Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Giannini.
Katrina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started with the tragedy of my father’s death at five years old. He passed very suddenly and my mother was worried the effects this would have a child. She decided to put me in dance to help distract from all the real life stuff happening. From there it truly was history. I have been dancing my entire life. Starting as a baby ballerina performing in the Nutcracker every holiday season, to competing all over the West Coast in many different genres of styles including jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and more. To training under well known dance artists at conventions all over the nation. To studying dance at California State University Long Beach and graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Through all my life ups and downs; dance has always been there. It was a place of love, distraction, comfort, challenges, and more. I was so privileged to have a mother, who was raising me all on her own, to give me the opportunity to dance everyday. Supporting and pushing me everyday. Dance became a home. It is my passion, my love, my life. And I wanted to make it my career. For the past two years, I have spent a lot of my time was spent traveling and participating in numerous auditions. For all types of jobs; burlesque shows, freelance work, companies, dance teams, cruise lines, theme parks, and more. It definitely took a lot on me emotionally and mentally. But in the end I knew something would happen for me. And it did! I am currently working with SeaWorld as a performer for their holidays season. Recently finished participating in the Halloween show, Monster Stomp, as an understudy. And now, currently performing for their holiday show, Stocking Full of Soul. It has been such a rewarding a joyful experience getting to do what I love on a big stage and in front of a big audience. It is a dream to continue to perform for as many opportunities as I can!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. But honestly is anyones? Life is about the journey not the destination. For a big chunk of my life, a lot of my mentors and instructors did not believe in me. Telling me I was not going to have a successful career as a dancer. Hearing this, especially very early on, hurt. It definitely took a tole on my self confidence and drive to be better. But at the end of the day I somehow knew I could do it! I began to separate myself from the negativity and doubt and choose to train and train. Trying new realms of styles, honing into the movement I felt confident in, pushing my boundaries as a mover, and more. Struggles are struggles, I rather tackle on the challenges and feel accomplished more than anything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional trained dancer currently working with SeaWorld as part of their entertainment. I recently finished performing for their halloween show, Monster Stomp, as an understudy. And I am currently performing for their holiday show, Stocking Full of Soul. And then on February 15th, I will be performing for a Valentine’s Burlesque show called Cupid’s Kiss.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about our city, San Diego, is the love and community you feel all around. Immediately moving back home to San Diego I was welcomed with open arms. There was kindness all around. I was a new face in town, no friends, living at home, starting a new job. It was and is scary. But honestly immediately coming to San Diego I felt at home.
What I least about this city, is the lack of dance opportunities here in San Diego. Specifically, paid opportunities. Being an artist is hard in any city and there is such a large community of talented dancers here in San Diego. We all are competing for the limited jobs to perform. That is one of the biggest struggles any artist experiences
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kgiannini417.wixsite.com/katrina-giannini-com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katgiannini13/
Image Credits
photo 1: Steven Sofia https://www.instagram.com/stevensofiaphotography?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== photo 2: DANIELA DARLENE https://www.instagram.com/darlingdarlenephoto?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== photo 3: Arika Reed https://www.instagram.com/arikareed?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== photo 4 & 5: NEIL IDANAN https://www.instagram.com/oitsneil?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
