actor.
What has helped you build your confidence in your creative pursuits?
Building confidence in modeling, acting, dancing, and other activities has come from practice, support from my family and coaches, and believing in myself. Each experience, whether it’s a runway show, an audition, or a dance performance, has taught me something new and helped me become more confident.
For more with Ella Chan, follow her journey on Instagram.
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