Rising Stars: Meet Avery Gay of Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery Gay

Hi Avery , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am from Scottsdale, Az and began performing and dancing at the age of 4. I was quickly hooked on the feeling I got from performing for an audience. I have the reputation of being a trailblazer. Dancing ballet fusion mixing classical ballet with other exciting genres. I’ve gotten to travel the world performing in galas and dancing on tv shows. I was most recently featured in this season of So You Think Can Dance where I showcased my ballet training and made top 10!I was also featured dancing with my partner on the Qualifiers, The Duals and The Cut for NBC World of Dance. Prior to that, I was featured as the youngest dancer to dance on pointe for a prime time TV show, NBC’s Little Big Shots and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance next generation.

I was honored to be awarded The Dance Awards mini Female Best Dancer as well as Junior Female Best Dancer at the dance awards. These accomplishments have led me to not only be
featured in several magazines including Dance Spirit Magazine as “You Should Know”, but in
2021 I have a studio room named after me The Studio International in Canberra, Australia.

Giving back is so important to me. I organized a fundraiser to sell my gently worn
dancewear. The proceeds from the sale were donated to Danza Que de Esperanza, a non-
profit run out of a ballet studio in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico that aids children living in
poverty. I was currently working with a local dance studio owner to provide private lessons
for one aspiring young dancer who cannot afford lessons. I currently have an academic and merit scholarship to the University of Arizona as a dance major and will continue my training heading into my junior year!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Dance has been a huge part of my life and ultimately has shaped me into who I am today. Dance has always been my escape from the world, my outlet, my therapy, my way of communication and a way to block out the noise. I realized that dancing is my true passion when I couldn’t go one day without moving my body or couldn’t go to the grocery store without dancing in the Isles. Dancing became part of me. It was my first love. As time went on what started as my greatest hobby soon became my biggest obstacle and biggest teacher. My love for dance at a certain point plateaued. If I’m being honest I wanted to quit. I remember taking a break for a couple of months trying to find the mental strength to muster up my love for dance again. It wasn’t until I pulled out my phone and headphones and started dancing in front of the mirror again. I began to feel the same sensation I felt when I was five years old. That’s when I realized I couldn’t go any longer without dancing. I couldn’t give up on my younger self that wanted me to achieve great things. I wanted to so badly be back in control of my own self. I wasn’t going to allow myself to give up on what I am most gifted at. That’s when I knew I had to make some changes. I had this burning sensation in me that kept telling me to keep on going to keep on achieving with dance. Through this process I’ve learned how to always stay humble, ask questions, and to not care what people think of me. It has really taught me to stay true and express myself. I’ve also learned that I accomplish more when I’m not shy and decide to ask questions. I don’t think I would be the person I am today without these key points. Through dance I approach the world with more compassion for others, more attention to details, and overall more vulnerability. This has carried with me through my life and studies.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My two big loves in dance are classical ballet and contemporary. What makes me stand out is that I can combine the two genres and really make it my own. This is very hard to do because ballet dancers move and train a certain way that is completely different from the way contemporary dancers move and train. To conquer both styles and also being able to combine them with flair has become my niche and has made me stand out in the dance world.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
work ethic, compassion, and resilience

Contact Info:

• Website: https://averygayofficial1.wixsite.com/avery
• Instagram: @averygayofficial

Image Credits
Claire Imler
Ed Flores