'Dance is my heart:' Health challenges don't stop Sanford girl from becoming Teen Miss Dance of NC

After more than decade of dancing, a 14-year-old Sanford girl's hard work and determination earned her a step closer to achieving her dream. Now, she's asking the community help her take her passion for dance to the national stage.

Ella Wilson, who has been dancing since she was a toddler, broke into tears when her name was announced as the title winner of the title Teen Miss Dance of NC in the Carolina Dance Masters competition.

"When I won, I didn't really believe I won – because I've been working for this specific title since I was 7 years old," says Wilson. "And it was probably the best feeling in the world because – something you work so hard for and finally getting it."

Wilson dances around 3.5 to 4.5 hours each day after school, balancing her love of dance with school, homework and friends. Wilson has also been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and Alopecia Universalis.

She emotionally recalls getting a standing ovation for her hard work, and being hugged by each title holder as she received her crown, saying, "If I could re-live that moment every single time, I would."

Dancer's Workshop, the dance studio she has attended since early childhood, has become her family.

"They have been with Ella when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and then when she lost all of her hair we had a shaving party here," says Ashley Wilson, her mother. "They've been so supportive and loving. So for them to watch her work so hard and then win this huge title, it was an extremely emotional night for everyone. There were tears everywhere."

Learning to dance in the rain

While being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or losing their hair to alopecia is not news anyone hopes to receive, especially at such a young age, Wilson fully embraces who she is – and has found strength and beauty in it.

"I have alopecia, and so my hair falls out. My immune system just attacks my hair follicles," she says. "When I was in 4th grade, all of my family and friends came to my house to support me at my 'shaving party.' First, I got to shave my mom's head. And then she shaved my head. And afterwards we had a party."

Then, just one week later, at only 9 years old, she had to take the stage and perform in front of a crowd – having just lost her hair.

"The very next weekend was our first competition where she had to get up on stage with no hair and perform -- and she rocked it out," says her mom.

Her team has stood by her through it all, even learning what they should do if Wilson were to pass out or need insulin.

"Sometimes when I dance, I either get super high or really low. When I get low, I have to sit out – and I hate doing that – and take something to get my blood sugar to where it needs to be. When I'm high, my senses get very heightened, and the music feels super loud, I have a head ache. But I work through it, and it doesn't really effect my dancing," says Wilson.

Tori Melby, dance teacher and owner of Dancer's Workshop, credits Wilson's alopecia with strengthening Wilson's performances. She's become stellar at using enhanced facial expressions on stage to convey emotion.

Wilson says at times, like any teenager, she feels insecure. But the support and love of her friends and team mates lift her up and remind her she's beautiful and worthy.

"The diagnosis definitely changed my life, but for the better," says Wilson."There are definitely some plus sides and some down sides from it, but I wouldn't do anything to change it," she said.

Dreaming of the road to nationals

Wilson specializes in all kinds of dance, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, tap and point. She uploads videos of her dancing on her Facebook Page.

Now that she's won the title of Teen Miss Dance of NC, many doors are opening for her. But she's asking the community for support in raising money to attend nationals for Dance Masters of America, which includes a 12-day stay that she has to pay for herself.

Her teacher Melby has trained two other national winners in previous years, meaning Wilson is in good hands to become the next winner.

"The two that I had before are currently dancing professionally in LA and New York. It provides them with a lot of open doors," said Melby. "The competition comes with a lot of national recognition."

The competition includes interviews; competition classes in ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics; rehearsals for an opening number and a formal banquet. It allows time to make friends with peers from around the country, meet industry leaders and network, and be seen on a national stage to set her up for future success.

Wilson is hoping to raise $10,000 to help cover expenses.

"If there's a child that deserves it, it's this one," says her teacher.

She has started a GoFundMe to help raise money for the dream she's worked for nearly her entire life. She's raised nearly $2,000 so far.

"I've had a lot of kids who have come and gone, lots of amazing dancers – but this one has a light that you can't dim. It just beams from inside her like nothing I've ever seen before when she's on stage."

She dreams of performing on Broadway and owning her own dance studio – maybe even taking over the one she's spent her entire life with.

"Dance is something I want to do for the rest of my life. It's been for me there since I was a little girl. I can really express my emotions and do what I love," says Wilson.