Ariyana Lambert shines as 2025’s breakout dancer—Dancer of the Year winner, title-holder, award‑winning artist and inspiring teacher‑asst.
Thank you for generously supporting Ariyana in this year’s competition. Your support helps empower the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation in their respective missions to save lives and empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.
Ariyana loves dance for the freedom of expression and emotional release it offers—moving beyond words to tell stories and connect deeply with others. She thrives on the technical challenge, mastering complex choreography and refining her artistry. As a teacher-assistant, she finds fulfillment in mentoring, guiding younger dancers and witnessing their growth. Plus, she cherishes the community energy, forging bonds that inspire creativity, teamwork, and lifelong friendships.
Ariyana draws her inspiration from her parents, who constantly set ambitious goals and exemplify achieving them with dedication—teaching her the value of persistence. She’s also motivated by her dance choreographer, Mr. Devon, whose passion sparked her creativity and inspired her to begin choreographing her own routines—igniting a lifelong love for crafting movement.
Ariyana refuses to let negativity define her dance journey. She stands firm against bullying—a known challenge in competitive dance environments, choosing instead to be a beacon of kindness. When faced with harsh comments or exclusion, she maintains her confidence, offering support rather than retaliating. Ariyana’s resilience ensures bullies never dim her passion or make her question her talent or self-worth—she lets her grace speak.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.