Meet Ellie Jump: A 4th Grade Norwegian Dancer with Big Dreams

What do horses, grocery store dance moves, and traditional Norwegian bunads have in common? They’re all part of the amazing journey of Ellie Jump, a spirited St. Ann School 4th grader who took center stage as one of this year’s Norwegian dancers. We caught up with Ellie to hear about her love for dancing, what it was like preparing for the big performances, and how cheese curds made it all even better!

Getting to Know Ellie

Ellie Jump is a proud Stoughton local who fills her days with horse riding, softball, and spending time with her sister. At school, you’ll find her shining brightest in her favorite subject—art. But when she's not sketching or painting, she’s probably dancing—especially if there's a catchy tune involved.
“I’ve loved dancing since I was little,” Ellie says. “I would record silly dance videos or just make up moves at home for fun.”

Joining the Tradition: Becoming a Norwegian Dancer

Ellie’s journey to the 4th Grade Norwegian Dancers started with a little help from a family friend. “Gage’s mom reached out to mine and encouraged me to apply,” Ellie shares. “My mom used to babysit Gage, so I hoped if I got in, he’d be my partner!”
Having watched the Norwegian Dancers perform during Syttende Mai week in past years, Ellie knew this was something she wanted to be part of. “It was always my favorite when they visited our school,” she says. “I thought it would be fun to learn the dances and perform with them.”
When Ellie found out she had been selected, she was thrilled—especially since she was the only student from St. Ann’s to make the team. “I was so excited to pick out a bunad to wear!” she says.

Early Mornings & Practice Challenges

Ellie’s path to the stage wasn’t all smooth sailing—it required dedication and lots of practice. “We had to practice every Tuesday morning before school,” she explains. “And I practiced at home almost every night—sometimes even in the grocery store aisles!”
She learned three different dances, each with its own rhythm and footwork. “One of them had us switching partners throughout the song, which was really fun,” she recalls. Her favorite move? “When I got to sit on my partner’s shoulder!”
The biggest challenge? “Keeping up with my partner, Gage. He’s really tall, so we both had to adjust to make it work.”

Taking the Stage: Syttende Mai Performances

All that practice paid off during the Syttende Mai festivities. Ellie performed one of her favorite dances during the Norse Afternoon of Fun and again at her school, St. Ann. “It was nerve-wracking to be the only one performing, but also really fun!” she says.
Her classmates were amazed and impressed, watching in awe as Ellie confidently stepped, twirled, and smiled her way through the routine. Many were inspired and commented on how cool the dances were. It’s not often they get to see someone their own age perform with such poise and cultural pride. You can ​catch a glimpse of Ellie's performance in the reel we shared on ​our Facebook and Instagram pages over the weekend.
This performance was part of a broader celebration in Stoughton, which hosts one of the largest Syttende Mai festivals in the country. The event features three days of parades, music, dancing, food, and activities that celebrate Norwegian culture—a tradition St. Ann School proudly supports through student participation. On the Friday of Syttende Mai weekend, students take walking field trips to downtown Stoughton to enjoy the special festivities, shop the unique vendors, and soak in the cultural atmosphere. St. Ann School also joined the celebration by entering a float in the Sunday parade—decorated with the help of students, who then got the thrill of riding in it and waving to the cheering crowds.

Looking Ahead

Though Norwegian dancing is Ellie’s first official foray into performance, she hopes it won’t be her last. “I want to be a Norwegian Dancer again in high school,” she says.
What has she learned from this experience? “It takes a lot of practice to learn and remember all the dances,” she reflects. And her advice for other kids thinking about joining? “Don’t be scared—just go for it. It was so much fun and I would definitely do it again.”

Bonus Round: Just for Fun

Wearing a bunad made Ellie feel like she was truly stepping into a tradition. “It felt good—like I was a real Norwegian dancer.”
And if she could perform anywhere in the world? “Norway—because it’s where the dances come from. And California—so I could share the culture with a bunch of people.”

A Proud Moment for St. Ann School

Ellie’s journey highlights the kind of meaningful learning that happens when school, culture, and community come together. At St. Ann School, we believe in nurturing the whole child—spiritually, academically, emotionally, and culturally. Celebrations like Syttende Mai allow our students to step outside the classroom and connect with the heritage that makes our community so unique.
Whether they’re dancing, walking through downtown Stoughton to explore local vendors, or riding in a float they helped decorate, our students are living out the mission of St. Ann School: to grow in faith, knowledge, and service—together.
We are so proud of Ellie and all our students who bring joy, pride, and spirit to everything they do. Moments like these remind us why St. Ann School continues to be such a special place for children to grow.

Are you looking for a school where your child can thrive in faith, academics, and community? Learn more about St. Ann School and how we can help your child grow into the best version of themselves. Visit our website’s homepage to schedule a tour or contact us today!