GiaNina Paolantonio is a dancer, choreographer and content creator who has become one of the biggest names in the world of dance. She’s worked with famous singers, helping create dance trends that have been seen by millions of people around the world!
GiaNina started performing at just nine-years-old, appearing on Broadway in Matilda the Musical, in The Greatest Showman, and on Dance Moms. Today, she uses her creativity and passion for dance to inspire fans everywhere –
and she’s showing that hard work and big dreams can take you far. We caught up with GiaNina on her recent dance workshop tour of Australia! Check it out…
You’ve been dancing since you were tiny, what’s one moment from your early training that still shapes the way you perform today?
“There are so many things I’ve learned from performing at such a young age, but one moment that really shaped my mindset was performing on Broadway while I was losing my baby teeth at the same time. I vividly remember losing teeth right before going on stage, and sometimes even during performances. I would have to hide them
in my shoes or hold them in my hand while continuing the show, staying in character, and remaining professional. Even at nine-years old, navigating something unexpected like that during a live performance taught me an important lesson about show business: no matter what happens, you keep going.”
When people watch you dance, they always mention your power and precision when you move. How would you describe your style and what makes it uniquely ‘GiaNina’?
“I want people to feel something when they watch me. I never want choreography to look robotic. I think what makes it feel ‘GiaNina’ is the confidence and energy I bring into every performance. Even if it’s a small move, I try to make it feel huge.”
You’ve travelled the world teaching workshops. What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned about dancers from different countries and cultures?
“One of the coolest things about traveling is realising that dance really is its own language. Even when people speak different languages, we connect instantly through movement. I’ve learned that every culture brings a different energy into dance. Some dancers are super technical, others are more expressive or freestyle focused, and I love seeing how everyone interprets music and dance differently.”
Young dancers look up to you everywhere you go. What’s the one piece of advice you always hope they take home from your classes?
“I always tell young dancers not to compare themselves to anyone else. Social media can make it feel like you have to be perfect all the time, but the dancers who stand out are the ones who embrace what makes them different. I also remind them that consistency matters more than being ‘naturally talented’. Keep training, keep showing up, and trust your own journey.”
How do you balance being a creator, a performer and a role model all at once?
“It definitely takes balance. I try to stay organised and make time for each part of my career because they all connect together. Performing fuels my creativity, social media lets me connect with people directly, and being a role model reminds me to stay authentic. I think the biggest thing is staying true to myself instead of trying to
fit into trends all the time.”
What’s something people don’t realise about the work that goes into your online content?
“People definitely don’t realise how much time goes into content. A short video can take hours between choreographing, learning camera angles, filming multiple takes, editing, lighting, choosing music and posting at the right time. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes that people never see, but I actually love the creative
process because it lets me combine dance with visual storytelling.”
Can you tell us what’s next for you?
“I’m really excited for what’s coming next. I want to keep growing as an artist in every way – dance, music, acting, touring, all of it. I’ve been working on a lot creatively behind the scenes, and I’m excited to keep connecting with people through new projects and opportunities. This is definitely just the beginning for me!”
