Ayvah Collins is a 7-year-old dancer from Delaware. She dances at New Castle Dance Academy.
“I want dance to be more inclusive and diverse, and I want to inspire more dancers that think that dancers have to look a certain way or be perfect to be successful.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
I am generally very shy, but dance allows me to continue to build my confidence every time I hit the stage which ultimately transcends to my everyday life, and I am able to open up more and be more sociable. Dance also helps me to accept who I am…flaws and all!
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
It’s all I know. I love escaping reality sometimes and just going into a world of dance where I can be anyone on stage. It teaches me to never give up and that there will be so many challenges in life.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I want dance to be more inclusive and diverse, and I want to inspire more dancers that think that dancers have to look a certain way or be perfect to be successful. I want to start a nonprofit outreach program tailored toward body positivity and acceptance in the dance industry.