Meet Gianni Howell

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gianni Howell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gianni, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe the most important factor behind my success is the networking I’ve cultivated throughout my dance career. Starting as a professional dancer at the age of 12, I dedicated myself to perfecting my performance quality, athleticism, and building meaningful connections. This journey ultimately led me to earn a BFA in Dance and work as a performer in the Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil for seven incredible years.

During my time with Cirque, I embraced every opportunity to expand my creative horizons. I wasn’t just focused on my on-stage performances; I was passionate about exploring different aspects of the creative process. I started creating video content for the LOVE show, not because I had to, but because I was genuinely curious and eager to contribute in new ways. These videos became a way for me to express my artistic vision, and they resonated with my colleagues and audiences alike.

Additionally, I volunteered for initiatives like the One Night for One Drop charity performance, where I collaborated with a diverse group of artists, performers, and creatives. These experiences were not just about giving back—they were about connecting with others who shared my passion for pushing boundaries and creating something extraordinary. Each project introduced me to new people and helped me build relationships with professionals from various creative outlets.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and I decided to start my own business, a creative agency called Greater Heights Creative, I was able to tap into the vast network I had built over the years. I had already established a strong foundation of trust and collaboration with talented individuals across different disciplines. This network was crucial in helping me get my business off the ground. Much like in real estate, where your initial clients often come from family and friends, my business grew through word-of-mouth, driven by the relationships I had nurtured throughout my career.

With my networking ability and the large talent pool at my disposal, I was able to link myself and my peers to individuals and small businesses in need of creative marketing and content during the pandemic. Greater Heights Creative became a bridge, connecting people with the expertise they needed to navigate a challenging time, and allowing us to make a meaningful impact in their businesses through innovative and tailored solutions.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my success is rooted in more than just my skills as a dancer. It’s about the connections I’ve made, the opportunities I’ve created for myself, and the willingness to take on new challenges outside of my comfort zone. Networking isn’t just about knowing people—it’s about cultivating relationships that are built on mutual respect, shared passions, and a genuine desire to support one another’s growth. That’s what has truly driven my success, both as a performer and as an entrepreneur.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Today, my art is a unique blend of dance, education, and creative direction that pushes the boundaries of traditional performance and marketing approaches. What sets me apart is my ability to integrate digital media and technology into dance, creating immersive experiences that extend beyond the stage. This approach was exemplified in my work co-directing “A Choreographers’ Showcase,” where I collaborated with Nevada Ballet and Cirque du Soleil to incorporate digital elements into the performance, leading to record-breaking ticket sales and audience attendance. I’m most proud of this ability to fuse art and technology, as well as my role in mentoring the next generation of dancers through my work at the University of Arizona School of Dance.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey of dedication, perseverance, and continuous learning. Starting my dance career at a young age with Odyssey Dance Theatre and later performing for seven years with Cirque du Soleil’s “The Beatles LOVE” show, I faced the challenge of balancing my performance career with my desire to explore other creative outlets. It wasn’t easy, but I overcame these challenges by constantly seeking opportunities to expand my skills, whether through volunteering for charity performances, creating video content, or teaching and choreographing for upcoming dancers. The relationships I built along the way were crucial in overcoming obstacles.

Besides the importance of networking it is also important to recognize the value of adaptability—being open to new experiences, learning from them, and integrating them into my work has allowed me to evolve and stay relevant in the ever-changing arts industry. Additionally, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about growing as an individual and fostering a supportive, creative environment, whether in the studio, on stage, or in business.

I want the world to know that my journey is one of passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From my early days as a professional dancer to my current roles as an educator and entrepreneur, I’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in dance and creative direction. My brand, Greater Heights Creative, reflects this ethos by blending art and technology to craft tailored experiences that elevate brands and drive results. What began as a love for performance has evolved into a multifaceted career where I have the privilege of mentoring the next generation of artists and helping businesses tell their stories in innovative ways. Ultimately, my story is about the power of creativity and connection, and how those elements can be harnessed to achieve remarkable things.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Tucson, especially during a @uazdance performance (shameless plug), I’d make sure to give them a mix of great food, exciting adventures, and a taste of the local spots I’ve come to love. Even though I’m still fairly new to Tucson and Arizona, I’ve discovered some gems that I’d definitely want to share.

For food, I’m a huge fan of a good smash burger, so we’d definitely hit up Daddyburger at Boxyard. It’s my go-to spot for a burger that just melts in your mouth. Another favorite is Shar-E-Punjab, which offers incredible homemade Indian food—so good that even my Indian boyfriend agrees it’s top-notch.

As a thrill-seeker, I’m eagerly anticipating the opening of Mattel Adventure Park, but since it’s not open yet, we’d focus on other adventures like floating down the Salt River. One of my best memories is doing that with about 20 family and friends—it’s a blast and a great way to experience Arizona’s natural beauty.

When it comes to finding new spots, I rely heavily on Instagram accounts like @tucsonfoodie and @azfoodie. They’ve led me to some incredible places, and I’d use them to make sure we’re hitting up the best of what Tucson has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the remarkable women in leadership roles who have significantly shaped my journey. Melanie Lalande, my artistic director at Cirque du Soleil, fostered a work environment that extended beyond the stage, encouraging us to reflect on how our experiences outside the workplace influenced our relationships backstage and our performance quality. She emphasized the importance of not only being outstanding performers but also growing as individuals. Mary Barnett, our General Stage Manager at the Beatles LOVE, stood out for her compassion, deep knowledge of the show, and her remarkable ability to manage an array of personalities both on and off the stage. The respect the entire team had for her was unparalleled and left a lasting impression on me. Brooke Whalquist, who led ‘A Choreographers’ Showcase,’ turned some of our loftiest goals into reality with her organizational prowess, optimism, enthusiasm, and genuine love for the project. Pien Koopman, a Dutch powerhouse and my manager for the marketing and social media work I did for One Night for One Drop, taught me how to navigate the often unconventional approaches required in arts marketing.

All four of these women provided me with the essential tools I needed before starting my own company and stepping into a managerial role myself. We continue to support each other in our respective careers, working for different companies but still referring each other whenever the opportunity arises. The strong connections we formed through these projects have allowed us to maintain a powerful professional network that continues to benefit all of us.

Website: greaterheightscreative.com

Instagram: @insta_gi @uazdance

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianni-howell/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greaterheightscreative6082