Early Life and Background

Ava Michelle Cota was born on April 10, 2002, in Fenton, Michigan. She is the daughter of Rick Cota and Jeanette Cota, who is the owner of the Broadway Dance Academy studio. Ava has one sibling, her older brother Devon Cota. She developed an interest in dance at a very young age, beginning her training at her mother’s dance studio when she was just two years old. Over the years, Ava has competed in numerous dance competitions, earning several titles and accolades. Her favorite dance styles include hip-hop and contemporary.

Rise to Fame on Dance Moms

Ava Michelle rose to national attention when she appeared on season three of Lifetime's reality show Dance Moms. Her first appearance was in the episode titled “The Beginning of the End.” She later became a member of the Elite Select Ensemble during season four, where she drew praise for her tall stature and grace on stage. Despite facing criticism on the show due to her height, Ava remained resilient and continued to pursue her passion for dance.

Other Television and Dance Endeavors

In addition to Dance Moms, Ava was also a part of the Mob Squad — a troupe of young hip-hop dancers who performed with the Detroit Pistons. In 2016, she competed on the 13th season of So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation, showcasing her versatility and technical skills. Her television exposure helped her gain a wider fan base and led to new opportunities in modeling and acting.

Tall Girl and Acting Breakthrough

Ava Michelle made her film debut in the Netflix original movie Tall Girl, which premiered on September 13, 2019. In the film, she played the lead role of Jodi Kreyman, a 16-year-old high school student who struggles with self-esteem due to her height. The character faces bullying and personal insecurity, themes that resonated with Ava's own experiences in the dance world. The movie also starred Sabrina Carpenter as Jodi's older sister, Harper.

Although she was homeschooled and missed out on traditional high school experiences like prom, filming Tall Girl provided Ava with a different kind of school milestone. Following the filming of the climactic homecoming dance scene, director Nzingha Stewart arranged an actual dance party on set for Ava and the cast — giving the young actress a memorable celebration of her own.

Pageantry and Modeling

Outside her work in film and television, Ava Michelle has competed in beauty pageants. She was crowned Miss Pre-Teen Galaxy International in 2014. She has also pursued modeling, walking in fashion shows and working with various brands, often using her platform to advocate for body positivity and self-confidence.

Personal Life and Focus on Career

As of now, Ava Michelle is not publicly involved in any romantic relationships. At 22, she remains focused on her career in entertainment and personal development. Ava is known for promoting messages of self-acceptance and resilience, often drawing from her own life experiences to inspire her followers.