Ava Suarez is an 11-year-old dancer from New York. She dances at Dynamic Dance Academy.
“I Truly don’t wanna be anywhere but dance…I want to live on stage. It’s where I am most comfortable, and my heart is complete.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
My dance experience has brought me to so many new places. Miss Lisa DeSiena, my mentor and dance teacher, has opened her doors and heart to me. Dynamic Dance Academy is my second home. Miss Lisa teaches me since I am really little, and now I go out there and rock it with the confidence that she instilled in me and all the dancers. I know she is proud of me. She teaches me to be proud of myself. I also have had the pleasure of being in an awesome Nutcracker out in New Jersey. This is my second year that I get to play the role of Frida, the sister of Clara! It’s called The Nutcracker Rocks and the director is Gabriel Chajnik. I love him. It is a wonderful experience to perform in all the shows.
I have many wonderful teachers in my corner Miss Corinne and Miss Nikki give me advice and structure to go with all my dances through my classes as well. This year, just like last, I will be dancing on a cruise ship! That is definitely my favorite thing to do thus far. I will be dancing my two solos in January 2023. My whole family and I get to fly on a plane to Florida then go out into the ocean and on the cruise. Truly amazing. Last year we danced in the Bahamas and I was crowned Junior Miss Starpower International. Starpower has been super awesome place to compete. I wish to compete in all competitions as I dance through the years. This year I will compete two solos. One is choreographed by Miss Lisa. It is lyrical and my costume is stunning, she made It for me. The other solo is Contemporary and It is choreographed by Theresa Stone. Definitely a dream come true solo. Dancing my solos remind me a lot of how I feel when I improv. All the worlds pain just goes away. Music lifts my heart to new heights. There is so many wonderful things that dance brings to me.
I dance 6 days a week but on my 7th day I go to the Dance Tutor. The dance tutor is a place where I get to focus on details in dance moves than I am trying to accomplish and execute. Miss Lauren DiPaolo pushes and directs me to never give up. I admire her sweetness and power. I love when she gets up and show me her fabulous feet so pointed and pretty. None of this would be possible without my parents, especially my mother. Always cheering me on and bringing me to class. She pushes me to grow and always tells me progress is earned. She is my best friend, I would not want to do any of this without her.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance is everything and brought me to find so many awesome instructors, directors, and friends—friendships long lasting—and my brother dances too. I can’t wait to see him dance his tap solo. I’m so proud of him. Truly don’t wanna be anywhere but dance. I do love to sing too, but dancing with my friends in groups keeping it together is so awesome. I want to live on stage. It’s where I am most comfortable and my heart is complete.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
To help other kids gain confidence while they reach new heights and learning along the way. It really can be the best adventure. Every dance step is an awesome journey.
