An exclusive interview with one of the world’s most in-demand dancers and choreographers, famous for turning any song into a viral billion-viewer hit.

Success rarely happens overnight and for GiaNina Paolantonio it was a decade in the making. Ever since her Broadway debut at 9 years old in the production of Matilda, the only thing she banked on was her resilient work ethic, a discerning ear for music and being her most authentic self.

Usually, these days, when we think of dancers or choreographers we think of backup dancers in music videos or at a concert. But it’s Paolantonio’s choreography that is responsible for our favourite pop songs trending on TikTok and other platforms. Most notably, her viral Jennifer Lopez dance video of “On the Floor” has racked up over half a billion views, and then she did it again with Billie Eilish and Jessie Murph.

Today, Paolantonio works directly with the world’s biggest pop stars and music labels to choreograph dances designed for maximum impact, then launches them to her adoring four million followers to help ignite viral campaigns. She sells out tours across the U.S. and internationally, teaches weekly at L.A.’s top studios Millennium and Playground, co-hosts the Stupid Idiots podcast and works on original music that blends choreography with emotional storytelling.

Paolantonio sat down with City Life for an exclusive interview, which was when I learned that she is proud to say that her greatest passion — for dance, movement and music — is also her business.

Q: When you choreograph for major pop stars, how do you balance your artistic expression with the hope that it goes viral?
A: Authenticity — the second you try too hard to be something or someone you’re not, everyone can see right through it. My team and I have been very picky throughout the years about who we work with and who to work for — simply because when all the things align, the best outcome will show.

Q: Do you ever feel pressure knowing your choreography can make or break a song’s success online?
A: Failing has always been a fear of mine, as it is for hundreds of others, but I try to remind myself that I’m capable of so much, and if something doesn’t work out the way it was planned to, it was always meant to be that way. You can’t always be on top, but you can certainly never give up and always try to be on.

Q: Can you walk us through your creative process?
A: To be completely honest, my creative process normally happens in my apartment kitchen or hotel bathrooms … I started recording those moments so that I can look back and show the world 10 years from now what it looked like.

Q:What keeps you grounded in such a fast-moving industry?
A: My family. There’s no one better.

Q: You’ve spoken about your Italian heritage before. How has your culture and upbringing influenced your creativity, work ethic or approach to performance?
A: I’m 100% Italian and over the years growing up in this industry I’ve grown into loving my naturally curly hair — I find it suits me best and is easiest for me to dance with. Having a lion’s mane of curls at the end of class means I worked hard, and leaning into that as I’ve gotten older has been one of my favourite things to show about me. Also, because of my Italian heritage, my work ethic is unmatched, and I get that from my family. It’s so ingrained in me.

Q: You’ve turned choreography into a full-blown business model. How do you approach the business side of your brand?
A: Thankfully, I have such an amazing team, which also happens to be family. Everyone always says no one will put their best foot forward more than themselves and their own family and that’s how it’s been since the day I stepped into this world. I can only imagine how different my career would look if I didn’t have them behind me the entire time. I’m grateful to be involved in the business aspect as I’ve gotten older, to learn how to do these things and manage things on my own, but having a team is so crucial to look out for you.

Q: You’re now working on original music that blends choreography with emotional storytelling. Can you share what we might expect from that project?
A: Singing has been a part of my life for the past 10 years, ever since Broadway, and I knew the second I turned 19 last year I wanted to start writing music again. Being able to only write songs about personal experiences is a different art form. I didn’t know I needed it. It’s also a different type of therapy and release that I’m grateful to have. I always say it how it is in real life — so please expect that when I start to release music!

Q: What advice do you give young dancers hoping to make it in today’s digital-first dance industry?
A: I spent years and years putting myself out there to my fullest potential, hoping that someday it would land in front of the right person, and it finally did. You’ll never fail if you’re dedicated and passionate enough about your craft.

Q: Who continues to inspire you every day?
A: The people who want me to fail the most. People in this industry don’t clap for others, and they wonder why it’ll never be their turn. That will forever be the most motivating element. I strive to be the best of the best — and will for the rest of my career.

@gianina