Senior Gianna Ryan is making her mark in the dance world. After visiting many schools, the senior has officially signed to continue her dance career with the South Carolina Gamecocks, taking the next big step in both her academic and dance journey.
Ryan has been dancing ever since she could walk and right away knew the dance floor was her place to be.
“I got into dancing when my best friend’s mom told my mom to sign me up for dance class at Nebraska Dance,” Ryan said.
Ryan has been a loyal dancer to Nebraska Dance for 13 years and has worked her way up to their top competition team, Company, in an impressively short amount of time. She joined the Westside Dance Team her freshman year and has cherished every moment it has brought and lesson it has taught.
“My favorite part about the Westside Dance Team is for sure the people,” Ryan Said. “The Westside Dance Team would truly not be the same without the people and it has introduced me to some of my lifelong best friends.”
Ryan has enjoyed being part of both the Nebraska Dance and Westside teams. Although the programs are very different, each has given her unique tools that have helped shape who she is as a dancer and a person today.
“A difference between Nebraska Dance and Westside is the experiences,” Ryan said. “The competitions for both teams are so different and I think it’s so cool that I get to experience both types of competitions.”
Ryan’s close friend and teammate Gianna DiGiacomo shared the impact Ryan has made on the dance team.
“Gianna has been a great leader for the team because of how much she cares about everyone!” DiGiacomo said. “She is always there for people on the team no matter what!”
With so many opportunities in front of her, there are many things for Ryan to look forward to next year at South Carolina.
“I am most excited about making new friends and getting to continue my love for dance,” Ryan said.
Ryan has been one of the soul leaders on the Westside Dance team throughout her career. Junior Gabby Semrad talks about her role and how she will be missed.
“Before the team goes on stage, she always gives the team a pep talk and hypes the team up,” Semrad said. “Gianna has influenced the team by being a hard worker and dedicated to the team. She always finds a way to motivate the team and makes practice fun even when they get hard.”
Ryan has learned many valuable lessons throughout her dance career at Westside — ones she will carry into her next dance journey and continue to hold with her for the rest of her life.
“I have learned that you are always capable of more and just to put yourself out there because you never know what can happen,” Ryan said.
