Meet Ryan Green | Choreographer & Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by so many things. Primarily, I’m drawn to dance as a language—a form of expression that creates a sense of community. It’s something universally understood, yet deeply personal to each individual. I’m inspired by my family, my friends, my apartment, my clothes, and pop culture. I’m inspired by emotion—whether it’s love, heartbreak, comedy, sex, or pure art.

More than anything, I think music and the people who create art inspire me most. Like anyone, when I hear a favorite song—or any song, really—it can instantly bring a story to life in my mind. A song can transport me to a moment, like a breakup when that track was the only thing that made sense, or a summer where the music captured pure joy.

Ultimately, I’m inspired by humans—by what we do, what we create, how we connect, and especially by those who push boundaries.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from other choreographers or dancers is my unique ability to move and truly be myself. I think I view dance differently than most—I believe in the art of it all, the way it moves people emotionally, spiritually, and viscerally.

I’m most proud of just doing the dang thing—moving to Los Angeles and now being here for nearly five years. I’m proud of the success I’ve had, and even more excited by the growth I continue to see. The opportunities that keep coming my way and the lifelong friendships I’ve made along the journey are something I don’t take for granted.

I get so happy when I think about young Ryan and where he is now. Getting to teach, to create, and to have dance as my career—it still blows my mind. When I’m 80, sitting with my friends and reminiscing, I know I’ll be so proud that I chose this creative life. What a privilege it is to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and create art for a living.

Professionally, I think I got here by staying deeply true to my own creative brain and to myself. In this industry, especially in a city like L.A., it’s easy to feel lost in the wave of creatives constantly doing everything. I like to write myself little notes and remind myself daily to keep striving for my most authentic self. If I’m showing up wholeheartedly as me, I believe the right opportunities will follow.

Getting to where I am now hasn’t been easy. Growing up queer in a small town came with its own challenges—but I’ve always had a strong support system that continues to water and nourish me.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? None of this is that deep. It feels like everything in the moment—the pressure, the performance, the next big job—but also, it’s the silliest, most joyful thing. At the end of the day, it’s about people. If we don’t nurture our relationships with family and friends, this industry can feel lonely and overwhelming.

And I know it sounds cliché, but opportunities will come and go. “No” doesn’t mean you’re terrible—it just means that wasn’t the right fit. Something bigger is always around the corner if you stay true to you.

I want the world to know who Ryan is when they watch my art. I want my brand and my story to live within the work I create—to be so recognizable that it’s undeniably me.

And I’m funny, and I love to giggle 🙂

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, I love this question—because, like my parents, I’m such a creature of habit. I often have friends stay with me, and we always end up going to the same spots in the city that feel like home.

First up: a classic beach day—because obviously. After that, we always head to Jamison’s Pub in Santa Monica for happy hour and unlimited tacos on Tuesdays (duh!).

Then there’s the train ride to San Diego, which has become a little tradition. It’s honestly such a nice ride with the most amazing ocean views. We spend the day thrifting at all the best Goodwills and usually hit up Tu Madre for a bottomless brunch moment—dangerous, I know.

Some of the best spots in LA, in my opinion, are the more local ones—pool bars, tiny mom-and-pop restaurants. Shoutout to Los Amigos in Burbank, which every single family member and friend who’s ever visited me has gone to multiple times.

I just love familiar places with familiar people. I’m a sucker for a good cocktail and some bomb food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think this shoutout series needs to be dedicated to all the people in my life who continue to see me for who I truly am.

To my friend Kyra Cole—you’ve stood by my side since the beginning of our dance careers in Los Angeles. Your support has been unwavering, and your belief in everything I create means more than I can express.

To my parents—thank you for being with me through every step of this journey in life and dance. You’re always the first call I make when something exciting happens. Thank you for allowing me to be fully myself, never questioning my abilities or who I am as a person.

And to Lee Mitchell—a coach who changed the course of my dance career. You believed in me from a young age and have continued to support me in everything I do. That belief has shaped me in ways I’ll never forget.

Instagram: @greenrryan

Image Credits
Lee Gumps Photography