About

Educator • Creative Director • Producer • Choreographer • Marketing Strategist

Gianni Howell is a multifaceted artist, educator, producer, and creative director whose career bridges professional performance, higher education, marketing, and creative entrepreneurship. With more than two decades of experience in the performing arts and entertainment industry, he has built a reputation for connecting artistic excellence with innovative storytelling, audience engagement, and career development.

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona School of Dance, Gianni teaches jazz dance, tap, career development, and dance media while helping shape the next generation of professional artists. In addition to teaching, he leads marketing initiatives, recruitment efforts, digital content strategy, and industry partnerships that have helped elevate the program's national visibility and student success outcomes.

Education

University of Arizona

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance

As an alumnus of the University of Arizona School of Dance, Gianni remains deeply committed to giving back to the institution that helped launch his career. His work focuses on creating meaningful connections between professional opportunities and student training while expanding the program's reach both regionally and nationally.

Professional Performance Career

Gianni began his professional career with Odyssey Dance Theatre before joining Cirque du Soleil, where he spent seven years performing in the acclaimed production The Beatles LOVE in Las Vegas.

During his time with Cirque du Soleil, Gianni served not only as a performer but also as an Artist Coach, helping maintain artistic integrity, performance quality, and cast integration for one of the company's most celebrated productions.

Choreography & Creative Direction

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 to create immersive audience experiences.

Notable projects include:

  • Co-director of Beyond the Stage, a groundbreaking collaboration between Nevada Ballet Theatre and Cirque du Soleil that integrated digital media and theatrical technology into every work presented.

  • Founder and creative lead of multiple interdisciplinary productions and digital campaigns.

  • Creator of works presented at universities, professional companies, conventions, and community organizations throughout North America.

  • Guest choreographer and educator for studios, colleges, and professional training programs nationwide.

Higher Education & Student Success

At the University of Arizona, Gianni's work extends far beyond the classroom.

His efforts have contributed to:

  • National recruitment initiatives.

  • Industry partnerships with leading dance and entertainment organizations.

  • Career development programming connecting students with professional opportunities.

  • Marketing and communications strategies that have significantly expanded audience engagement and visibility.

Recent graduate outcomes have included careers with:

  • Cirque du Soleil

  • Royal Caribbean International

  • Norwegian Cruise Line

  • Odyssey Dance Theatre

  • Professional concert dance companies

  • Commercial entertainment productions

  • Sports entertainment organizations

  • Arts education programs nationwide

Marketing, Branding & Digital Media

Beyond the stage, Gianni has become a recognized leader in arts marketing and creative strategy.

His expertise includes:

  • Brand development

  • Digital marketing

  • Social media strategy

  • Video production

  • Photography

  • Graphic design

  • Content creation

  • Recruitment campaigns

  • Audience development

As Marketing Coordinator for the University of Arizona School of Dance, he oversees marketing initiatives that connect prospective students, alumni, patrons, and industry professionals to the program.

Entrepreneurship

Greater Heights Creative

Founder & Creative Director

Gianni founded Greater Heights Creative to bridge the gap between artistry, storytelling, and business strategy. The company specializes in marketing, creative services, digital content, and brand development for businesses, organizations, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Clients and collaborators have included:

  • Cirque du Soleil

  • McDonald's

  • Snap Inc.

  • Nevada Ballet Theatre

  • Carrie Underwood

  • One Drop Foundation

  • Casting and entertainment organizations across North America

Industry Leadership & Adjudication

Gianni is regularly invited to serve as a judge, recruiter, master teacher, and guest artist for leading dance organizations throughout the United States.

Recent engagements include:

  • Revel Dance Convention

  • Tremaine Dance

  • NASD (National Association of Schools of Dance)

  • National dance competitions and conventions

  • University recruitment events

  • Professional auditions and talent evaluations

He is particularly passionate about helping young artists understand the realities of the industry and build sustainable careers beyond graduation.

Areas of Expertise

Dance & Performance

  • Jazz Dance

  • Tap Dance

  • Commercial Dance

  • Choreography

  • Performance Coaching

  • Artist Development

Education

  • Curriculum Development

  • Career Preparation

  • Recruitment

  • Student Mentorship

  • Professional Readiness

Creative & Marketing

  • Brand Strategy

  • Social Media Marketing

  • Video Production

  • Photography

  • Graphic Design

  • Digital Storytelling

  • Audience Development

Leadership

  • Event Production

  • Team Management

  • Creative Direction

  • Partnership Development

  • Strategic Planning

Philosophy

Gianni believes that artistic excellence and career success are built through curiosity, adaptability, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to embrace innovation. His work is driven by a passion for helping artists discover what is possible while creating opportunities that connect education, industry, and community.

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."

"Be the change you seek."