Catching Up With Hip-Hop Phenom Anaya Jones

At just 16 years old, Anaya Jones has a lot on her plate—and it’s not just her next English paper. In 2024, she was crowned Tremaine Dance Convention’s Freestyler of the Year and took home several first-place trophies at various competitions with her self-choreographed hip hop solo. This past summer, she became a member of the KĀOS Dance Convention’s KĀOS Squad and signed to Bloc, a top talent agency. 

Dance Spirit caught up with Jones to ask her about how she started her dance career, her signature style, and the advice she’d give her younger self.

How did you start your dance training?

I’m originally from Miami, but now I live in Naples, Florida. I began dancing when I was 3 and started on a competition team when I was 6. My cousins were in dance classes, and I watched them one day and came home and couldn’t stop dancing. My mom enrolled me in hip hop, but then I was so interested in how everyone was moving (and having so much fun) that I wanted to have fun too. So I added jazz, ballet, and tap. 

Now, I compete with my team in tap, jazz, contemporary, and sometimes ballet and ballroom. I also choreographed my own hip-hop solo last year and again this year.

What are some highlights of your dance journey so far?

The overall growth I had this summer in L.A. is a highlight. At their event in Miami, I qualified for the chance to audition for the KĀOS Squad, so my mom and I went to Los Angeles for two weeks. When I was there, one of the agents from Bloc saw me in class, asked my name, and gave my mom her card. I was so surprised and happy that she was from Bloc, because they were at the top of my dream agency list.

What’s one signature element you include in your choreography?

When I was younger, I taught myself to flip, and my current studio (Elite Dance Center) helped me to clean up my tricks. 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

My teachers preach to me a lot to have more confidence in myself, because I am a good dancer but tend to lack confidence sometimes. When I was younger, I was bullied a lot in school. Dance was my safe space. I’d tell my younger self to keep pushing, be more confident, and never give up.

What are your dance bag essentials?

My headphones, because when I’m backstage I’m always listening to either my dance’s music or calm music, like Mac DeMarco, that makes me feel like I’m floating on air.

What would you do if you weren’t a dancer?

I’d probably do track, because I love to be athletic. I’d be a track star, hopefully!

Any dream dance jobs?

I would definitely love to go on tours, get into commercials, get into movies that have dance scenes. I’d love to do a music video one day. I really want to work with Parris Goebel and Robbie Blue. Then, I’d like to become a dance teacher to inspire kids.

Fave food and drink?

Tacos, and Dr. Pepper!

What’s your favorite dance outfit?

Always baggy clothes. I have these baggy red pants from Urban Outfitters, and a crop top.

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