


Ava Canzano
Director's Assistant
Years of Affiliation:
15 years
Director's Assistant Since:
2025
About
Bio
My journey started as a toddler, when my mom introduced me to her first Mommy and Me
dance class—a formative experience that sparked a lifelong passion. After that class,
there was no turning back. I quickly transitioned into regular lessons at the age of two,
embracing dance with enthusiasm and dedication that continued to grow throughout my
formative years, all the way until graduation.
At age six, I began my journey into competitive dance when my mom took over a local
dance studio and founded On Pointe Dance Academy. This pivotal moment not only
deepened my commitment to dance but also introduced me to the world of performance
and competition, shaping my skills and character in meaningful ways.
From there, my passion became an obsession—I began to fully immerse myself in the
true art of dance, and contemporary became my identity as a dancer. I achieved so
much as a competitive dancer, and through those experiences, I discovered my greatest
love: teaching dance. Sharing my knowledge and inspiring others quickly became my
most rewarding pursuit, turning my dedication into a lifelong vocation.
Now, Im not only teaching at my mom's studio, but I also work with dancers at two other
studios, expanding my reach and influence within the community. Recently, I've taken
my passion to a new level by becoming a convention teacher, which allows me to share
my love for dance with even more aspiring performers. My ultimate goal is to one day
own my own studio, where I can instill the true joy and spirit of dance in my own children
and future generations.
I began my own journey at Melrose Youth Ballet as a dancer and immediately fell in love
with this production. From childhood, I was fortunate to receive amazing roles and leads
throughout my time with MYB, ultimately graduating as Snow Queen. Today, I am proud
to continue my involvement by assisting and choreographing for the company. Thank
you, MYB, for sharing your love of dance with me, and a special thank you to my mom
for always believing in me—not only as a dancer, but now as I follow in your footsteps
as a choreographer.
