Ranked third in ballet

Getting acquainted with music and dance at the age of 5 by starting international salsa, Yağız Avcıoğlu from Izmir turned his childhood passion into a great success worldwide. Yağız Avcıoğlu, a Business Administration student at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), made Turkey proud by ranking third in the ‘ballet’ category at the World Championship held in Belgium, hosted by the International Dance Organization (IDO).

Thanks to his success in dance, Avcıoğlu grabbed new opportunities in education and was awarded the art scholarship provided by IUE. Avcıoğlu said, “As a child, I used to sit in front of the TV, watch music videos, and sing and dance. Years passed, my passion for dance never diminished. I worked hard every day, and finally, I reached my goal.”

Enrolled in a dance club at a young age by his family and starting his career with international salsa, 19-year-old Yağız Avcıoğlu quickly stood out with his talent. Continuing his development in salsa, modern dance, and ballet, Yağız climbed the ladder of success rapidly with disciplined work, determination, and dedication to dance. Avcıoğlu, who collected medals consecutively, so far achieved 11 first places and 15 second places in modern dance, jazz, and salsa categories in national-level competitions.

ACHIEVED HIS DREAM

Practicing dance almost every day, shaping many aspects of his life, from meal plans to social life, according to dance, IUE student Yağız, also achieved his dream of an international medal. Representing our country successfully in Belgium, Avcıoğlu made history at a young age by winning a bronze medal in the ‘ballet’ category at the World Championship, where competitive dancers from around the world participated.

‘I NURTURE MYSELF WITH DANCE’

Focusing his life on salsa, modern dance, and ballet, Avcıoğlu expressed his happiness and pride for receiving an award, saying, “Dance is my biggest passion in life. I nourish myself with dance and music. I get my energy and motivation from dance. Through dance, I relax my soul. This passion of mine provided me with the opportunity to receive education with a scholarship in university. That's why I'm especially happy.”

‘I SAID I WON'T RETURN WITHOUT A MEDAL’

Avcıoğlu, who was confident that he would win a medal even before going to Belgium, said, “I got excited when I stepped into the hall where the championship would take place in Belgium. I felt my heartbeat accelerate, but at the same time, I said to myself, ‘I won't return without a medal.’ I had a positive excitement influencing me. I trusted myself, started to perform saying to myself, ‘Do what you love best, go out and show yourself’, and I was quite good. As a result of the evaluation in the final, I was declared third. It was a moment I will never forget in my life. I am very happy with this beautiful result.”

AIMING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Stating that he has already started preparations for the European Championship to be held in Poland at the end of this year, Avcıoğlu said, “As a dancer, my goal is never-ending, and it should not end. I continue my practices with the aim of winning the championship at the competition to be held at the end of this year. I want to continue dancing for many years. While doing all this, I also value my education a lot. I am currently in the preparatory class. It is still early to make clear statements about my career. However, I believe that I can successfully continue both dance and work life and set an example in this regard.”