Elli Hugo

Published in Print July 2025 order now!

By Danielle Brown

In 2019, Elli Hugo stood out as one of Australia’s most promising young performers. A graduate of the National College of Dance, she earned a coveted National Student Star Award and was featured in Dancetrain magazine’s November issue. At the time, Elli was recognised for her fierce work ethic, magnetic stage presence, and passion for the craft. Today, she continues to live out the potential that made her a standout then — with an international career that’s seen her take centre stage on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, performing across the globe.
For senior dance students navigating HSC syllabi and considering full-time options for 2026, Elli’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when raw talent meets the right training environment. Her success is not just a personal triumph — it’s a living testament to the world-class preparation provided by the National College of Dance.

Elli credits the National College of Dance with providing the solid foundation she needed to transition into the industry with confidence. “The transition was scary,” she admits, “but it was more exciting realising that all my years of hard work had paid off for this exact moment. I couldn’t imagine not taking that first flight over to the USA six years ago, as my life would’ve been very different.”

That leap — from the structured intensity of full-time training to the fast-paced demands of a professional cast — is often where many young dancers stumble. For Elli, the support and discipline instilled at National were critical. “I’m extremely grateful that I received an immense amount of support from my family and friends to endure on a journey that has continued to present day.”

Dancers currently studying through academic programs know the importance of technique and commitment, but Elli reminds us that there’s so much you can’t prepare for until you’re truly in it.

“You can be taught a million things in training and receive plenty of advice from teachers,” she says, “but you never understand the professional life until you dip your toes in and set yourself on that first job. Working with incredible performers who may have been in the job 5, 10 or 15 years before you throws you into a world of professionalism that can be overwhelming at first. But you soon realise that you are here doing the same job with them because you are just as amazing.”

That balance of humility and confidence is something she developed over time, grounded in the self-belief and adaptability that the National College of Dance fosters in its students.

While her training was grounded in ballet and contemporary — the core offerings at NCD — Elli now performs in productions that demand an entirely different skill set.

“My job can be the complete opposite. Of course there are aspects of technique that absolutely need to be apparent, but the switch from pointe shoes to heels and showgirl backpacks was something I had no idea about,” she laughs. “I’ve had to learn a lot about what I do while I’ve been doing it. And I’m more than grateful to continually learn from the professionals in each new cast I’m in.”

For younger dancers considering full-time study, Elli’s advice is direct: “Don’t just look at the cool school with all the followers because they’re popular on Instagram or have a TV show. Strive to find a studio that will train you in exactly what you want to be — and one that will absolutely create a job for you in the future.”

One of the biggest misconceptions about life as a professional dancer is that it’s all work and no play. But for Elli, travel, connection, and self-reflection are just as important as rehearsals and costume calls.

“My job comes with a lot of travel and seeing the most beautiful things. I take time to go for long walks in one country and then sit and eat a big lunch the next day in another. The same bond you learn to have with your friends in full-time will carry on with you when you’re in a cast of 22.”

And while technique is important, she says the real glue in this industry is how you show up for others. “In the professional world, other than physically dancing, it’s all about relationship, thoughtfulness and admiration for the other performers you’re working with.”

Even now, with six years of industry experience, Elli doesn’t take her foot off the pedal. “Some of my shows now are really difficult, so I need to continue to train so there are no injuries that cause a loss of a contract. You will need to continue to better yourself for yourself,” she says.

With no permanent studio and sometimes limited access to structured classes, Elli gets creative. “Contracts can be a long time away from easily accessible studios, so you need to benefit from learning choreography from other cast members or creating on them yourself with your own art. Keeping your brain hungry for information, learning constantly and loving your job will make you a better performer.”

At just 24, Elli has already carved out a career that many dream of. But for her, success isn’t about racking up credits — it’s about contentment and growth.

“My long-term goal is the same as my short-term: to be happy and healthy in whatever comes my way. Whether that’s dancing for another 80 years or stopping completely in a month. I feel like I’ve achieved the most a performer can when it comes to the professional world, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

She adds, “From the people, the stage, the cultures and the costumes, everything happens for a reason and this life is something I’ll hold on to dearly. Enjoy every bit of it while you can, love what you do — and just dance!”

If you’re a school-based dancer considering what comes next, Elli Huog’s story offers a clear message: choose a program that feels right for you. National College of Dance reputation within the industry speaks volumes — as does the success of graduates like Elli.

With a focus on technique, adaptability, and mentorship, National doesn’t just produce dancers. It produces professionals.

And if your dream is to wake up every day excited to train, to perform, and to grow — Elli’s advice rings true: “Love your training by choosing what you enjoy most.”