Biography

Maia-Joyce Smyl, a 12-year-old competitive dancer and aerial arts performer hailing from Tampa, Florida, discovered her passion for the art of dance at the tender age of 4. Enchanted by the world of performance, she embarked on her competitive dance journey at 5 and delved into aerial arts at 7, earning numerous Top 3 accolades in the advanced category for both disciplines.

Maia-Joyce's extensive training spans Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Lyrical, and Tap, under the guidance of esteemed educators such as Michael Rooney, Marguerite Derricks, Rhonda Miller, Marinda Davis, and others. Notably, she earned the title of the 2022 Junior Dancer of the Year for Tremaine Dance Conventions and has assisted various industry luminaries.

Her achievements extend to winning Top 3 placements and special awards in Silks and Lyra (Hoop). She proudly holds the titles of the 2022 National Silks Champion and the 2023 National Lyra Champion for Aerialympics. Maia-Joyce is also proficient in Acro (Tumbling) and Contortion.

Dedicated to her craft, she actively participates in conventions, competitions, and intensives to refine her skills. Currently she is under the mentorship of Phil Wright, Menina Fortunato, and Alison Stroming. Looking ahead, Maia-Joyce aspires to venture into commercials, print jobs, acting, and modeling, aiming to gain valuable industry experience and enhance her portfolio. Her ultimate dream encompasses performing in Cirque du Soleil, featuring in a dance-themed movie, and gracing Broadway stages.

Known for her infectious energy, Maia-Joyce embraces every opportunity with excitement, always ready to take a leap of faith into new experiences. Her philosophy is encapsulated in her favorite quote: “Can’t is not a word; it is a contraction in the English dictionary, and can and not are two words that were never meant to be put together.”