Check Out Aysia Ianiero’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aysia Ianiero.

Hi Aysia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started dancing at the age of 3, since my mom Stephanie Viola is a dancer and ended up opening her own dance studio called Art and Soul Dance Company with her sister Andrea Viola in Toronto. Growing up I felt so immensely inspired by the world around me and sometimes communicating in words felt extremely difficult, so dance became my outlet, my safe space, and truly my favourite thing in the world. I trained at the studio for 18 years in all dance styles such as Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip – Hop, Contemporary, Modern and many more. Along with my consistent weekly teachers, I feel so privileged that I got to train and work with teachers and choreographers from all over the world as I was growing up, wether that was travelling to a different place or them coming to my studio. This really inspired me to want to be just like them and have a career in dance and live out all of my dreams wherever that may be! As I got older, Los Angeles was the place that I felt pulled towards the most. After talking to mentors and travelling for years learning more about the industry, training for about 30 hours a week or more, I was determined to make LA my home some day. As soon as the pandemic hit, I graduated high school in 2020. This was my opportunity to begin the visa process to jump into this new chapter of my life. After a year of dedication to getting the visa approval, it finally happened and in September of 2023, I made the move to Los Angeles. It still feels absolutely surreal, everyday. I get to be where I have dreamed of being and do all of the crazy things I never even thought were possible. Although LA is incredible and such a outlet for this industry, it also comes with its challenges. I am so grateful that I have now been able to say I have achieved some of my life long goals like going on tour with Dua Lipa, dancing at the Grammys and the Oscar’s for 2 years in a row, being a dancer in the WICKED feature film, performing on Jimmy Fallon, and many more. I feel like all of the experiences and opportunities that I have gotten to be apart of thus far have only inspired me to want to be better and keep pushing. This is only the start of my journey.

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?
You never know what an outcome will be, especially when the world around you feels like it’s moving at such an intensely fast pace and opportunities come and they go! I’ve learned that nothing that is meant for you, will go by you. Accepting that you will absolutely get more no’s than yes’s, and letting that push you to want to keep going instead of bring you down and make you question your worth. it’s all a practice really. Some days are harder than others. There are so many talented people around me always, I feel so lucky to even say that. The city alone inspires me to not give up. Reminding myself that I wouldn’t be here if when it got difficult I chose the easy route. I find that taking care of your heart, mind, body, and soul will trickle into your relationship with dance and help you maintain a healthier mindset living through this industry.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Being a dancer, creative, performer, artist is completely all encompassing. You are a representation of your art every day. Something that I find so cool about artists is that everyone is so different. Art is selective, but so beautiful and there is a world for everybody to connect with out here. I grew up with such a lovely support system which has encouraged me to always stay open minded and never put myself in a box when it comes to my work; so therefore keeping my versatility and ability to adapt to any work environment has been helpful in the jobs I have been lucky to experience. It also just keeps things exciting! My biggest goal and achievement thus far I have to say was being casted as a dancer for Dua Lipa and going on tour with her. There aren’t words to describe this feeling. I still journal about it often because i’m not quite sure if i’ll ever be able to articulate the feeling. It was the most incredible, fun, surreal, and magical thing i’ve gotten to be a part of to this day. I learned so much that I now will take with me into my next jobs which I am so grateful for. I would like to say I have a very good attitude when it comes to taking criticism or correction because that’s what it is all about. You don’t want to stay stagnant or comfortable! I personally always want to feel like i’m being pushed, like i’m evolving and growing with every opportunity and chance I get.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have learned that you can be inspired by somebody, and look up to them like no other, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a great mentor. Everyone finds what feels right for them and in the moment you will just know. It is also okay that mentors can come in and out of your life as you grow, change and evolve because things change rapidly and sometimes seeking new guidance is what is necessary for you. I am very lucky that the mentors that I have grown up with have only ever supported me and trusted me and helped me spread my wings rather than held me back. They have provided me with tools and a mindset to achieve my goals, but most importantly have always been there for me no matter the circumstances. I think it is really important that when you have a mentor, your mentor is constantly working on their craft and bettering themselves, it shows you that even your hero’s want to continue to grow! Being a good person and having a good attitude!!!! Be nice and supportive and help others, inspire others, Your talent will only get you so far, but people will always remember how you made them feel.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @aysiaianiero

Image Credits
Mati Ficara, Elizabeth Miranda, Wes Klain