Ava Wagner, a former competitive dance standout and University of Minnesota champion, has transitioned into a commercial dance career in Los Angeles, securing roles in national advertising and major tours. After winning the 2018 Orlando Junior Best Dancer title and competing on World of Dance, Wagner is now performing in Derek Hough’s Symphony of Dance: Encore tour and appearing in Gap commercials, according to reports from Dance Magazine.
Wagner’s trajectory follows a multi-generational family legacy in the arts. Her great-grandmother, Shirley Larkin, established the Larkin Dance Studio in Minnesota, where Wagner trained until age 18. The studio is currently co-owned by her grandmother, Michele Larkin-Wagner. This foundational training led Wagner to success at high-profile events including Hall of Fame and The Dance Awards.
Despite early professional opportunities, Wagner chose to prioritize collegiate athletics over an immediate move to California. Following the path of her sister, Ellie, she joined the University of Minnesota’s dance team. During her collegiate tenure, Wagner earned two national championships in Division 1A Pom and two silver medals in Division 1A Jazz.
Transition to Commercial Dance and Los Angeles
Wagner moved to Los Angeles following the 2025 school year to launch her professional career. Since the relocation, she has booked a commercial for the clothing retailer Gap and joined the cast of Derek Hough’s Symphony of Dance: Encore tour. She also teaches at Press Play conventions across the United States alongside her sister, Ellie.
Wagner maintains a philosophy of mindfulness despite the rapid pace of the commercial industry. “Being grateful, in the moment, and present is the most important thing to me,” Wagner stated in an interview with Dance Magazine.
Returning to University of Minnesota as Choreographer
In a professional return to her alma mater, Wagner collaborated with the University of Minnesota Dance Team (UMDT) in a creative capacity. Assistant coach Lauren Busyn recruited Wagner to co-choreograph the team’s 2026 jazz routine.
Wagner described the experience as a “really cool” opportunity, noting that the team provided her with the creative freedom to develop the piece. The routine contributed to the team’s overall performance at the 2026 UDA Nationals, where they placed third.
Perspective on the Competition Circuit
Having moved from the role of student to instructor, Wagner now advocates for a shift in how young dancers approach conventions and competitions. She suggests that the emphasis on winning and numerical scores can be counterproductive for developing artists.
Wagner told Dance Magazine that dancers should instead focus on learning and improvement. She noted that while a competitive mindset is common at a young age, the most valuable aspect of conventions is the networking. According to Wagner, the relationships formed at these events are critical because those peers often become the colleagues a dancer will work with as a professional.
This approach informs how she and her sister, Ellie, manage their classes at Press Play. Wagner stated that they focus on making the environment “warm and welcoming” to reduce the intimidation students may feel when facing established figures in the dance community.
Wagner continues her work with the Symphony of Dance: Encore tour.
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