Students get a glimpse of an up and coming star

Students visiting the Patel Conservatory for a panel discussion yesterday got treated to a special performance.

Ethan Fuller

Ballet student Ethan Fuller was training on the third floor with Peter Stark, and agreed to perform.

Fuller recently auditioned for Billy Elliot on Broadway. The floppy-haired, well-spoken 12-year-old shared his experience with the students and then showed off his audition piece that won over Broadway execs.

“I was in New York for a summer intensive and I was asked to audition for the show,” explained Fuller, totally comfortable in front of an impromptu audience.

He was studying with Complexions Contemporary Ballet when spotted by a top New York choreographer. “It was really cool. They kept on bringing me back to run scenes and introduce me to people.”

Fuller has been dancing since he was seven years old, focusing on contemporary ballet. He currently lives in Cocoa Beach and drives to the Patel Conservatory three times a week to train with Stark.

For the role of Billy, he was asked to sing, act and learn tap and acro routines. He also got to meet the main choreographer of the show, who choreographed the movie and the London production. While Fuller hasn’t been hired yet, his future on Broadway looks promising.

“It’d be cool just to live in New York,” he said.

Fuller wowed the group with his expressive movement and exceptional talent.

Thanks, Ethan, for sharing. Extraordinary moments happen here at the Patel on the road to success.