In our ongoing celebration of Charleston Dance Center’s 25th anniversary, we’re thrilled to feature Ellie Davis Fenwick, an alumna whose passion and adventurous spirit has taken her from the CDC stage to audiences worldwide.
A Journey from CDC to the World
Ellie’s journey began even before the doors of Charleston Dance Center opened. She danced for years with Buffi at Dance Unlimited, knowing she’d follow her when Just Dance! (now Charleston Dance Center) launched in 2000. From that first day until her graduation in 2006, Ellie was an integral part of our CDC family.
After her time at CDC, she attended the College of Charleston, earning her degree in biology while also leading the College of Charleston dance team as captain for four years. But life had even bigger adventures in store—after a spontaneous audition, Ellie was offered a position to dance on a cruise ship. She spent the next year performing across the globe, from the Caribbean to Australia, and everywhere in between!
Once back in Charleston, Ellie continued to pursue her passion for dance, performing in the “Charleston Christmas Special,” a show that has featured several CDC alumni. Ellie eventually returned to CDC as a staff member, where she shared her love for dance with the next generation of Just Dancers before moving to England with her husband, Tom in 2016. Today, Ellie has taken on a new adventure- raising two little boys, Jack and Mason, with her husband Tom, in Palmdale, California.
Reflecting on her time at CDC, Ellie shares a lasting lesson:
“I learned that you can have more than one family. I love my dance family and even 25 years later, they are my people.”
A Standout CDC Memory
One of Ellie’s most unforgettable experiences was filming a pilot for MTV’s The Dance. The Just Dance! hip-hop crew competed against other groups, with celebrity judges like singer Mario evaluating each performance. “One of the coolest memories I have is when a small group of us got to make a pilot for MTV,” Ellie recalls. “We won the first round hands down—the energy was insane, with the lights, cameras, and cheering crowds all around.”
After their initial success, the MTV crew traveled to Charleston to capture more of their lives. They even visited Ellie’s dorm room at the College of Charleston for a personal interview. “It was surreal,” she says. Though the crew ultimately placed second in the final round, this unique pilot project later inspired MTV to launch the hit show America’s Best Dance Crew.
Ellie’s experience with MTV was a moment that captured the thrill of pursuing dreams, working hard, and embracing the journey. It’s memories like these that have shaped her outlook on dance and life.
As she reflects on her time at CDC and beyond, Ellie’s advice to current and future dancers is both timeless and valuable:
“Focus, Practice, Be Respectful, and Have Fun!”
Ellie’s journey highlights how dedication to dance can lead to new opportunities, lasting memories, and an unbreakable sense of family at CDC.
Stay tuned for more Alumni Spotlights as we celebrate 25 incredible years of Charleston Dance Center.