About the Sonia’s Dream Fund Scholarship
The Sonia’s Dream Fund Scholarship honours the life and vision of Sonia Ellis — our beloved former Artistic Director, Owner, and Matriarch of Seymour Dance. Sonia was a vibrant force in our community who touched the lives of hundreds of dancers and families during her time at the studio. She believed deeply in creating an inclusive space where every child could experience the joy of dance, regardless of circumstance.
After her tragic passing in 2018 at just 44 years old due to brain cancer, a trust — Sonia’s Dream Fund — was created to carry forward her mission and ensure her legacy lives on within the Seymour Dance family.
Today, Sonia’s Dream Fund provides annual scholarships to both junior and senior dancers, helping them continue their training and pursue their passion. It also supports studio improvements, production enhancements, and assists families in special circumstances, reflecting Sonia’s enduring values of access, care, and excellence in dance education.
Fundraisers throughout the year contribute directly to Sonia’s Dream Fund — and every dollar raised helps ensure that future generations of Seymour dancers, even if they never knew Sonia personally, will still be shaped by her legacy.
Seymour Dance is now proudly led by Marissa Heaven, Lauren Overholt, and Katie Gillett, all former students of Sonia, who are deeply committed to upholding the inclusive and inspiring environment she envisioned. Through this scholarship, we continue to dance in her name and honour the impact she made on all of us.
Support Sonia's Dream
APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN MARCH 2026
SUBMISSION PORTAL
PAST WINNERS GALLERY
Our hearts will forever be with our dear and lovely Sonia Ellis; the late Artistic Director, Owner and Matriarch of Seymour Dance. To honour her tremendous generosity, we are honouring her dream of making a scholarship fund for the sole purpose of supporting dancers to pursue their dream of following their hearts and their passion.
Sonia started dancing at the age of three and it was evident, even at such a young age, that she felt the music and danced for the joy of it. Sonia grew up in Edmonton where she trained at the Alberta Ballet School, after four years she received a scholarship to the Edmonton School of Ballet where she excelled, passing her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams with honours. Without this scholarship, she would have never been able to complete her RAD training.
Sonia Ellis taught at Seymour Dance since she was 16 and quickly became a beloved and highly sought-after teacher. In 2007, she was offered the opportunity to purchase Seymour Dance, and she enthusiastically accepted the offer, forming Ellis Performance Arts. Owning a dance school was a dream come true. This offered her the opportunity to share her passion for dance and to recognize those that dance for the joy of it.
Through her tireless efforts, inspiring leadership, and constant nurturing mentorship, the school has continued to grow and transform. Her unconditional positive regard for each individual student was prominent. The school has become a venue for all to experience and express their joy of dance in a safe and caring environment.
Her dedicated team of staff, which contain many alumni students who grew up under Sonia’s mentorship, as well as her loving and doting mother, have been working together to carry on Sonia’s dream and legacy.
The first ever Sonia's Dream Scholarships were awarded Monday, June 10th, 2019, at our Year End Show at the Centennial Theatre!
If you are a business, former student, parent or stranger and want to donate to the Sonia's Dream fund, we are currently accepting Cash or cheques made out to "Sonia's Dream Fund." These donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at the studio or mailed to the below address:
Seymour Dance
808 Lytton Street
North Vancouver, BC
V7H 2T1
CANADA
Thank you so much for supporting children and teens who love the arts!
