Popular Studios: Millennium Dance Complex (Orange County)
Styles: Contemporary, Jazz
Specialty Classes: Acrobatics, Acro Flow, Dance Anatomy, Stretch & Strengthening, Turns and Jumps
Experience (select list):
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Class Descriptions:
Acrobatics/Acro Flow: Two separate class options that Ryley Loves to teach. Acrobatics class will consist of Across the floor passes working on classic acrobatic technique. He is able to spot dancers and help them progress isolated Acro tricks, tumbling passes, hand balancing, etc. Acro flow is Ryley's favorite class to teach. Utilizing across the floor dance combinations or jazz/contemporary combos to fuse acrobatic tricks in seamlessly. Ryley loves breaking down different ways to transition in and out of Acrobatic movements so it adds to the dancing and movement. In these classes Ryley enjoys talking about Anatomy and will always make sure to provide options to dancers who have maybe never done acrobatics before.
Contemporary/Floorwork/Partnering/Improvisation/Technique: Ryley's contemporary class encompasses many elements that can be emphasized or minimized depending on the level and age of the dancers. His contemporary combos are athletic, emotional, powerful, and character based. Ryley also loves utilizing partner work/improvisational exercises to create a communal environment for the dancers to allow them to be more vulnerable and really excel emotionally. Ryley also incorporates contemporary techniques utilizing principles from Modern, Countertechnique, and release based techniques.
Dance Anatomy/Stretch & Strength: This is a slower moving class that Ryley is really passionate about teaching. Ryley teaches the dancers new ways to understand their bodies and the space around them to allow the dancer to fully warm up and prevent injuries. This class can be a bit theoretical in terms of anatomy and at times look like a Q & A so the dancers can get specific feedback on areas of pain or injury and receive tools to take with them in the future.
Jazz/Jazz Fusion/Jazz Technique: Ryley's Jazz classes are always very upbeat and focused on clean staccato movement. Wether it be classic old school jazz or more of a jazz fusion class, dancers will be pushed to their maximum via musicality, direction changes, turns, jumps and style. Occasionally Ryley will speed up or slow down the music in this class to push the dancers to find clarity in their movement.
Turns and Jumps: This class will push the dancers to try new turns and jumps in both a contemporary style and or a jazz style. Ryley Loves giving dancers new tips for their technique as well as new perspectives to consider while doing these more advanced jumps and turns that make it feel more fun and approachable. He never wants turns and jumps to feel dogmatic for the dancer and keeps this class very fresh and updated with current trends in the dance scene.
Born and Raised in the small state of Rhode Island Ryley he began his acrobatic training at age 10 and dance training at age 11. His passion for teaching and choreography began shortly after which inspired him to pursue and obtain his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Commercial Dance from Hussian College in Studio, Los Angeles.
Throughout college, Ryley explored a wide variety of dance techniques/styles, acting classes, and film classes all taught by working industry professionals. He has studied and worked professionally in many styles of dance such as, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Jazz funk, Hip Hop, Modern, Aerial Silks, World Cultural Dance, Partnering, Street Styles, Ballroom, and more.
While receiving his education, Ryley was signed to the Movement Talent Agency and most recently worked with Emmy award winning choreographer, Mandy Moore, on a commercial that aired during Super Bowl LVI. Ryley has also worked with other respected choreographers like Mike Tyus, Jaclyn Royal, Ambrose Respicio, Derek Piquette, and companies such as Acrobatic Arts, CLI Studios, Steezey Studios and more. He is currently a member of Royal Flux dance company and was a dancer in a recent A24 film.
What keeps Ryley so inspired is the collaborative act of teaching. With such a broad perspective of dancing, Ryley is able to teach many different styles, levels, and ages where there is a lot of hard work disguised by having a lot fun. He teaches Acrobatics, Technique, Contemporary, Jazz, and fusion classes and is SafeSport certified. He excels with connecting acrobatic movement into contemporary or jazz combinations/choreography and carefully paces choreography class with stretching, strengthening, and across the floor exercises that build towards bigger movement done later during the combination. In Acrobatic classes, options are always encouraged so dancers can work safely and at their own pace. Ryley's acrobatic fusion classes give dancers a chance to connect their tricks transitionally and with musicality.
Ryley is known for his energetic and enthusiastic attitude in class settings. He takes immense pride in building an environment where everyone feels supported encouraged and seen. His goal is for the dancers in class to understand the symbiotic relationship between acrobatic tricks and dancing and his hope is for every dancer to approach his class and all other future classes with belief in their own abilities and strength.
