Life & Work with Nicholas Rey Kanyer of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Rey Kanyer.

Hi Nicholas Rey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Artistically driven boy, loved drawing, painting and exploring. Started tap & jazz classes at age 5 with full support from his single mother Linette Kanyer, who also was an incredible tap dancer. First and only boy on city dance team “shooting stars” in San Dimas CA. And Until age 8 remained the only boy attending regional dance competitions in the LA county and acquired multiple titles and first place awards. At age 8 my parents got back together and I learned that love concurs all. With dad in the picture like most boys I learned how to play every sport and really channel my natural athleticism in new ways, While I enjoyed learning and spending time meeting my dad I hated actually partaking in the group sports. I told my dad I didn’t enjoy sports and that dance was still my passion. So my parents took it to the next level by enrolling me in a performing arts studio “Dancemaker” in Covina CA and life changed for the better! Continuing to grow and expand my training I dove into, hip hop, musical theater, ballet, acting and singing lessons. Within the first year I booked professional dance jobs performing at fashion shows, Disney special events, as well as community fairs and entered the industry world of auditions for broadway musicals like “lion king”. Spending all of grade school years into high school training and making life long dance friends I continued to persue the arts in all aspects of life. By 16 I was teaching my own jazz funk classes while studying dance and fashion design at Mt San Antonio College. Choreographing for small gigs along the way and teaching/mentoring generations of dancers from ages 8-18 for over 15 years and counting. At age 19 I choreographed a viral video to the song “Bloody Mary” by Lady Gaga, accumulating over 50 million views and acknowledgment from Mother Momster herself! With Hip hop and jazz funk becoming my favorite styles I continued to chase my dreams of dancing back up for major recording artists. Now I can proudly say I’ve been featured in music videos, US and international tours and commercials, with artists such as TYLA, LISA, JAE STEPHENS, HEIDI MONTAG, DANNA PAOLA, ALLDAY PROJECT, MEOVV, LAY ZHANG. With features in Vogue China, as well as choreography credits with HEIDI MONTAG and KPOP Artists “Super-M”and “Oong Seong Wu”. None of which would be possible without the unconditional love and support of my family and most importantly my Mother Linette Roselle Kanyer, who allowed me to be my authentic self 🏳️‍🌈 and never once doubted my ability to peruse a life of passion and art.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life challenges everyone and no-ones battles out weigh the others. Like most queer cis male boys I faced a lot of homophobia and bullying at school for my interests, appearance and voice in my grade school years.

My hardest years were watching my mother go thru breast cancer and later brain cancer.
She won the battle but lost the war passing this year in February 2025, a pain that will last a lifetime. She was my best friend, inspiration and hero. No one compares to her light.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Design, choreography and teaching from a unique perspective. Staying true to who I am as an artist, not limiting myself by outside opinions and remaining authentic to my younger self’s dreams. Not all queer people have support from their families so I take pride in sharing my blessing and unconditional love with everyone I cross paths with. Leading with kindness.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people would be surprised to know that I’ve been designing for 14 years and that I’m a huge Disneyland fan!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicho.rey?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mrnukappa?si=oFoKHKUQDEbcOCkZ

Image Credits
Headshots by Bradford Rogne