Celebrating Diversity in Dance: The Stories of Elle Tepper and Charli Jones
In the vibrant dance community of Atlanta, Georgia, two young talents shine brightly, each with their own unique journey and passion for dance. Meet Elle Tepper and Charli Jones, two remarkable dancers breaking barriers and inspiring others with their dedication, resilience, and love for movement.
Elle Tepper, at the age of 10, and Charli Jones, at 11, share a common thread in their love for dance, but their individual stories showcase the diversity and richness within the world of performing arts.
Elle Tepper, a dedicated brown ballerina hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of 2. Her journey is not only marked by her exceptional talent but also by her commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life. In addition to her rigorous ballet training, Elle is a member of her school’s honors chorus, a skilled flutist, and Vice President of her school’s student council. Despite facing the challenge of joining a new dance level at the age of 8, Elle’s resilience and determination propelled her forward, transforming her into a stronger and more confident dancer. Through her dedication and mentorship, Elle embodies the spirit of community within the dance world, inspiring others with her passion and perseverance.
Charli Jones, a vivacious 11-year-old dancer from Atlanta, Georgia, discovered her love for dance at the age of 2, with jazz as her preferred style. Alongside her dance training, Charli is an integral part of her school’s drill team and finds joy in mentoring younger dancers at her studio. Charli’s journey as a brown ballerina has been marked by her unwavering determination to push herself to new heights. While she hasn’t encountered many challenges, Charli recognizes the importance of staying ahead in the dance world and strives to continuously challenge herself. For Charli, dance is not just a passion—it’s a form of self-expression and freedom that sets her apart and fuels her love for movement.
Both Elle and Charli draw inspiration from their families, with Elle looking up to her mom and sister Éva for guidance and support, and Charli finding strength and encouragement from her mother, who serves as her biggest supporter and role model. They share a common vision of seeing brown ballerinas represented and celebrated on a larger scale, whether it’s through movies, shows, or magazines, inspiring future generations of dancers to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
As they prepare for their upcoming performances and the premiere of the new YouTube series “AREA Academy” on March 29th at 8pm, Elle and Charli stand as shining examples of diversity, talent, and resilience in the world of dance. You can follow their journey and stay updated on their endeavors by connecting with them on Instagram at @theellemonet and @myareaproductions.
Elle Tepper and Charli Jones’s stories serve as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and representation, anything is possible in the world of dance. Their voices and talents are a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion, inspiring dancers of all backgrounds to embrace their uniqueness and shine brightly on stage and beyond.