Michaela Nelson showing little dash (4)

I believe the answer is:

elan

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'little dash' is the definition.
'elan' can be an answer for 'dash' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'little' bit.

'michaela nelson showing' is the wordplay.
'showing' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (the answer is shown in the clue).
'ELAN' is hidden in the letters of 'michaela nelson'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elan that I've seen before include "Verve and dash" , "Vivacity, panache" , "Flair and dash" , "spirit" , "Dash in French lane" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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