For the past four years, AK Dancewear has proudly hosted our annual Fall Dancers Event — a tradition that brings dancers together from across the country to learn, create, connect, and celebrate the artistry that unites us. This year, we packed our bags and headed to Austin, Texas for a full day of inspiration, movement, and unforgettable memories. From a masterclass to a curated pop‑up, from solo photoshoots to a full cinematic production experience, the 2025 Fall Dancers Event highlighted the heart of the AK Dancewear community like never before.
A Warm Welcome to Austin
We kicked off the event on Sunday at Bravo (by Balance), a beautiful studio space in Austin that set the perfect tone for the day. Dancers arrived full of excitement, many wearing their favorite AK leotards — and the energy in the room was electric. Seeing so many dancers in AK pieces, each styled with matching skirts and tights, created a sense of unity and pride that set the stage for everything that followed.
The morning began with an inspiring ballet masterclass taught by Ayaka Damei, AK Artist and professional dancer based in New York City. Ayaka’s class blended technique, artistry, and thoughtful coaching, offering dancers of all levels a chance to grow, explore, and challenge themselves. Her warm teaching style and attention to detail made the class both uplifting and transformative.
After the class, dancers gathered for an engaging Q&A session with Ayaka. She shared insights into her training, her journey as a professional dancer, and her experiences as an AK Artist. It was a meaningful moment of connection — a chance for young dancers to hear firsthand what dedication, resilience, and passion look like in real life.
Meanwhile, the AK media team captured behind‑the‑scenes footage, candid moments, and the overall magic of the day. These glimpses into the event help us share the experience with the wider AK community and preserve memories for the dancers who joined us.
A Mini AK Pop‑Up Experience
One of the most exciting parts of the event was our curated AK Dancewear pop‑up. Dancers had the opportunity to browse and shop a selection of our newest releases, exclusive boutique pieces, and fan‑favorite styles. It was a joy to watch dancers discover new colors, try on their dream leotards, and share styling ideas with one another. The pop‑up added a fun, interactive element to the day and allowed dancers to take home a piece of the AK experience.
Professional Photoshoots with Rhi Lee
Each participant received a solo photoshoot with acclaimed dance photographer Rhi Lee, known for her ability to capture movement, emotion, and artistry in a single frame. Dancers received three beautifully edited, high‑resolution images — each one a keepsake of their growth and confidence.
One standout shot featured dancers posing beside a mirror, creating a striking reflection effect that symbolized both duality and self‑expression. The other two images were taken against a vibrant graffiti backdrop, adding an edgy, artistic contrast that made each photo feel bold and unique. These images quickly became favorites among dancers and parents alike.
A Cinematic Experience: “In The Spotlight”
A major highlight of the day was our first‑ever Cinematic Media Production Experience. For the first time, dancers stepped onto a real film set guided by the talented Borrego Brothers production team. They learned how a professional set operates — from lighting and camera angles to acting techniques and multiple takes.
Dancers were cast in small roles and group scenes for our short film, In The Spotlight. With professional direction, real equipment, and a fully immersive environment, dancers experienced what it truly feels like to perform on camera. For many, it was a dream come true — an unforgettable blend of creativity, teamwork, and artistic exploration.
Celebrating Our Scholarship Recipient
A special congratulations goes to Retta Motl, our 2025 AK Fall Dancers Event Scholarship Recipient. At just 11 years old, Retta shines with her passion, dedication, and love for AK Dancewear. Supporting our ambassadors and young dancers is at the core of what we do, and we couldn’t be prouder of Retta and her journey.
Thank You, AK Community
We are deeply grateful for every dancer, parent, and supporter who traveled near and far to join us in Austin. Your energy, enthusiasm, and love for AK Dancewear are what make this community so special. Events like this remind us why we do what we do — to uplift dancers, celebrate artistry, and create meaningful experiences that last long after the day is over.
We can’t wait to connect with you all again soon and continue building memories together. Until next time, thank you for being part of the AK Dancewear family.
Blog written by AK Company Dancer Lila Martin
