WATCH ABOVE: Taylor Hatala became an Internet sensation after a YouTube video of her ‘Anaconda’ dance went viral. On Wednesday, the 11-year-old shared her moves on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
EDMONTON – An 11-year-old girl from Sherwood Park, Alberta has been thrust into the international spotlight — all thanks to her dance moves.
It began with a YouTube video of Taylor Hatala and choreographer Laurence Kaiwai dancing to Nicki Minaj’s ‘Anaconda.’ In the two weeks it’s been online, the video has received more than 7 million views.
WATCH: The video that brought Sherwood Park’s Taylor Hatala and Laurence Kaiwai, originally from New Zealand, social media stardom
The video also happened to catch the eye of Ellen DeGeneres, who invited Hatala and her choreographer to perform on her show.
The two, along with Hatala’s parents, flew to California for the taping on Tuesday.
“It was out-of-this world exciting, it was like a dream come true,” said Hatala.
Back in Sherwood Park, a viewing party was held at her aunt’s house, where her family and friends gathered to cheer her on as she made her big television debut.
Hatala’s dance career spans eight of her 11 years. She started with ballet, jazz and tap before moving on to hip-hop when she was about six. She currently dances at the Kore Dance Studio in Edmonton.
Jennifer Mills, the artistic director of Hyperflex Dance Studio where Hatala got her start, has watched her dancing evolve over the years. Mills says this couldn’t have happened to a more deserving young girl.
“She is the hardest-working, most genuine, big-hearted kid that you could ever meet.”
Her dad says he couldn’t be more proud of his little girl. He even admits to tearing up a few times on Tuesday, and hopes that this is just the beginning.
“From here, the sky’s the limit. Everything’s happened so quick…but it’s just a huge honour. So — very, very proud dad right now.”
With files from Shallima Maharaj, Global News
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