Ryan took on a Travis Wall contemporary piece with Ellenore. An emotional Mary called Ryan's technique "perfection" and said that he is "an inspiration to ballroom kids."
Top 16 - 11 / 10 / 09
Ballroom dancer Ryan took on Hip Hop with Ellenore. Adam told Ryan, "You are the most transformed dancer of the night."
Top 18 - 11 / 03 / 09
Ryan Di Lello conquered the Argentine tango with his partner, Ellenore. Adam Shankman thought that Ryan was "so strong and so present" for his partner in that number.
Top 20 - 10 / 27 / 09
Ryan Di Lello learned jazz choreography with his new partner, Ellenore Scott. Impressed by Ryan, Mary said, "You were focused on her 100% and stayed in character the whole time."
Meet Top 20 - 10 / 26 / 09
Ryan Di Lello performed a sexy Latin ballroom routine with Ashleigh and Karen. Cat Deeley and the judges thought he was "one lucky guy" to have two beautiful dancers "fighting" for him during the dance piece.
Las Vegas - 10 / 22/ 09
Mary Murphy told ballroom dancer Ryan Di Lello, “Those guns are going to be moving into the next round!”
During Vegas week all the guys started calling me “Hercules.”
Where do you currently live?
Orem, Utah
Where were you born?
Salt Lake City, Utah
What is your hometown?
Springville, Utah
How old are you?
28
Are you in school? If so, which one and how long? Did you graduate?
Not currently – I graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.A. in Communications (Public Relations) in April 2007.
Are you married?
Yes
Do you have any children?
No
Do you have a job?
Yes
How old were you when you started dancing?
4 years old
Do you have any formal dance training?
Charisma Studio – Springville, Utah. Brigham Young University Ballroom Tour Team – Provo, Utah. Center Stage Performing Arts – Orem, Utah.
Have you worked professionally? If so, please detail where.
“Ballroom with a Twist” by Louis van Amstel – Jerry Lewis Telethon and shows in Austin & Tyler, Texas. “Invitation to Dance” by Louis van Amstel – Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, traveled all over the world.
If you had to categorize your dance style, what would it be?
Latin Ballroom
What other talents/hobbies do you have?
Extreme sports: skiing, mountain biking, wakeboarding, snowmobiling, rock climbing, etc.
Who is your favorite professional dancer?
Riccardo Cocchi
Does anyone in your family dance professionally?
My grandparents were professional ballroom dancers. My mom is a dance teacher and has danced and performed all her life. All of my siblings have danced and the two youngest are currently dancing and are both amazing (I coach them with their ballroom).
Was there a family member or friend who inspired you to dance?
My mother and my grandparents who were professional dancers
Have you performed in musical theater or in public functions as a dancer?
Public functions
What has been your most memorable dance experience?
Performing a beautiful rumba with my wife on our wedding day. Dancing in and winning the World Latin Formation Championships in Blackpool, England.
What have you learned so far in going through the audition process for this show?
I have learned that anything is possible if you A) dream it, and B) work for it.
What are your favorite dance moments from movies, TV and/or stage?
Michael Jackson’s 1983 Motown performance when he debuted the “moonwalk” while performing “Billie Jean.”
Which choreographers would you like to work with?
Louis van Amstel, Mia Michaels
Have you worked with any notable choreographers? If so, who?
Louis van Amstel
What style do you hope to pick out of the hat? Which style of dance are you afraid to get?
I hope to pick Broadway. I am afraid of contemporary, although I greatly admire this style.
Is there a particular type of dance that you don’t know but want to learn?
I want to learn hip hop.
Which So You Think You Can Dance alumni do you look up to and why?
I look up to Pasha because he did a great job at adapting to the other styles and went really far in the competition. I want to follow that same path, but go all the way for the win! I admire all the ballroom boys.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain knowledge, growth, life-long friendships, and the title of America’s Favorite Dancer.
What does making it to the Top 20 mean to you?
I am so full of gratitude because it means I have the opportunity to show America my God-given talent.
What would you like America to know about you?
I am extremely ticklish, my favorite food is cookie dough ice cream, and someday I would love to be an actor in an action movie.
Ryan Di Lello began dancing at age four and began ballroom at age nine. He has since become a two-time amateur Latin runner-up and the Youth American Champion. In college, Ryan was invited to join the Brigham Young University ballroom tour team. He competed and performed with the tream throughout North America and Europe, winning the World Latin Formation Championships in Blackpool, England. Recently, Ryan has enjoyed teaching and dancing in professional shows throughout the world with his wife and dance partner Ashleigh. They auditioned together for So You Think You Can Dance and are now the first married couple to make the show. Having made the top twenty, Ryan hopes to go all the way to the finale and become America's favorite dancer.
