WATCH ABOVE: Local child dance sensation Taylor Hatala chats about being on tour with Janet Jackson and gives Mike Sobel a dance lesson in the Global Edmonton studio!
EDMONTON – A young phenom from Sherwood Park is continuing to awe the dance world with her incredible ability.
After posting a dance video on YouTube that garnered millions of views, Taylor Hatala performed on the Ellen Degeneres Show last year.
Now, the 12-year-old is working as a dancer on Janet Jackson’s world tour.
“I am so thankful for all of the support and everything. I definitely could of never imagined me being where I am today,” said Taylor while appearing on Global Edmonton’s Morning News on Thursday.
The tour is making a stop in Edmonton Thursday night, giving Taylor an opportunity to perform in front of family and friends.
Taylor went through a lengthy audition process to land a spot as one of nine dancers on the tour. Taylor and another girl are the only ones under the age of 20.
“It’s so exciting. I’m very thankful,” said Taylor. The Sherwood Park native said getting to know Janet Jackson has been a wonderful experience.
“She’s kind, she’s so generous, she cares about everyone who works with her and for her.”
The world tour could take as long as two years so Taylor isn’t going to school; instead she’s doing online schooling with the help of a teacher.
“It’s definitely going to be a change, but as long as I’m getting my schooling in that’s all that matters,” Taylor said.
The young prodigy has aspirations to also become an actor and singer.
Taylor started dancing at the age of three. She began 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.