Aaliyah Cruz began her dance journey at the age of 3 at Panda Studios in Oak Park, Illinois. By 6, she was competing in various dance styles, showcasing her dedication and talent early on. In 2016, Aaliyah earned the prestigious “Dancer of the Year” award at Panda Studios. Her passion for dance grew further when she joined TranscenDance Studios, where she expanded her training and became a valued member of the Company Program. In 2023, Aaliyah’s hard work and artistry were recognized again when she received TranscenDance Studios' “Dancer of the Year” award.
Currently, Aaliyah is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Spanish, with a minor in Criminology, at the University of Illinois-Chicago. As a Student-Athlete on UIC’s Dance Team, she continues to share her love for dance while actively engaging in her university and the broader community.
Aaliyah discovered her passion for working with younger dancers while training at TranscenDance Studios. She completed the studio’s multi-year teacher training program, advancing from a class assistant to a substitute teacher, and ultimately earning the role of instructor in the summer of 2024. Additionally, she assisted in supervising select weeks of the TranscenDance Studios’ Summer Camp program in 2023.
Aaliyah is excited to inspire and guide dancers of all ages, helping them grow, develop their skills, and discover their own love for dance, just as she did!
