LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A Lawton Mac graduate has become the first Lawton native to earn a spot on the Oklahoma City Thunder Girls dance team. Elena Manning, who began dancing at age four, said 20 years of training helped turn a lifelong goal into reality.
Manning’s dance career began at Sherri’s Dance Center in Lawton, where years of training built the foundation for her path to the Thunder. She said her commitment to long-term dance grew during middle school after attending her first dance convention and competition.
“I think I decided I wanted to dance long term in middle school — it was the first time I ever went to a dance convention and competition, and I saw others around me, and I was so inspired by the artists they brought in,” Manning said. “I really decided that I wanted to dance in college. In college I decided that I wanted to keep going. I was not done.”
Manning did not make the team after auditioning the previous year. She spent the following year preparing for a second attempt. That preparation earned her a spot in the final round of auditions — a week-long process.
“I feel like it is inspiring to others and not even in dance but other contexts as well that you can really do anything if you work hard,” Manning said.
She learned she made the roster when the team was announced on Instagram.
“I drove to my parents’ house in Lawton the day the team would come out. I spent time with my mom. I opened my phone, I saw on Instagram, the roster — that’s how I found out,” Manning said. “We were running around my house. We were so excited. Our friends started showing up. People started calling me. It was just the most amazing feeling in the world.”
Manning will not be the only Lawton native representing the city in Oklahoma City this season. Fellow Lawton native Julian Davis is returning for a second year as a member of the O’City Crew.
“It feels so full circle, and I really think that I have been able to see my hard work pay off,” Manning said. “I love coming back and teaching and seeing all the people I grew up with. I love feeling the support of my hometown through this journey.”
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