Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Aiyana Ruel (she/her) began her professional training at Arts Umbrella. She moved to Toronto to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts at York University, with a focus on choreography and performance. Under the direction of Susan Lee, Aiyana was a member of the York Dance Ensemble, where she worked collaboratively with colleagues and choreographers. Through various opportunities in Canada and abroad, Aiyana has worked with internationally recognized artists including Peggy Baker, Ohad Naharin, and Lali Ayguadé. During her post-secondary education, she had the opportunity to go on academic exchange at the University of Chichester in the UK, during which she was exposed to new and exciting methods of movement. In September 2021, she moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to join Free Flow Dance Theatre as a performing artist, where she had the opportunity to work with Terrill Maguire, Newton Moraes, Danny Grossman, and Eddie Kastrau, under Jackie Latendresse's Artistic Direction. Aiyana is primarily a contemporary dance artist, and enjoys practicing modern and ballet, as well as Gaga and improvisational techniques. Aiyana's career continues to take her to unexpected and inspiring places, influencing her artistic practice.
