Meet Award-Winning Ballet Dancer, Daniel Ayala!
Photo: Daniel Ayala, Contemporary piece “La Donna e Mobile” & photographer Matthew Carby
Daniel Ayala, age 17, is from Bogota, Colombia. He began dancing at the age of 14 at the Ballarte Escuela de Ballet School of Dance. His teachers and family decided to seek further education in the United States to increase his training as he is extremely talented, hard-working, and determined to become a principal dancer in a prestigious company. Daniel has been training at St. Lucie Ballet since August 2019 and has attended The Youth American Grand Prix and Universal Ballet Competition where he is getting the respect and attention of some of the best schools in the world.
During the Youth American Grand Prix, Daniel was among the top 12 in the Senior Division with his classical solo. Daniel, along with his partner Isabella McCool, also placed first in the Pas De Deux Category and were invited to the NY York Finals. He was also awarded scholarships to ABT, Peridance, and Rock School of Dance.
Photo: Daniel Ayala, Classical Solo “La Fille” & photographer Matthew Carby
Again, much success during The Universal Ballet Competition placed second in the Senior Male Division with his classical solo and fifth place with his contemporary solo. Daniel and Isabella also placed first in the Pas De Deux Category in the Junior Division. Daniel was awarded scholarships to The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Ballet West, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. He was also the very first recipient of UBC’s newest award “The So Danca Star Award” for Best in Class.
Photo: Daniel Ayala & Isabella McCool, Pas De Duex “La Fille” & photographer Matthew Carby
Daniel exemplifies everything it takes to make it to a prestigious company one day. He is full of hard work, positive energy, determination, and does what it takes to give back to others. Each week Daniel donates his time teaching a Men’s Ballet and conditioning class at St. Lucie Ballet, he has been a guest dancer with the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami, and he is also a Ballet In The City Ambassador where the mission is to present professional ballet performances, educational opportunities, and events in cities around the nation, promoting and enhancing the culture of ballet. It is their mission to engage and inspire individuals in the art of ballet and communicate the relevance and value of ballet for future generations.
Learn more about Daniel’s continuous success and his new journey with the St. Lucie Ballet.