Meet Aysia Ianiero

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

Hi Aysia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking risks has played a huge part in why I am where I am today. I find that when I was growing up I always wanted to branch out and follow the things that inspired me the most, even if they seemed completely out of reach or reality but the truth is that your dreams and goals are absolutely possibly for anybody that is willing to take risks and be driven towards prioritizing all of the little steps that lead you towards the dream. I moved to Los Angeles when I was 20 years old, shortly after the pandemic lifted. Growing up in Canada, I knew that Los Angeles was the place that could provide all of the epic and life changing opportunities to grow and achieve goals that I witnessed people that I look up to achieve. The process of getting here has consisted of working on a visa which takes a lot of time and costs a lot of money which I saved up for many years with this goal in mind. Filing for your visa is already a huge risk in its own since nobody is guarantee an acceptance. Once I got the visa, another step that was risky was leaving home for the first time and starting a new life out in L.A. I’m so grateful to have the family and support system that I have who have always encouraged the risk taking and the dreaming bigger than I could ever imagine. Once I got to LA my whole life changed truly. I find that taking risks when it comes to your art is what helps you grow the most. Trying new things that maybe make you uncomfortable or insecure at first. I have put myself in situations where I knew that I wouldn’t walk out of the room feeling incredible about myself but what I took from the people around me and the environment in which I put myself in, helped me gain tools and inspired me in ways that I couldn’t have done on my own or even in my comfort zone. I find taking risks is important for challenging yourself, opening yourself up to things that you never thought were possible, you could truly be surprised by what you are truly capable of, just because you have it a shot and trusted the process. I will continue to take risks in my career since it has led me to the most incredibly life changing experiences and opportunities such as dancing on The Oscars, The Grammys, Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour, WICKED feature film, and more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love being a part of many different worlds in this community of dance and I find something that has benefit me and kept my love and passion for dance so strong over all of these years is really prioritizing my versatility and not putting myself in a box when it comes to my training or jobs that I do. This mindset was heavily encouraged by my teachers and mentors growing up and taking this with me into my professional career has been extremely beneficial. Getting to where I am today was not easy and I don’t necessarily think it will ever be easy. The hustle is all part of this industry and I don’t like to be comfortable or stagnant. I have only scratched the surface and just started experiencing the jobs i’ve been dreaming of so this is only the beginning but that is the most exciting part of it all for me. Keeping that love for the art and always going back to the reason why you started in the first place is a constant practice that keeps the gratitude, motivation and growth going strong. A couple of important lessons i’ve learned along the way is that it’s the person that you are before the dancer that you are first, that is most important. Remembering that we are humans before we are anything else. Being kind to everyone and staying grounded. Taking inspiration from things and people outside of your craft will open your mind to a whole new world of exploration. Knowing that you are your biggest motivator and you are in the drivers seat of your life. When people tell you that things aren’t possible or are not meant for you, prove them wrong. Do things for YOU before you do them for anyone else. That’s the most fulfilling lesson. Wake up everyday with compassion and empathy for yourself and the people around you. Take care of your mind, your body, and your spirit. Prioritize balance and having a healthy lifestyle for what works best for YOU. Check in on your friends and family and never forget where you came from. Know that what’s meant for you won’t go by you and all of your wildest dreams can come true.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love a good hike; The wisdom tree hike is my favourite. You can see the whole city from up there and it really
puts things into perspective for me and reminds me of how I made this happen. I like to bring my journal up there as well.

I also love walking around Melrose and going shopping and trying out new coffee shops.

Some of my favourite restaurants are, Cafe on 27, Tu Madre, Laurel Hardware, Aroma Cafe, Sugarfish, to name a few

I love trying out any new thrift stores that a recommended by friends. I also love a jazz night at any bar that provides that. Supporting local artists wether that’s in music, dance, fashion, food. etc.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I grew up in Toronto, Ontario Canada and trained for 17 years at my mother Stephanie Viola and my aunt Andrea Viola dance studio called Art and Soul Dance Company. I trained in all styles, jazz, tap, ballet, acro, hip hop, contemporary, modern and also with many guest choreographers from around the world who they brought in to train us and share their work.
Along with my mom and aunt, Some standout choreographers and teachers who helped me become the dancer I am throughout the years are Teddy Forance, Will Loftis, Charm La’Donna, Mandy Moore, Shanna Cipressi, Sabrina Porco, Ashley Pividor, Marilyn Garcea, Ryan Lee, Randi Kemper, Hefa Tuita, Stacey Tookey, Martha Nichols, Dana Foglia, Akira Uchida, Tyce Diorio, Tucker Barkley, Marty Kudelka, and many more

Instagram: @aysiaianiero

Image Credits
Mati Ficara, Wes Klain, Elizabeth Miranda