Avery Denney’s dance journey began at the age of 2, with jazz and tap classes at her mom’s studio. She started ballet at 6 and fell in love with its artistry and technique. She expressed interest in both choreography and teaching from an early age, assisting and choreographing for her classes regularly. At 11, she began choreographing her contemporary solos for the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), and has done so ever since. Her pieces have won best choreography awards, top 12, and helped her sister earn 3rd place in contemporary at YAGP.
Avery has trained extensively in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, modern, musical theater, and hip hop. Many years of competing earned her 1st overall at many competitions and conventions around the Pacific Northwest, including New York City Dance Alliance, where she was an Outstanding Dancer scholarship winner for 7 years, and received top 25 at their Nationals in 2022. After graduating high school at 16 with her associate’s degree, she was awarded $160,000 in total scholarships to study dance in college. Last year, she won 1st in the Senior Classical division at YAGP Seattle, and was invited to attend the international finals. It was there that she was asked to join Ballet West Academy’s Professional Training Division, where she now trains. Avery is so grateful to have the opportunity to study and teach here in Salt Lake City, and is thrilled to be able to pass on the art of dance through teaching.