Ella Mesma, also known as Maya Gandaia, has carved a unique path in dance, from salsa clubs in Bristol and Leeds to performing globally in Denmark, Serbia, India, Turkey, Spain, Cuba and South Africa.

Ella’s journey began in contemporary dance with encouragement from a friend (thanks Helen Wilson!), leading her to train with Merville Jones, a Phoenix Dance Theatre founder. A life-changing experience in Brazil saw her become one of the first “gringas” to parade as a passista in Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, and it was also in Brazil that she was introduced her to aerial silks.

After beginning to train in breaking in Birmingham, Ella moved to London to study for a postgraduate diploma in Dance at Laban and then she moved to the London School of Contemporary Dance to complete that training (which later became a masters). She later trained with Angel Ortiz in On2 salsa in NYC and Rokafella in breaking on a Lisa Ullman Scholarship.

These experiences led to her diverse career including an apprenticeship with Upswing Circus and performing with Uchenna Dance, Southpaw, Lea Anderson’s The Cholmondeleys, Russell Maliphant and even the Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Ella created her first solo, Evol in 2011, and EMC has since been commissioned by Sadler’s Wells, the National Centre for Circus Arts, and more. Ella has held Associate Artist roles at Dance City, Trinity Centre Bristol, and others, Ella now also choreographs and movement-directs for other companies, and coaches through Maya Gandaia Ltd.

As EMC’s founder, Ella remains committed to nurturing harmony with nature and creating meaningful, inclusive works.

Ella also established the Roots of Rumba Festival (2013-2018) to celebrate Afro-Latin dance, and has a vision to continue to connect and inspire audiences globally.