Student Spotlight: Meet Ava MacDonald

eet Ava MacDonald, 13, from Ontario, Canada and my school is Edmunds Towers School of Dance.

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

When I was 3 years old my mom put me in dance for ballet. I was also starting figure skating and the ballet was to help me with my skating. I fell in love with dance and haven’t stopped since. I started competing when I was 5 years old and love being on stage and love all the costumes. My favourite styles of dance are ballet and lyrical. I have been fortunate to attended The National Ballet of Canada, The Cechetti Council of America and The School of Cadence Ballet summer intensives. I was very excited to have been offered placement in their professional training program at Cadence but unfortunately could not accept. The past couple years I have competed at the Youth America Grand Prix and can’t wait to go back. I recently made a change in dance studios last year and I am on the competitive dance company and love my teammates. I am so excited to see where my dance journey takes me next💕

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

For sure no it hasn’t l. I have good flexibility but not in my back. I have to constantly work at it. I stretch and practice at home every day working on areas that need improvement.

What personal limitations if any did you go through in your young career?

My arches in my feet are pretty flat so that has been a challenge. I work on strengthening my feet and ankles constantly. I am also very had on my self and have to remind myself that I am still learning

Has anybody ever tried to limit you on what you could do? If so how did you fight it?

No they haven’t. I have been fortunate with amazing teachers and coaches who believe in me. I am lucky to have them.

How do you conquer negative talk?

I just ignore it and try not to think about it. I have had to deal with this and I do my best to try and not let it bring me down.

What is your favorite quote?

Dancing with your feet is one thing, dancing with your heart is another💕

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

Looking forward to next years dance season with my dance family. Can’t wait to get back to the studio and continue my dance journey.