Ryan Ricks

Ryan Ricks, born and raised in Raleigh, NC began dancing at age 17 when he landed his first serious on-stage role as Riff in West Side Story. Since then, he has performed as a featured dancer in musicals such as The Wiz, The Producers, and performed Gene Kelly’s original choreography and role in Singin’ in the Rain. In 2006, Ryan relocated to The University of North Carolina Wilmington to pursue a degree in Entrepreneurship & Business Development. Some of his credits in Wilmington, NC include performing in the annual Cucalorus Film Festival, being a featured hip hop dancer on the HBO television series East Bound and Down, and joining a local crew under the leadership of James Thor. While attending university, Ryan immersed himself in all different styles of dance, and in the process discovered a deep passion for fusing different styles together, in particular modern and hip hop. Upon graduation, Ryan formed his own crew—SOUL POWER CREW—and arranged a Michael Jackson tribute which was performed in Jacksonville, FL at the 2010 Indo US Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala. Ryan recently relocated to Seattle, WA to continue his training and development in the arts of dance, music, and film. He joins ADI’s staff Summer 2010.