Meet Gianna Micalizzi

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

Hi Gianna, why did you pursue a creative career?
I compare the need for art in my life to the need for oxygen, I simply cannot exist without it. It is so clear that the art of dance completely consumes who I am, and I am so deeply grateful to be able to call such a powerful creative outlet my profession. I was very close to pursuing a career in the medical field and even got my nursing assistant license, but I knew in my heart that I would never forgive myself if I didn’t choose my passion for dance. Half of my time was (and still is) spent fantasizing about the stage and the other half spent training for it. It was truly an innate sense of knowing that this is what I was meant to dedicate my career and ultimately my life to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a dancer, my versatility is something that sets me apart. Some days you may find me in a 4-inch stiletto, and the next in a ballet shoe. Other days it may be a tennis shoe and a pair of baggy sweats. I don’t believe in the idea of fitting inside of a box. I am a dancer, and that is a holistic experience for me. I love the art of dance as a whole, and could never choose a single lane. There were negative influences on my journey who felt it necessary to tell me who I should consider myself as. They’d say things like, “You aren’t a jazz dancer, you shouldn’t choose that style,” or, “You’re too awkward to do hip hop.” Instead of their advice steering me away from a versatile experience, I allowed it to drive me. I refuse to let anyone dictate to me who I am.

In addition to being a dancer, I am also a budding choreographer and creative director. My style is a bit quirky, I find that I’m often trying to push the boundaries of what’s “traditional”. My art might not appeal to all audiences, and I’m okay with that. I’d describe my work as a celebration of femininity, including what is often seen as unconventional. I’m currently working on developing a choreography concept video, featuring dancers in bright colored pumps. It is a fusion of many styles playing off of the concept of a high fashion inspired, female-led corporate workplace. Through my unique choreography blend, I hope to inspire audiences to question their beliefs on what is standard, imagining confident female-identifying “CEOs” in a traditionally male dominated field. I hope my work pushes the boundaries that society has set for us, and I am excited to share what I have been working on. The video will be premiering on my social media this summer.

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.
If a friend were coming to visit, I’d certainly pack our schedule quite tight as I’m the controversial type to hate lounging around!
We’d have to start our morning with a matcha, which is a must have for me. I’m always excited to try out new smaller coffee shops. Olive & James cafe in WeHo has been on my list for forever! Then, as a huge film lover, I’d love to share a tour of a movie lot like Universal or Warner Bros. Learning about how they accomplish movie magic never gets old for me.
Next, you can’t go wrong with a hike, especially with a SoCal view, so I’d take them to the classic Griffith Observatory. It was one of my first stops when I moved out, and I was in awe!
I would finish the night at one of my favorite Los Angeles restaurants, Castaway Burbank, which overlooks the city and has the most perfect viewing point for the sunset. The food and service is excellent and the location is breathtaking!
And of course, it wouldn’t be an LA trip without a class at one of the iconic world famous dance studios like that Millennium, Movement Lifestyle, or Playground. The energy in those rooms is absolutely unbeatable!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Soon after turning 15, I was given the life changing opportunity to become an assistant for Tremaine dance conventions. I spent nearly every weekend touring the country, assisting world renowned choreographers in their masterclasses and performing for dancers from coast to coast. Prior to this, I didn’t believe that dance was something I was capable of pursuing, but the opportunity introduced me to a whole world of possibilities. I never would have taken the leap to become a professional dancer if it weren’t for that experience.
I also must thank my mother, who traveled with me and made it all possible. Her support has meant the world to me and is truly the core reason why I am able to be where I am today.

Instagram: @gianna.micalizzi

Youtube: @gianna.micalizzi / GIA G

Image Credits
Lea Sophia Productions,
Cory Miller,
Ryan Fleming,
Eva Nys