Ava James (she/her) is a dance/media and communications double major at Shenandoah University, class of 2028. With more than ten years of experience, she first fell in love with dance through tap and hip-hop, which remain her favorite styles today. At Shenandoah, Ava trains under Tiffanie Carson, Angela Dice-Nguyen, Ashanté Green and many others, refining her skills in ballet, modern, improvisation and commercial styles. She also serves as a resident assistant and board member of “Loose Screws,” the university’s tap group. James’s ultimate goal is to perform and make people smile with her dancing for as long as possible, sharing joy through movement wherever she goes.
“Receiving the Janeva Manal Wiggins Dance Scholarship is a true honor for me. It represents recognition of my commitment to my craft, my growth as an artist and the values I strive to bring into the studio every day. I am deeply grateful for this support and encouragement, and it inspires me to continue working with intention, discipline and passion. This scholarship motivates me to keep pushing myself artistically and to honor the trust placed in me through my dedication to the Shenandoah dance community.”
– Ava James