Rhianna Cranston is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and choreographer based in Denver, Colorado. Having received a BFA in Dance from the University of Kansas (rock chalk), she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Dance at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her artistic journey is deeply rooted in an instinctual drive to explore creativity and human connection. Originally trained in a variety of movement disciplines encompassing classical forms such as ballet, modern, and dances of the African Diaspora, Rhianna’s professional career has evolved to embrace a wide range of styles.

As a bi-racial, Black-identifying woman raised in Kansas, Rhianna’s identity and lived experiences profoundly inform her artistry. Existing as an “in-between”—a blend of cultures, disciplines, and histories—she draws inspiration from concepts of fusion and hybridity to redefine the boundaries of performance, research, and education. Her work seeks to expand the definition of “contemporary dance,” incorporating hybridized styles that reflect the complexities of the modern world while celebrating the cultural legacies of movement traditions.  

Teaching and mentorship are at the heart of Rhianna’s practice. She is currently an instructor at Miss Rachael’s Dance in Denver and works with multiple studios across Colorado and beyond, offering instruction, choreography, and teacher trainings. She is passionate about creating inclusive and honest learning spaces that empower individuals to embrace their unique rhythm and identity. A dedicated advocate for whole-dancer wellness—body, mind, and spirit—she fosters environments for all ages and abilities which highlight empathy, encouragement, and challenge. Her teaching is informed by her love for the youth, having certifications in youth protection and dancer mental wellness training, alongside specialized training in early childhood education through the Wolf Trap Institute for the Arts and the National Dance Institute.  

Beyond the classroom, Rhianna balances performance, choreography, and research. As a current guest artist and former company member with Davis Contemporary Dance, and former second company member with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, her work has been shaped by a passion for storytelling, healing, and knowledge sharing through movement. In addition, she engages in local guest performance work with artists and choreographers in her community, further enriching her connection to the local dance scene.