At just 10 years old, Putnam County Elementary School student Amelia Wells is already making waves in the dance world.
A dedicated dancer since age three, Amelia’s journey has been marked by passion, perseverance, and a love for expressing herself through movement.
Currently a full member of the Junior Company at The Vibe Dance Center in Milledgeville, Amelia proves that dreams do come true with hard work and dedication.
Amelia’s training under the guidance of her main teachers at The Vibe — Elizabeth Hamil, Christy McCabe, and Abby McCabe —has been intensive and varied. Although her love for dance spans all styles, contemporary dance holds a special place in her heart.
“I compete in solos, duo/trios, and group dances,” Amelia said. “I love contemporary because I can tell a story. It’s a way to be free and express my personality and feelings without saying a word.
“If you’re having a bad day, dance it out,” she added. “If you’re happy, you can show that with dance, too.”
Beyond the stage and studio, Amelia shares her gift through her church’s youth-led worship, often dancing alongside her sister. This passion for connecting with others through dance extends to her love for dance conventions, where she can learn from renowned instructors worldwide.
“It’s good to mix it up so you don’t plateau in your technique or style. You’re also surrounded by dancers from all over. You can learn from watching each other and make new friends,” Amelia said.
Her favorite dance conventions include Radix, Intrigue, Dancemakers, and Dancerpalooza. Amelia’s hard work paid off this year when she received a scholarship at Radix that also took her to California to participate in Dancerpalooza.
Amelia’s passion also extends to the art of improvisation, where she shines brightly.
“It’s definitely challenging, but also a way to get lost in the music and movement. You write the script,” Amelia said.
Her improvisation skills have earned her multiple awards, but one of her most memorable moments was dancing on stage with Lauren Daigle during a concert in Macon.
“I asked Lauren Daigle if I could come dance on stage when she performed the song ‘Thank God I Do.’ She let me come on stage and share my gift with thousands of people. She was so kind and sweet and told me how brave I was,” Amelia recalled.
She said her family members represent her biggest supporters, especially her big sister Maclairyn, who also dances at The Vibe on the Preteen Company.
“My favorite part is performing a duo with her,” Amelia said. “Even though we argue like all siblings do, I love making memories dancing with her.”
Amelia is a talented young dancer and a role model for anyone pursuing their passion wholeheartedly. She remains grounded, grateful, and inspired, with a bright future ahead of her.
“I know I’m very lucky to have all of the opportunities I do with dance, and I’m very thankful as well,” she said.