Meet Aidan Wolf

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aidan Wolf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aidan, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
In terms of a value or principle that matters most to me in my career, I would have to say desire and drive. I feel that often times they become synonymous in the dance world, in the way that any successful dancer must possess this overwhelming desire for the art form; to create, to play, and to connect with people in this raw, unfiltered format. With that comes the drive to always further not only yourself as an artist and an athlete but this industry as a whole. The most successful dancers and artists are always looking for a way to “break through the glass ceiling” so to speak, to push dance past the limits we constrain it in, and find a new way to tell stories, portray emotion, or display unbridled physicality. I think for these reasons, I have and will continue to hold these values in the highest regard, not only for myself but from the artists I admire, the mentors who have shown me the way, and the students I work to shape.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I choose to describe my work as an artist as a beautiful storm of technique and grounded, accented chaos. I strive to find the limits of the term “ballet” and combine them with the inverted antonym of what we know it as. I have found throughout my career that it is a rarity to find a description of the term “contemporary ballet” and I love that it is better felt and experienced than formatted verbally. It is so much more than the term “dance” in a traditional sense, it is using our humanity, our breath, our connection to the world to find not only beautiful lines that resonate with codified techniques, but movement and circularity that paints the stage in glorious color, creating a landscape for all of the “in between” that art has to offer.

I am so proud to be exploring my art from multiple lenses at the moment, not only physically as a dancer with Vitacca Ballet, but mentally, as a choreographer, observing and creating movement patterns on others and watching the shifts between individuals making steps so much more.

I know for a fact that there are challenges in every artist’s career. It’s never a simple matter of “I made it”—it’s always the question of how far I can truly go. I grew up and trained in Colorado, beginning at small ballet studios, then moving to a competition studio to expand my versatility, and eventually joining the program at Colorado Ballet.

I started my professional career at a young age in New York City, training with the Joffrey Ballet School’s Contemporary Dance Pre-Professional Program, while beginning professional performance work with Arch Ballet and, shortly after, Complexions Contemporary Ballet for four seasons. Surrounded by the sheer fervor of New York City, I discovered that I thrived in the chaos and the noise. The speed at which the world moved around me pushed me to match it—to outpace it, in some ways. I quickly learned that if I don’t slow down to live in each moment, it will pass me by before I even have the chance to recognize it.

While on tour in Germany with Complexions, I suffered an injury that proved to be a powerful wake-up call—revealing not only the fragility of my own body, but also the inherent vulnerability within our industry. After returning to New York, I underwent surgery, which left me in a state of emotional disorientation and a deep yearning for change. Determined to move forward, I pushed through my recovery and soon accepted a spring contract with Zikr Dance Ensemble in Colorado, bringing me back to the place where I first fell in love with dance. Returning home felt grounding, allowing me to reconnect with my artistry on a more intimate and reflective scale than I had experienced in years.  

After returning home to New York, I felt renewed and ready to pursue a full-season contract with a new company. My fiancée and I began traveling to auditions, facing the inevitable wave of rejections that every dancer knows all too well. Then, on the very last audition of the season, I received a yes—from Vitacca Ballet. With that opportunity in hand, we made the bold decision to leave behind our lives in New York, at just 18 years old, and move across the country so I could embrace this next chapter.

Nearly three years later, we have no regrets. I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of choreographers, helping bring their visions to life on stage. At the same time, I’ve been able to pass on my knowledge to hundreds of students, choreographing works both for them and for professional dancers—sharing not just technique, but perspective.

I’m deeply grateful for every high and low in my journey so far. They’ve shaped the artist I see in the mirror—one fueled by passion, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to growth. I don’t believe failures define who we are; instead, they reveal who we can become. That belief continues to guide me as I chase my ever-expanding aspirations within this industry—pushing the art form beyond its boundaries and toward a future rich with possibility.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were to create my own ”favorite” day in Houston with highly recommended spots, I would definitely include Hermann Park, home of the Miller Theater and expansive greenery with beautiful spots such as the Japanese Garden which is an absolute must see, the Houston Zoo, and the public golf course. From performing on the Miller stage this year, I would highly recommend seeing a production there if you have the opportunity! From there, while in the arts/museum district, I would suggest walking over to the Museum of Fine Arts, which spans across three buildings, home to hundreds of beautiful pieces by artists all over the world.

By this point, I would head over to one of my favorite brunch/lunch spots, Snooze or Postino, with wonderful food and a fabulous dining experience.

One thing that I love about Houston is how often art is put on display and centralized throughout the city. A beautiful example of this is downtown Houston, with different, substantially sized murals, found on almost every block. It’s an amazing experience to walk through downtown Houston to see them all in their glory.

Additionally, live music events, another one of my favorite pastimes, are common in Houston. Recently they had evenings of live jazz music in Buffalo Bayou Park, concerts scattered throughout the city, at venues including 713 Music Hall, House of Blues, Toyota Center, and more. Therefore, I would highly suggest checking out Houston for any music related events.

Finally, I could not create a Houston itinerary without including Sushi Masa. This all you can eat sushi restaurant has some of the best quality sushi I have ever had and an expansive menu for diners of all varieties.

These are just a few of the many iconic Houston destinations, events, and restaurants that are on my list of must sees while visiting the area!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my lovely mother for introducing me to dance and being such a fabulous role model both in and out of the studio! I also want to thank my fiancée for being my number one supporter and for always encouraging me to push for the greatest aspects this career has to offer, from my side at the ballet barre! Finally I want to thank Complexions Contemporary Ballet for the training, performance experience, and demanding choreography over the course of almost a decade in my career. These experiences truly shaped who I am as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer now.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/aidanwolf/home

Instagram: @aidanh_wolf

Image Credits
– Steven Vanderveldon (Vandy Photography)
– Ashkan Roayaee
-Rachel Redding (Rachel Redding Photography)
-Tati Vice
– Lynn Lane