About
The long
wayaround.
- Educator
- Creative Director
- Producer
- Choreographer
- Marketing Strategist
Gianni Howell is an artist, educator, producer, and creative director whose career bridges professional performance, higher education, marketing, and creative entrepreneurship.
More than two decades in the performing arts and entertainment industry have built a reputation for connecting artistic excellence with innovative storytelling, audience engagement, and career development.
He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona School of Dance, teaching jazz, tap, career development, and dance media while helping shape the next generation of professional artists. Alongside teaching, he leads marketing, recruitment, digital content strategy, and industry partnerships that have raised the program's national visibility and student outcomes.
- Currently
- Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Arizona School of Dance
- Education
- BFA in Dance, University of Arizona
- Company
- Founder & Creative Director, Greater Heights Creative
- Based
- Tucson & Las Vegas, working nationwide
Four careers,
one throughline.
Select a track
Seven years under a Vegas spotlight.
Gianni began professionally with Odyssey Dance Theatre before joining Cirque du Soleil, where he spent seven years in the acclaimed production The Beatles LOVE.
He served not only as a performer but as an Artist Coach, responsible for artistic integrity, performance quality, and cast integration on one of the company's most celebrated shows.
- Cirque du SoleilThe Beatles LOVE, Las Vegas. Performer and Artist Coach, seven seasons.
- CompanyOdyssey Dance Theatre. First professional contract.
- CommercialCarrie Underwood, Foster the People, and national campaign work.
Movement, technology, and the story between them.
Gianni's choreographic and creative work spans concert dance, commercial entertainment, digital media, and live event production. He is known for blending movement, technology, storytelling, and visual design into immersive audience experiences.
His works have been presented at universities, professional companies, conventions, and community organizations across North America.
- Co-directorBeyond the Stage. A collaboration between Nevada Ballet Theatre and Cirque du Soleil that built digital media and theatrical technology into every work presented.
- FounderMultiple interdisciplinary productions and digital campaigns.
- Guest artistChoreographer and educator for studios, colleges, and professional training programs nationwide.
The work extends past the classroom.
As an alumnus of the University of Arizona School of Dance, Gianni remains committed to the institution that launched his career, building connections between professional opportunity and student training while expanding the program's reach regionally and nationally.
He is particularly passionate about helping young artists understand the realities of the industry and build careers that last past graduation.
- TeachingJazz, tap, career development, and dance media.
- RecruitmentNational recruitment initiatives and university audition events.
- PartnershipsIndustry partnerships with leading dance and entertainment organizations.
- CareersCareer development programming that connects students directly to professional opportunity.
Artistry, storytelling, and business strategy.
Gianni founded Greater Heights Creative to close the gap between the three. The company handles marketing, creative services, digital content, and brand development for businesses, organizations, artists, and entrepreneurs.
As Marketing Coordinator for the University of Arizona School of Dance, he runs the initiatives that connect prospective students, alumni, patrons, and industry professionals to the program.
- BrandBrand development, identity systems, and audience strategy.
- ContentVideo production, photography, graphic design, and social strategy.
- CampaignsRecruitment campaigns and audience development for arts organizations.
Student outcomes
Where his
students went.
Recent graduate placements from the program he teaches and recruits for.
- Cirque du Soleil
- Giordano Dance Chicago
- Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
- Royal Caribbean International
- Step One Dance Company
- Odyssey Dance Theatre
- Multiple talent agencies
- Professional concert dance companies
- Commercial entertainment productions
- Arts education programs nationwide
What he's
actually good at.
Areas of expertise
Dance & Performance
- Jazz
- Tap
- Commercial
- Choreography
- Performance coaching
- Artist development
Education
- Curriculum development
- Career preparation
- Recruitment
- Student mentorship
- Professional readiness
Creative & Marketing
- Brand strategy
- Social media
- Video production
- Photography
- Graphic design
- Digital storytelling
- Audience development
Leadership
- Event production
- Team management
- Creative direction
- Partnership development
- Strategic planning
Philosophy
Gianni believes artistic excellence and career success are built through curiosity, adaptability, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to embrace innovation. His work is driven by helping artists discover what is possible, and by creating the opportunities that connect education, industry, and community.
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.
Be the change you seek.
Work together