Ava

Making Her Mark on the Runway Ava had the incredible honor of walking for Willow Bean Studio on both Friday and Saturday, making her mark as part of the brand’s highly anticipated debut collection, The Label Studio 8. On Friday, she embodied the elegance and mystery of the Black Swan theme, captivating the audience with her striking presence, graceful poise, and undeniable runway confidence. Then, on Saturday, she returned to the catwalk, exuding her signature energy as she brought life to even more breathtaking designs from Willow Bean Studio’s debut line. But the excitement didn’t stop there. The moment she stepped off the runway on Saturday night, Ava shifted gears, stepping behind the DJ booth for the Little Angels Benefit Party, produced by CharJean Couture. Owning the DJ Booth For 50 electrifying minutes, Ava commanded the crowd with a highenergy set that had the entire venue buzzing with excitement. She carefully curated a mix featuring some of her favorite artists, including Tiesto, Fisher, and 1111, a female DJ she deeply admires. To add her own personal touch, she mixed in one of her all-time favorite tracks, “I’m the Drama” by Bebe Rexha—a song that fuels her passion and confidence. A natural behind the decks, Ava didn’t just play music—she created an atmosphere, proving once again that she was born to entertain. An Exclusive VIP Experience On Sunday, Ava was honored to take part in VIP Day, a special experience for Menina Fortunato’s mentees, filled with careerdefining moments and powerful connections. The day kicked off with an unforgettable sight—watching the Business of Dance Billboard light up Times Square. This inspiring moment set the tone for what was to come. Ava then joined the live recording of The Business of Dance Podcast, where she had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ask Alex Wong a question, making for an incredibly meaningful exchange. her entire experience.

But the learning didn’t stop there. Ava later trained with Alex Wong himself, taking part in a masterclass that pushed her artistry to the next level. Beyond the invaluable technique and knowledge, what stood out most to Ava was the chance to connect in person with her fellow mentees—students who, like her, are working hard to shape their futures in the dance industry. Forming these lasting friendships with other driven dancers was one of the most rewarding parts of A Night to Remember After a day filled with mentorship, creativity, and professional growth, Ava and her fellow mentees traded in their dancewear for party dresses and hopped onto a decked-out party bus, turning the ride into an epic dance party on wheels. Their destination? The award-winning TAO restaurant in New York City, where they celebrated their achievements over an unforgettable dinner—all while watching the Super Bowl halftime show. The moment was made even more special as two of Menina’s mentees performed in the show, making for a night of inspiration, celebration, and shared success

After an already eventful ay, Ava had the incredible opportunity to step in front of the lens for a professional photoshoot with the PM Photography. But the creative work didn’t stop there—she then recorded a professional demo reel to “The Sailor Song” by Gigi Perez, a track that resonates deeply with her. The choreography was a collaborative creation between Ciara Diaz and Ava herself. Though time ran short before they could complete the entire piece together, Ava took creative control, finishing the choreography in a way that felt true to her artistic vision.

A Special Moment with PM Photography During her time in New York, Ava had the chance to meet with PM Photography to receive her personal copy of PM Photo Magazine, where she had been previously featured. This special feature was the result of her participation in a Miami model call collaboration with PM Photography and Opra Dancewear. Holding the magazine in her hands was a surreal moment, as it represented not only a milestone in her journey but also the incredible opportunities that have come her way through dedication and hard work. The collaboration was a stepping stone in her modeling career, and receiving the physical copy of the magazine reminded her just how far she has come.

The Beginning of Something Bigger

As Ava boarded the bus back to the hotel, reflecting on everything she had experienced, one thing became clear—this was just the beginning. From the NYFW runway to the DJ booth, from Times Square to the dance floor, Ava’s time in New York was a testament to her passion, talent, and unstoppable drive. With every opportunity, she continues to grow, inspire, and leave her mark—proving that this is only the start of an extraordinary journey.