Conversations with Tai “Ryan” White

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tai “Ryan” White.

Hi Tai “Ryan”, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born NY, Raised in FL and living in CA since 2015.

I didn’t take my first dance class until August 2008. I just danced. Freestyle and copy off TLC, MC Hammer, Janet and Michael Jackson Music videos etc. I would play the “Friday Night Bomb” mixes that Dj’s would play on the radio on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and choreograph to them. Apparently I put on my first “show for my foreign exchange students from Japan that came to live in my house at the age of 3. They happened to love it and were very impressed! Haha I come from a family of creative folk. My Grandma Doris “Dot White” Zitowitz was a legendary Gospel singer, My mom singing in major venues like the Apollo Theater since Age 4, My father a Fashion designer, singer and dancer, My Grandfather Philip Zitowitz a Producer, film director, writer and author and my biological granddad was a legendary gospel musician and organist.

I began my original dance training under the direction of Suzanne Pomerantzeff and The Academy of Ballet Arts. This happened after the neighborhood dance wear store owners and now dear friend Caridad Meier threatened to kick my (you guessed it) if I did not get into class. Monica Richardson, A choreographer and instructor from Miami discovered my talent and from there advised me to get into training immediately. I was choreographing for my pop’s church back then so stepping into dance outside of church was interesting for me. Especially since right before that time I had severe heart and lung issues which prevented me from walking ling spaces let alone dancing.

After training classically in St. Pete and Lakeland, I went to intensives over the summer in other states in efforts to try and become better. During this time simultaneously producing my production Shadows of the Mind, which basically embodies my life’s work. Not too far in the future from those moments I became a dance teacher at John Hopkins Middle school in St. Petersburg. The school was know for being the launching pad for youth to eventually end up in companies like Alvin Ailey, Complexions Ballet, American Ballet Theater, (ABT) and more in large part due to Ms Pomerantzeff and her reputation as student would eventually cross paths with her before venturing into the crazy world of dance. Soon after that I produced Shadows again as I did annually but for the first time we had to perform multiple shows due to the demand as the audience desired encore’s. I talked to My grandfather Philip Zitowitz who at the time was a professor at the University of Meiji in Tokyo, and he began helping make my show appetizing to international audiences as my desire was and is to tour with the show even now. The decision was eventually made to for me to move to LA.

My original plan in moving here was to learn all I can about the entertainment industry in hopes to be able to maneuver and make space for my production. My grandfather Philip Zitowitz was a huge inspiration for me to move to LA. He unalived himself and I found that out not too long after moving here.

I “floated” through the industry as I didn’t really now what else to do. I didn’t really have a mentor anymore but I did acquire many amazing friends such as Reegan Haynes- Creator of Afro-Fuzion, choreographer, teacher and performer. I was able to glean information and learn certain things to help me find my way. My journey and the gift of dance took me all over the US touring. Also I’ve danced for Beyoncè, JHope and BeckyG, Dababy, BadBunny, Prince Royce, BET AWARDS, Wendy’sxESPN, and more. My most notable job to date is still my work as a lead for John Legend and BloodBop’s A Good Night.

I now embrace the title of mulit-hyphenate artist as I have ventured into clothing design, styling, producing, writing and more. One of the reasons Shadows of the Mind is such a blessing to me is because through this production I exercise and sharpen all of those skills. I am grateful to say that I have grown over the years to a place of excellence in all of them, in addition to my choreography and dance. It is because of this that I have been able to keep myself in LA working in this industry from now 10 years+

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey had many pitfalls. From losing my grandfather, to losing my grandmother due to Covid, to losing my older brother due to neglagence… not to mention the many changes and waves of industry and the ebbs and flows of that. Living situations were hard to figure out at the beginning of my journey. I couch hopped and then lived with friends until I was finally able to get my name on a lease. I have suffered a few injuries including many spine complications etc. Yet I found my comfort in my dancing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’d say to know me is to know my work.-

I, Tai “Ryan” White am a multi-talented creative force whose life and work are rooted in an unshakable faith in God and a passion for inspiring others. As a choreographer, movement minister, fashion designer, singer, writer, and actor, my artistry transcends boundaries—melding performance, spirituality, and storytelling into powerful, transformative experiences.

I’ve been called a dynamic leader both on and off the stage, I bring over 15 years of teaching, creative direction, and community engagement to everything I touch. With an eye for detail, a heart for people, and a commitment to excellence, I am most known for my ability to motivate and uplift teams while delivering high-quality results in high-pressure environments.

My current work includes producing the dance-theater piece “Shadows of the Mind,” a bold exploration of mental health and healing through movement, as well as ongoing service as a spiritual advisor and dancer within my church community. My artistry is not just performance—it’s ministry, activism, and a call to deeper reflection.

I’m a lifelong learner, an advocate for mental and emotional well-being, and a visionary thinker who sees beyond limitations to what could be. With warmth, humility, and fierce determination, I’m the kind of person who makes people feel seen, heard, and inspired to step into their own greatness.

In short, I’d describe me as:

A visionary, multifaceted creative

A faith-centered leader and encourager

An empathetic advocate for mental health and transformation

A disciplined artist with the drive to bring bold ideas to life

A relationship-builder who inspires, teaches, and uplifts others

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
My worth… I think the hardest thing sometimes is for a giver to give to themselves. I am still learning this. How do I show up for myself but also take the time and energy needed to pour back into myself, to repair the cracks in my armor, ot rest my muscles so I can lift my community up again. WHAT DO I LIKE?! There are a lot of things that I do and can do and it doesn’t bother me to do them but what are the things that ACTUALLY inspire me, move me?

I’ve learned its the things that money can’t buy are really my fuels. My friends and community, My family, music, a hug, quality time and more.

God is so good to me honestly and just knowing that I am a child of God and loved helps me to serve and uplift others from a place of care and not a place of performance to try and prove my worth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tairyan.pb.online/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enter_tai_ment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiRyanOfficial

Image Credits
Bruno O’Hara
Jeremy David
Freddie Ortiz
Walter Singletary