Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivanna Danforth.
Ivanna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story has always been about art.
My whole life has been centered around it. I am an actress, dancer, singer, and songwriter originally from San Antonio, Texas. My mom is from Mexico City and lived there for most of her life. I take a lot of pride in my biculturalism, and I’ve been fluent in English and Spanish since I could talk. I’m very proud to be Mexican.
I started dancing when I was 2 years old—it was, and always will be, my first love. I joined my first dance company at the age of 7 and began competing nationally. That same year, I started singing lessons and signed with my first commercial agency based in Texas. My entire childhood was devoted to creating art—every single day. Whether it was a local theatre performance, a dance competition I was training for, or a song I was trying to master, I always had something going on, and I loved it.
At age 9, I was chosen to participate in La Voz Kids. As I grew into my teens, I realized this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It’s always been my passion.
I started out doing national commercials and voice-overs around age 7 and have since starred in five feature films—four of them as the lead actress. I began as an extra in my first feature in 2020 and worked my way up. I loved seeing how everyone on set collaborated to bring a film’s vision to life.
My latest film, released in March 2025, was an indie Christian film with a Texas-based production company called Midnight Cry. It’s been my favorite project so far—I held a lead role and felt deeply connected to the story.
After graduating high school, I got into pageantry. With my prior stage experience, it felt like a great opportunity to grow my confidence and communication skills. I learned so much about myself, both physically and mentally, during the three years I devoted to it.
I started in 2021, winning the title of Miss Teen Texas Charm in San Antonio, TX, and went on to place 1st runner-up for Miss Teen USA in Orlando, Florida.
In 2022, I won Mexicana Universal San Antonio and placed 3rd runner-up at Mexicana Universal USA in Miami, Florida.
At 18, I moved to Los Angeles, CA, to focus more on my songwriting and acting.
When it comes to singing and songwriting, I’ve always explored a wide range of genres—from pop to mariachi—and now I’m incorporating my own original work. I’ve also performed in several musicals and live theatre productions.
I’ve always loved writing. In school, it was the one subject I felt truly confident in. I used to write poems for my mom on Mother’s Day or her birthday, and writing essays always came naturally. I’ve always had a lot to say, and I think I hold my opinions deeply.
When I booked my first lead role in the film Velocity Girl, I had just started getting serious about songwriting and ended up writing two songs for the film. Shortly after, I released my debut single, Self Destruction, in June 2023, followed by my second single, Never Know, in early 2024.
I released my first Spanish-language single, Fría, in November 2024, followed by my second Spanish single, Stay—which includes both English and Spanish—in March of this year. I currently have four singles out, two of them in Spanish, and my team and I are working on a Spanish-focused EP, aiming for a 2025 release.
My music has a very acoustic, intimate feel. I want it to make people feel safe and less alone in whatever they’re going through. I’m deeply influenced by artists like Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift. Growing up in Texas, country music was always a big part of my life. I love weaving that sound into my songs and am excited to explore more of that side of myself—especially by blending it with my Spanish writing.
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?
I don’t think anyone who choses to be an artist as a career has a smooth road. Its a very competitive career that takes years of effort to succed. I am very aware of the difficulties but I think that’s the fun part. Its kind of romantic knowing that odds are against you and that you are fighting everyday for your passion, to be able to do it for the rest of your life ,and succeed (whatever that means for the individual).
One of the biggest struggles I faced was when I first moved to LA. I was 18, brand new to a city I didn’t know, and my family was halfway across the country. I didn’t know a single person. Staying motivated was difficult amidst so much unfamiliarity, all while trying to navigate adulthood and simply survive.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a young singer-songwriter who uses music and poetry as a means of healing. Ive been influenced by artists like Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift. Their lyric-driven songs invite their own listeners to explore their deepest emotions. I would love to do the same. I was born in San Antonio, Texas, and with bicultural roots since my mom is from Mexico City. I sing a lot of Mariachi when I go back to my home town. September 16th is the day we start to celebrate Mexicos Independence and every year I fly out to my home town to perform for my town and the Mexican Consulate of San Antonio, Texas. I have recently been emerging myself more into writing in Spanish and I am working on a prominently Spanish EP planning to drop at the end of 2025. I have been immersed in the arts since the age of 3. Dance, theater, and music. My musical debut came in 2023 with “Self Destruction,” a song that reflects a want to create a safe space where I hope people can feel vulnerable and connected. I am most proud of the person my work has formed me into. I feel like I learn something new about myself through every project. Whether it’s a movie, or a new song, or a performance, I continue to let it mold me and learn from my experiences. There is so much to learn from others and collaborators, that’s my favorite part of my work.
I would say what’s sets me apart from others is me being completely vulnerable in my writing. I never write things thinking about people hearing it. I write because it’s therapeutic for me and I hope that the outcome of me being honest can help people not feel alone.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would be having tech week for Nutcracker every year with my best friends. It was the most fun memories I have every made in my whole life. The excitement, the nerves before shows, having to go to theater right after school for hours on end were so full of energy. I loved it.
Pricing:
- Spotify @Ivanna
- Instagram @ivannadanforth
- Apple Music @Ivanna
- management : marianagagliardi@me.com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivannadanforth/?hl=en
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@ivannadanforth
- Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/29zMoPloePSjH9nX5GSTkp?si=U0A-sSf7S1evp3WFHQMsNA
Image Credits
Image Credits : Alejandra Cortez
