Created by a First Nations dancer for First Nations dancers, the ELLA Foundation is this month offering a First Nations Ballet Ensemble - an inspiring two-day training program for young mob eager to explore the art of classical ballet.

In the creative two-day program participants will be guided and mentored by renowned Wiradjuri artists, Ella Havelka and Amy Flannery.

Initially founded by Havelka in response to the lack of support for First Nations families seeking access to quality dance training for their children, The ELLA Foundation has grown to become much more than a dance school.

The Foundation now provides financial assistance, enabling young people to pursue dance education, while also offering mentorship and guidance to help them understand potential career pathways within the dance industry.

Havelka said participating dancers can expect an enriching experience from the two-day training program.

"The First Nations Ballet Ensemble is a unique program that brings together eager young dancers to learn ballet technique and repertoire from classically trained Wiradjuri dancers, Havelka said.

"Participants can expect an enriching experience that blends classical ballet with a celebration of First Nations strength and artistry."

With the program catering for all abilities, Havelka said participants will be supported and trained no matter their level of experience.

"Less experienced dancers will be supported and inspired by those with more exposure to classical technique, while we will also ensure that the more experienced dancers are still challenged to grow," she said.

"At the end of the second day, we'll hold an informal performance for friends and family to celebrate this special opportunity and showcase the dancers' progress."

Havelka said the program has been designed as a platform to support and advocate for First Nations youth interested in dance.

"I created the First Nations Ballet Ensemble to provide First Nations youth with a platform to shine in the world of dance, particularly in ballet, which has historically been inaccessible to many Indigenous communities," she said.

"Ballet offers numerous life-affirming benefits and has the potential to tell our stories in a powerful way.

"My goal is to open doors for young dancers to see themselves represented in this art form and to expose them to it at an early age, so they may one day be inspired to teach ballet within their own communities.

"My role in the program involves teaching, mentoring and guiding the dancers, offering both artistic and cultural support to help them grow in all aspects of their ballet journey."

With the program also hosting a free public performance where family and community members can view and celebrate dancers' achievements, Havelka hopes participants leave the program with a new found self-confidence surrounding dance.

"I hope that participants leave the program feeling empowered, confident, and deeply proud of their cultural identity," she told Style Up.

"Ballet is a powerful form of self-expression, and I want each dancer to walk away with the belief that they can achieve greatness, no matter the path they choose.

Havelka said she has bold ambitions for The ELLA Foundation.

"Looking to the future, I aim to expand the workshop to reach even more First Nations youth across Australia, providing more opportunities for them to connect with their culture, grow as dancers, and feel a sense of belonging within the broader arts community," she said.

"With students already traveling interstate, I also hope to build a network of future First Nations ballet teachers who can take ballet back to their communities, teaching it with pride and breaking down the fear or shame that often surrounds the unknown."

In addition to scholarships, the Foundation creates opportunities for recipients to participate in workshops in both Sydney and Wagga Wagga, helping break down barriers and foster a strong, supportive network for emerging First Nations dancers.

Havelka said the foundation has major plans to expand their programs this year, reaching more young people.

"This year, the ELLA Foundation is supporting 36 First Nations youth through our Scholarship and Mentoring Programs, with 9 dedicated First Nations mentors guiding them," she said.

"We're planning another on-Country visit to Wagga Wagga during the September school holidays to provide workshops for First Nations youth from across the Riverina region.

"We're also excited to partner with various arts and cultural organisations, including the Australian Ballet Education and Outreach Team and The Department of Education Arts Unit, to deliver our programs.

"Additionally, we aim to open our Scholarship and Mentoring Program applications in November."

The First Nations Ballet Ensemble two-day training program will be held on the 15th – 16th April 2025.

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