TUSCALOOSA Ala.—As talk turns to dance, a grin spreads across Stillman College student Ellory Nichols’ face.
“I just want to dance for the rest of my life,” she said.
Nichols fell in love as a 5-year-old watching a performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet. Watching dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov cemented her passion.
“I begged, begged to be in dance,” said the 21-year-old, who has studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance and aerobatics.
That passion inspired Nichols to start a dance troupe at Stillman this fall that is open to anyone who enjoys dance. Struck by the limited dance opportunities at Stillman, Nichols said she began talking with students and faculty soon after transferring from Shelton State Community College about the possibility of starting a group on campus.
Nichols is in the process of forming the first ballet company on campus. She said she hopes the group can perform “The Nutcracker” next December. Right now, Nichols is working with her adviser to find funds and sponsors.
The art major also dreams of having a dance degree program at Stillman and establishing her own community dance company in Tuscaloosa, where she could share her passion with others. It’s a dream Nichols’ mother, Debra Nichols, believes her daughter is driven enough to achieve.
