Jon Stojan
Image credit: Ryan Grainger
Ryan Grainger, a Montreal native, is a prominent and admired figure in the dance and choreography world of Los Angeles. Signed with United Talent Agency (UTA), he brings over a decade of professional collaborations with top-tier international artists and renowned productions, and he is a highly sought-after dancer in the tough competitive world of professional dance and entertainment.
Since making his bold move to LA in 2014, Ryan has traveled the globe with major tours, performing on-stage as a lead dancer for live shows, music videos, commercials, and major television and film productions. His credits include Netflix’s “Julie and the Phantoms” and “Soundtrack,” VH1/MTV’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” WB’s “Lucifer,” Netflix’s “Sandy Wexler,” Fox’s “Glee,” FX’s “American Crime Story: People vs O.J. Simpson,” NBC’s “The Voice,” ABC’s “Boyband,” and CBS’s “Let’s Make a Deal.” His live performance credits include Cirque Du Soleil, the Teen Choice Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, the Much Music Video Awards, and the D&G Milan Fashion Show.
Ryan has also toured the world with major recording artists, including Ricky Martin on the One World Tour, Meghan Trainor, Rita Ora, Jessie J, One Republic, Gwen Stefani, Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Maluma, Down with Webster, Betty Who, Amei on the Utopia World Tour, and Leroy Sanchez. He was dance captain as well as lead dancer for “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!”, the sensational Las Vegas residency of the multi-Emmy winning “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. In 2022 and 2023, Ryan’s role as dance captain on the international world tour, “RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World,” showcased his expertise, leading over 80 shows across Europe, Asia, Australia, the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Image credit: Ryan Grainger
Ryan Grainger dancing on stage with Ricky Martin on the One World Tour
What motivated you to pursue a career in dance and how do you continue to find inspiration?
Ryan Grainger: I never imagined I’d end up a dancer. My whole family’s big on sports. Growing up, I was all about swimming, skiing, snowboarding, and football—pretty much anything with a bit of adrenaline. But music, that was my jam. So, when I stumbled into a dance class, I was hooked from the get-go. And then I realized people were actually getting paid to dance all over the world with famous artists. I remember thinking, “Hey, that’s my kind of job!”
My biggest inspiration often comes from just feeling grateful. There’s something about stepping out on stage, seeing all those faces in the crowd, and realizing how lucky I am to be there. It’s like a shot of motivation straight to the heart.
But it’s not just about the dance floor for me. It’s about those real moments, those connections that happen offstage. Whether it’s jamming with my castmates, hanging out with locals, or feeling the energy from the crowd, those experiences have really shaped me as an artist and as a person. Each trip on my four world tours has been like a crash course in life, teaching me so much about myself and the world around me. It’s incredible how dance can break down barriers and bring us all together. I’m grateful for every moment of it and it keeps me going.
Image credit: Ryan Grainger
Ryan with Rita Ora performing at MTV Music Video Awards; Ryan performing on stage
How do you prepare for your performances? What was the most challenging performance in your whole career?
One of the hardest performances I have ever been a part of both mentally and physically was on tour with Ricky Martin. We had a show in La Paz, Bolivia, which has an altitude of 13000 feet. It was difficult to be active let alone dance in a full show. We only danced in half the numbers, and we had personal oxygen tanks on the side of the stage that we would use between numbers. It was physically and mentally the hardest show I have ever been a part of.
Before every performance, I make sure to carve out a solid two-hour window to decompress and get into the right headspace, setting the mood with some music, allowing myself to ease into the moment. I typically start with stretching to loosen up, followed by meditation or breathwork to center myself and calm any pre-show nerves.
Touring life can be incredibly demanding, with all the travel and the fast-paced schedule, and it’s crucial to prioritize relaxation and self-care. Giving myself ample time to unwind before a performance recharges me both mentally and physically, ensuring that I can give it my all when the curtain goes up.
What does professionalism mean to a dancer, and what are the most important aspects of your work ethic?
Los Angeles is home to a diverse range of talented dancers who continuously impress me. I have been fortunate to work with many skilled individuals and have picked up on some key traits that separate the true professionals from the rest. One important aspect is maintaining a positive and team-oriented attitude throughout the entire process. Despite facing challenges such as production delays, long rehearsal hours, or extensive travel, it is important to bring good energy and show appreciation for being part of the team. Supporting the choreographer’s vision and consistently being punctual for rehearsals and warmups are essential for success in this field.
Thank you, Ryan, we are waiting for your next performance in Los Angeles!