Meet Canadian-Born Three-Time NBA Dancer Kyanna Palmer
Kyanna has worked professionally in New York for the past 10 years. Most recently, she completed a three-year tenure with the New York Knicks as a Knicks City Dancer.
Originally from Canada, Kyanna is a New York City-based dancer with a BFA in Commercial Dance from Pace University. She has been living and professionally working in New York for the past 10 years and most recently completed a three-year run with the New York Knicks as a Knicks City Dancer.
Her additional performance credits include dancing for Iggy Azalea, Kimmi Moore, ASAP Ferg, and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. She also had the privilege of performing with Misty Copeland for the Leonard Bernstein 100th Celebration at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.
Exploring her artistry across multiple mediums has created opportunities for Kyanna to work in both film and television. Her screen credits include collaborating with choreographer Mandy Moore on an episode of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, as well as working with Ebony Williams, Emilio Dosal, and Christopher Scott on Sneakerella, Disney’s hip-hop adaptation of Cinderella. She has also appeared in three episodes of The Next Step and had the opportunity to perform with G.R.L..
In 2014, Kyanna was featured in Dance Spirit Magazine’s “Canadian Invasion” article, which highlighted her versatility as a dancer. Her passion and naturally infectious attitude toward dance continue to shine through her work, and she remains grateful for the nurturing, creative, and innovative environment the art form has provided for her to explore and develop her gifts.
How did your dance journey originally begin?
My parents put me in dance at the age of three, and I danced competitively from the ages of seven to eighteen. Around the age of fifteen or sixteen was when I truly fell in love with dance and realized I wanted to continue pursuing it and find a way to turn it into a career.
What brought you to New York City?
In the spring of 2015, I received a letter in the mail letting me know that I had been accepted into the four-year Commercial Dance Program at Pace University. That acceptance is what brought me to New York City and started my journey living and working there.
How did you navigate the beginning of your professional dance career in New York City?
With guidance from my professors at school, as well as fellow dancers and choreographers in the industry, my program taught me so much. I was able to take the skills I learned and immediately step into the industry after graduation, landing my first professional dance job.
What challenges have you faced in the dance industry?
I think for anyone in the industry, COVID was one of the hardest times to be a dancer or creative. Jobs are already few and far between, and having the entire world shut down made it extremely difficult.
For me, another challenging moment in my career came after my third season with the New York Knicks City Dancers, when the company decided to go in a different direction with the team and reduce the number of dancers returning the following season. When something that significant happens after years of consistency, it forces you to step back and put everything into perspective. It taught me the importance of always having a plan, because the future is never promised.
Can you describe some of your top career highlights in New York?
During my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles that have really shaped me as a dancer and artist. I spent three years as a Knicks City Dancer with the New York Knicks, which was an incredible experience that taught me discipline, performance consistency, and how to connect with large audiences on a professional sports entertainment stage.
I’ve also worked on the Paramount Pictures film IF (Imaginary Friends) with Paramount Pictures, which gave me a unique experience stepping into the world of film. I also performed in the Splash Water Parade in New York City, which was a fun and high-energy production that added another dynamic performance experience to my resume. Beyond that, I served as Convention Manager for Radix Dance Convention, where I was able to support and help facilitate events that bring dancers and educators together from all over the country.
Alongside performing and administrative work in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with and learning from a wide range of world-renowned choreographers, which has greatly influenced my growth and versatility. I also really value teaching and giving back, which is why I enjoy working with the next generation of dancers at Shooting Stars NYC, helping them develop their craft and confidence.
What are you most excited for in the near future?
I’m continuing to strive toward the goals I’ve set for myself, while also staying passionate about exploring the different avenues within dance that I can step into and grow within.
Photo Credit: Knicks Headshot by Tess Mayer, dance shots by @Exposay_studios
Videos
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How Will I Remember This IAMT Theater (5/22-5/24) |
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Kaatsbaan Cultural Park presents American Ballet Theatre Studio Company American Ballet Theatre (5/24-5/24) |
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