Eli Everett – PULSE’s Newest MVP!

First and foremost – congratulations on being PULSE’s newest MVP. Take us back to the beginning of your journey when you fell in love with dance. How old were you, and how did it make you feel?

Thank you! Yeah, as a kid, I always liked the attention I got from dancing around. I wasn’t doing Hip Hop just yet – I was running on the spot, throwing myself around. I thought moving as fast as I could meant I was a good dancer.

One of my core memories was going to my cabin with my family when I was around 5 or 6. We had a little talent show and I decided that dancing would be my talent. We had all these old records lying around, so I grabbed a Footloose record, threw it on, and just moved my feet as fast as I could, but it felt really good.

I didn’t start taking classes until a few years later. At that time, I focused on sports like hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and swimming. I had been searching for my thing until dance took over.

Baby Eli doing a B-Boy freeze

And dance is definitely your thing! But continue. How did it evolve from student and dance groups to being one of PULSE’s top dance instructors and now – a PULSE MVP?

I started taking Gomo’s class at PULSE around the age of 8 with Ryan. I was supposed to be in a more beginner class, but I didn’t want to be separated from him, which motivated me to get the movement down quicker. After a couple of years, I was in Beast Machine. I had 4 years of learning from the legends and OG's of Hip Hop. They included members of Elite Force, Rock Steady, and Electric Boogaloos.

Eventually, I made my way to the Gateway Program, where I did 4 years, with the last two as team captain. Having gone through Tara’s curriculum and gaining all that experience led me to start teaching at the studio.

In the background of all that, I was initiated into my first B-Boy crew, Street Kidz, which my brother and some of his friends were a part of and are now close family. Street Kidz combined with Juice Box Crew (Siah’s crew), to form Team Mayhem. And that’s where we are today.

“I would say I know a little bit about each style, and while I’m not a master at these dances, I take elements from each of them to fuel it back into Breaking. I think that is my superpower.”

How much influence did Ryan (and fellow PULSE MVP) have on your passion for dance?

I fell in love with it on my own at first. But once Ryan started going to PULSE, he became a big influence. The story goes: Ryan got lessons at PULSE as a birthday present, and then he would come home and teach me what he had learned. I thought to myself, “This is awesome.”

Were there other dance inspirations in your life?

At first, it was Ryan, Gomo, and Siah. But these days, I look towards the community for inspiration, but it’s constantly changing.

— who are all former and current dance teachers at PULSE. How has PULSE helped you in becoming the dancer that you are today?

I wouldn't be anything close to who I am without PULSE. My first classes were at PULSE and I do not teach anywhere else. It’s because of their vision. We make sure to bring in authentic knowledge from established dancers in the Hip Hop and Streetdance scenes.

I agree. PULSE is always bringing new and established dancers from all over the globe to inspire its dancers. We know B-Boying is a big part of your dance identity, but what other styles do you gravitate towards?

Through Beast Machine, I was fortunate enough to train in a lot of different styles, such as Locking, Popping, House, Hip Hop, and even Krumping.

Today, Breaking is my main focus, but I teach a lot of Hip Hop. I like to do House for myself – it's a nice release for me.

I would say I know a little bit about each style, and while I’m not a master at these dances, I take elements from each of them to fuel it back into Breaking. I think that is my superpower.

Word on the streets is that you're a very conscientious person who takes a lot of social media breaks.

Yeah, I tend to treat myself like a guinea pig and try a bunch of different things to see what works for me and what doesn't. This artistic journey I’m on allows me to focus on myself instead of consuming what others are doing. I’m very conscientious of balance. I need that balance to find out who I am.

Well said. So inquiring minds want to know: what's on the horizon for you in 2025? What performances and travel opportunities are you currently working towards?

My main goal this year is to try and get out as much as I can. Do as many dance battles across North America. Growing up here in Calgary, I'm very comfortable with myself in this community. But sometimes when I travel, the stress gets the best of me and I don't perform as well. So by building up more experience outside of my hometown, I can build up that confidence. Being uncomfortable at first and then doing it to the point where I’m comfortable with the discomfort.

Next month, I’ll be in Seattle with Ryan for the Rumble Kings anniversary. Later this year, they will announce the Red Bull Canada Breaking Competition. It's a global event with many qualifiers. I know there will be sites in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. I plan on competing in Calgary and probably Vancouver as well. And regardless of how I do, I'm going to head out to Montreal surround myself with the culture and be inspired.

Those are lofty goals and we’re excited for you to step into these new spaces and represent yourself, PULSE, and the Calgary dance community. What is your ultimate goal with dance?

Hopefully, I will make a career out of it and support myself in what I love. I want to be a multi-faceted dancer rather than a specialist. I teach and battle a lot, but I want to do more. I would love to do more show work. I would love to travel for battles and teach abroad.

Okay, I’m sold! What days, times, and dance styles do you teach at PULSE?

I currently teach Beginner Breaking on Tuesdays at 6:30pm and Intermediate Hip Hop on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:45pm. 

“My artistic journey allows me to focus on myself instead of consuming what others are doing. I’m very conscientious of balance. I need that balance to find out who I am.”

Now, for those curious about taking your class, what can new students expect from your teaching style and vibe?

I bring a variety of dance moves and experiment in class. As long as you're open to pushing yourself, I’m happy. I never strive for perfection in my class. I think it's overrated. I never want dance to be something stressful for someone new, but rather offer a healthy challenge.

Photo Credit: @the.glenography

As PULSE’s newest MVP, Eli’s journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and the power of community. From dancing to Footloose in his early days to rising as a leader in Calgary’s dance scene, his story inspires both seasoned dancers and newcomers. Eli’s commitment to growth, both as a teacher and a competitor, is evident in his goals for 2025 — stepping outside his comfort zone, battling across North America, and continuing to share his love for Hip Hop and Breaking. We’re excited to see how Eli’s journey unfolds and how he continues to inspire others on and off the dance floor. Keep moving, keep pushing, and keep representing!

To sign up for one of Eli’s amazing dance classes at PULSE, click on the shiny purple button below!

Written By

@marcgeneroso